Author | Kenny C.
Editor | Rex S.
I knew this day was coming. One of the last days–and blogs–of SSP. Counting down towards the end goal, the few yards that remain until the finish line. It was just surprising the rate at which it arrived. Anyways, here is the basic rundown of the day.
My day began at approximately 8am, in which I woke jarringly to an alarm that had been ringing for 5 minutes prior. I unfortunately locked my poor roommate Raul outside the room because he was on a phone call with his friend, but he left the room without his keycard so he had to resort to the lovely couch in the commons. Oh, and did I mention the air conditioning went out the day before, so everywhere on the third floor was near 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyways, I unfortunately didn’t have the time to head out to breakfast at the IMU, serving up lovely, delectable bacon and eggs, everyday :(. And i mean the same thing. Every. Single. Day. Since we’ve arrived. Raul and I had no choice but to eat whatever was in the fridge and in the downstairs kitchenette for sustenance and headed to Lindley for a brief class activity. Today’s class activity was about determining a procedure to determine our IC50. I ended up doing a little tomfoolery and solved a few integrals, after consulting with my labmate, Jiya, about our procedure today. Unfortunately, our lovely time with integrals and science was cut short by our guest speaker, Dr. Robert Kunzman, who taught us a great deal about dealing with failure and the necessity in taking bets that may end up well. Lunch was served in the biology atrium, where a wide variety of samples were offered, from roast beef to italian club sandwiches. Then came lab.
– Filosofie
Today’s lab consisted of a really, really long procedure in which most groups didn’t really get good data. As a matter of fact, some of our data produced some nonfunctional results. Literally. Not a function. Although the lab hours were grueling, and there was an extreme shortage of autoclaved 1-200 uL pipette tips, we were all happy it was over at 5pm. Heading back to the dorms, the early lunch served
at around 11:30 in the morning was all but gone, not a trace left, all digested by the miraculous enzymes in our digestive system. At dinner, interesting structures were erected with the cups at Forest dining hall by Table 2. Heading back to the dorms, most of the participants broke up into their respective groups to prepare for the final submission of the paper on Sunday evening.
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Our plot.
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Nikhil looking oh-so happy!
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Cup structure.
So here –
But wait. I’m not done yet. I said I wanted to write the longest blog, but I’m a little out of ideas. is a recap of every single day that we’ve been at SSP.
6/11/23: Arrival day. The airport was a massive congregation of Genomics and Biochemistry people, all teeming with excitement. Bus duty was interesting, some people brought loads of luggage. The arrival at Goodbody was interesting, excitement in the air, waiting to embark on the journey of SSP. The sound of laughter throughout the memorial hall resonated with the voices of people excited to meet one another, and the exchanges of uno with bizarre rules, such as no stacking. Dinner and the welcome induction was hosted by Mr.Shorey, the TAs, Dr.Hollenbeck, Dr.Lierz, and Kathrine. Mr.Shorey purchased a massive spread of pizza, containing the classic cheese, pepperoni, to more niche ones, such as bacon and chicken ranch pizza from Dominoes. The welcome activity included a mad dash around with my groupmates, Jiya and Monica. First discussion with my groupmates.
6/12/23: The second day! Official work began today. But first, a breakfast at Forest, because we thought that was the only dining hall open. But it was cool to eat with everyone. The first problem set came with Coomassie blue, as well as pET-15b, our vector of choice. Most notable thing was the introduction of psi and phi bond angles, as well as the poorly made rice at The Mix.
6/13/23: I think just talking about the notable things of each day is cooler and more concise. Today was the introduction to an addicting substance. MOE! The third floor also played smash. And we grew some bacteria.
6/14/23: First extended perimeter. The first opportunity to explore the downtown Bloomington area outside of campus, unlocking a wide spread of restaurants not available to us before. 6/15/23: The start of the bad AQI, in the 90s! First basketball game together, and the odd numbered groups came to the lab late because of the wait on bacterial growth.
6/16/23: Multiple hour wait in the basement of the chemistry building, whilst we waited for the bacteria to multiply. More basketball. Jiya’s Birthday!
6/17/23: First target run. Also, a collaboration with Genomics at the soccer fields, playing games until 10pm.
6/18/23: _____________
6/19/23: Protein purification!
6/20/23: _____________
6/21/23: First field trip, heading to Corteva and touring their facilities. Also cameo of late night protein purification! And bowling too.
6/22/23: Making pizza for the third floor at the dorms in the ovens.
6/23/23: Sonia’s Birthday!
6/24/23: Recreational saturday. Some goodnatured fun in some games, resulting in some friendly discourse. Of course. Also bowling and billiards at the IMU, in partnership with the Genomics people.
6/25/23: Sunday! Yet another target trip.
6/26/23: Discontinuous assays.
6/27/23: Bad air quality again.
6/28/23: I meant it when I said bad air quality. Hiking trail today was filled with smog. AQI was up there in the 150s. Rather great view though.
6/29/23: __________
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- – 6/30/23: Jackson’s TA talk. Surprise, it wasn;t about Jojo.
- – 7/1/23: Midway ceremony.
- – 7/2/23: Yet another target run. Another extended perimeter too!
- – 7/3/23: Rex’s TA talk, and meeting Wefwafwa Andrew.
- – 7/4/23: FREEDOM! Barbeque collaboration with Genomics.
- – 7/5/23: Zoo field trip, and a baseball game.
- – 7/6/23: Guest lecture!
- – 7/7/23: _______ 7/8/23: Sandwiches catered for us by Mr.S and the faculty. Into the woods play today.
- – 7/9/23: Extended perimeter again!
- – 7/10/23: __________
- – 7/11/23: Presentations for our project
- – 7/12/23: Last field trip of SSP, heading to the lake.
- – 7/13/23: Today! Oh and before I go. Tomorrow’s blog is interesting. Why? It’s the birthday of three people, and yet another collaboration between the two programs. Happy Birthday, Hemkesh, Evie and Ameya.
