Halfway Through The Program! by Tino Karakousis

Hello everyone! It feels like it has been both a year and a day since the first TRIP session this year. I’ve learned so much and made many new friends, but last week reminded me of how much I still have to learn in order to finish my independent experiment! Last week was the first time that I and the others in TRIP actually got to test and collect data on our flies and their progeny for our independent experiments, and even though I did not have enough time to finish my intended procedures I still was able to get some great practice for the next week. It’s been really cool to see the ideas of my peers in motion and be able to learn from each other.

It’s been really cool to see the ideas of my peers in motion and be able to learn from each other.

For my independent experiment, I am investigating the combined effects of a temporary increase in sugar in diet and sleep-deprivation on the cognitive function of developing organisms. I felt that this was important to investigate, because many young people consume more sugar while staying up late to study for tests. While getting less sleep certainly does reduce one’s cognitive function, I wanted to see whether consuming sugar ameliorated or bettered its negative effects. If I have time, I would also like to do similar studies with caffeine and sleep-deprivation, as many young individuals also consume higher amounts of coffee than usual when tired. I especially think it would be very interesting to see how cognitive function is affected differently when all three components are mixed together compared to when separate. 

I have made a lot of new friends at TRIP, and have enjoyed learning with and from them. Dr. Purdy and Dr. Leystra are always helpful, and I am still amazed at how I was able to learn so much in only 7 days of sessions. I look forward to seeing where my experiment leads me and what my peers and I discover. It felt like a long journey when I started TRIP, but it seems like I am speeding towards the end of it. However, I am sure that I will make many more fun memories at TRIP in the weeks to come. Until next time! ​