Hello everyone! :)

I cannot believe that week 5 is over and I am halfway done with my program (well, for this summer 2012 since it is a 15 month program).  This week and weekend were really fun!!

I started my week by submitting my research proposal to the Biology Research Fellowship Program.  The proposal took hours and I really struggled with it.  Luckily, the first submission was just a rough draft that my mentor will look at it.  My mentor really helped me structure my ideas.  I never realized how difficult writing a research proposal is but I feel like by writing one I have learned so much more about not only my research project, but also other similar previously conducted research by scientists.  Most importantly I learned how to communicate my ideas in a professional and scientific manner.  This definitely helped prepare me for applying for grants in the future and making posters to present in the fall. 

Also, on Monday I was given the opportunity to talk to the BioG1500 Investigative Biology Lab Summer Session Class about my current research.  I really enjoyed it! I had never spoken to such a large group about my research.  I felt that this experience strengthened my scientific communication skills.  I also thought it was really cool that students were interested in what I had to say.

As always, I ran a lot of qPCRs but on Wednesday I had the opportunity to do my FAVORITE activity at work.  I got to go out on Cayuga Lake on the boat!!!!  Every summer, my lab samples lake water from various portions of Cayuga Lake and Professor Hairston takes an undergraduate out on the boat to help.  I love getting field experience and being in the sun! The weather was hot and not windy but there were still waves which Ellie and I loved even though we got splashed a lot.  I really want to go again and hope I have the opportunity to do so this summer.

Thursday was Lindsay's birthday!!  Everyone brought in cake and the lab was really festive (although it usually is)!

A picture of Katie (a newly accepted Graduate Student), me, and Ellie (a recent graduate from William Smith).  Ellie and I went on the boat together and worked in the lab together last summer.

This weekend was a sun-filled weekend as well! Ryan came to visit so we went to the Farmer's Market and Treman State Park.  Originally we went to the park to go swimming but Ryan found a trail so we decided to hike.  It was my first time hiking ever!!! I was dressed to swim and walked over 5 miles in not very comfortable shoes but the view was definitely worth it! We walked to the observation point which overlooked Lucifer falls.  We took the Gorge Trail on the way back which was a lot of fun because we could walk along the water.  This was my first time going to Treman State Park but I had visited Stewart and Buttermilk before.  My goal is to explore all the local state parks while the weather is so beautiful!

Ryan and I overlooking Lucifer Falls. I realized I like hiking and definitely want to go again!

Time to revise my research proposal before I submit it as a final copy tomorrow! Wish me luck!