Biological systems are remarkably flexible. The information encoded by a single genome can be extracted differentially to give rise to an enormous diversity of functional and morphological outcomes. Layers of regulation outside of genetic sequence confer a functional plasticity that enables organisms to respond to environmental cues and thrive in diverse conditions. In this student-organized symposium, we invite the world’s leading experts to help us unravel the plastic nature of biology and to foster an open exchange of ideas regarding how we can leverage this property to solve important social, …
Considering science outreach? It’s a way opportunity to hone communication skills while sharing science and the excitement of discovery with others. Luckily, at UW and in Seattle, there are lots of ways we can get involved—but where to start?
In every issue of the Transcript, we’ll invite a guest expert to answer questions submitted by MCB students. This quarter it’s Dr. Rich Gardner, assistant professor in the Pharmacology department at UW. Here he shares his advice for dealing with some of the tough situations we grad students face.
As I write this, my general exam looms ahead, a little over a month into my future. I’m really nervous.
Having survived my first year of grad school, I now faced a far more terrifying prospect: teaching undergrads.
Includes tips on preparing to TA!
When you teach science to twelve year old girls, you never know what might happen. They might get really excited about the pipettes, or ask an insightful question. Or like one girl who was asked “Do you know what yeast is?”, they might shriek “IT EATS SUGAR! AND MAKES BREAD!!!”
If you love PhD comics, you’ll find Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School to be funny (and sad) because it’s true. This book, by Adam Ruben, is a not-so-serious take on the grad student experience.
On June 10, 2010, MCB’s own Ilana Cohen, a third year student in the Salama laboratory, appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy. Facing stiff competition in the first round, in which the leader jumped ahead by over $4000 due to his knowledge of 1970s sitcoms, Ilana came back in the double Jeopardy section of the show and answered the final Jeopardy question correctly, finishing only $200 behind the winner. Overall, Ilana had a very impressive showing, finishing with $18,601 and taking home a well-deserved $2000 reward.
Ilana’s greatest triumph as a …
Ever wonder why your skin is not your brain? It’s not such an odd question; both body parts derive from the same germ layers of your embryonic self. In your early beginnings, the cells that give rise to your skin look and act the same as those that give rise to your nervous system. They have the exact same information stored in their genetic code. Why your skin is not your brain: bioplasticity.
When asked what they would bring to a desert island if they could only bring one thing, most people have a funny response. Semih Tareen, a recent graduate of the MCB program, has a most intriguing response; he would bring his “snorkel, so that [he] can continue hunting octopus.”
Whether she’s doing research or moving across the country, assistant immunology professor Amy Weinmann lets her passion drive her wherever it sees fit.
From the University of Utah Department of Genetics, Mouse Party is a great interactive tool to learn how drugs of abuse affect your brain.
The MCB Transcript is here to help you find the nerdly love of your life… or something anyway. Vote on your favorites in the comments!
In August 2009 I packed my 2001 Honda Civic as full as I could with my possessions. I hopped in and set off from the eastern-most point on I-90 on my first cross country drive. About 11 days later (having seen Niagara Falls, Chicago, lots of nothing, the Badlands, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and a good friend in Montana), I rolled into Seattle. Apart from interview weekend, this was my first time in Seattle. I was …
After the first year in the MCB program, it’s easy to lose touch. With your classmates. With sanity. You find yourself humming the Bio-Rad PCR song in your sleep. You realize that your favorite model organism has become your very best friend. You yearn for the bygone Wednesday afternoons of stimulating conversation and fiery debates in lit review. You wonder whatever happened to that beer-pong star you met at the recruitment party so many years ago. It makes you sad. You cry into your agarose.
Is there hope yet for you?
Dear 10th Year Grad Student:
I really want to rotate in Dr. Feelgood’s lab, and at the retreat I saw 5 other people talking to him, what should I do?
If it’s convenient, find a few minutes to chat with Dr. Feelgood, and ask to meet once you’re back from the retreat. Use the one-on-one meeting to ask more about his research, the lab, and whether he’s taking rotation students. Even though everyone was talking him up at the retreat, you may be one of the first to actually ask to rotate. …
The 2010 MCB photo contest called for “artistic scientific images and photos that represent MCB” in ten categories from science to scenery, and the winners were announced at the spring poster session. Check out this beautiful photography from your classmates!
Hello, incoming students! If you haven’t already, you’ll soon arrive in Seattle, eager to embark on your first year in the UW MCB program. You’re a smart and talented bunch, but let’s face it: unless you’re local, you probably don’t know jack about what to do with yourself once you get here.
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