Flying to the End of Our TRIP! by Claire Jang

​I can’t believe it’s already been a week since the symposium! I know I will continue to reminisce about the happy memories I made at the lab this past year. I met like-minded TRIPsters who share my passion for science, received guidance from nurturing mentors, and gained lifelong skills for critical thinking and presenting. I will especially miss working at my Claire-nado (a workspace of organized chaos consisting of three classroom desks pushed together—one desk for my vials and developmental data, one desk with my female fertility collection cages and a bucket of ice to count my flies, and one desk with a notebook to record my data)!

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​For my independent project, I researched whether fiber could shield future generations from PFO. PFO is a type of "forever" chemical that has been used in consumer products worldwide since the 1950s for non-stick coatings and durability. Humans have nearly universal exposure to PFO through contamination of the world's water, soil, and food resources. PFO is linked to a plethora of health issues, such as reduced fertility, high blood pressure and cholesterol, developmental delays, and increased risk of cancer. 

​For each vial, I ran the female fertility assay to determine reproductive health, conducted the negative geotaxis assay to assess overall physical health, and collected developmental data. I used inulin (a common fiber supplement) as my source of high fiber. Once I completed my assays, I moved the parent flies and allowed them to lay offspring in new vials. The purpose was to determine whether the effects of PFO would be transmitted across generations and whether taking inulin could counteract these effects. I often stayed during both Session A and B to complete both my assays, given the number of vials I had and the length of my assays, but I hardly noticed. Time flies when you’re having fun! I concluded that while PFO decreases female fertility, physical health, and development, either the parents or both the parents and the offspring may have these effects counteracted by consuming inulin. I was beyond excited to present my results at the symposium, and I loved seeing everyone else’s research and results!

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​Lastly, I would like to close my blog by giving a shout-out to my instructors, Dr. Austria, Dr. Valdés, and Dr. Maskalenko, alongside TAs Sabina, Hannah, and Martie, and my fellow TRIPsters, all of whom were invaluable in my learning process in the lab. Throughout the program, they were always willing to help out, provide advice, and answer any questions. I loved every second I was in the lab, even if I stayed for nearly the entire day! Participating in TRIP has fostered my love for science, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. Thank you so much for everything! Although this leg of our journey may be over, I am excited to see where the next stop on everyone’s TRIP will be.

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