The End of a Super Fly TRIP by Shloka Kari

Well, that was the TRIP of a lifetime. These last 3 months have been so eventful and it has been so exciting to watch myself and my fellow lab mates grow in the realm of research. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the entire research process and seeing the results of my hard work. My independent project was focused on looking at the effects of diet on overall health of the flies, specifically fertility and development. 

To do so, I first used a gut microbiome assay, which, in my opinion, is one the most fun assays to perform. In this assay, I crushed up flies and examined their microbiome by incubating this crushed fly mixture on an agar plate. The results were so cool and I could clearly see how my two conditions, probiotic and potato chip, differed greatly. The next assay I used was a female fertility assay, through which I counted embryos and analyzed the data accordingly. Even though these assays might seem simple and straightforward I learned that everything doesn’t end the way I plan for it to. I encountered many challenges during my time at TRIP, but I also learned how to navigate these challenges in order to obtain results. I learned that practice makes perfect, as the more I performed my assay, the better I got at it and the easier it became for me. Presenting my data and conclusions at the final symposium was the best reward for all of my hard work as I was able to communicate the implications of my research and present it to family, friends, peers, and mentors.

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 TRIP truly allowed me to learn more about myself as a researcher and make lasting friendships. Thank you so much to Dr. Purdy for this opportunity, Dr. Leystra for being a patient and supportive instructor, Mr. Cozzone for always making me laugh, and our TAs Niki and Anoosha for your enthusiasm; I could not have had such an enjoyable learning experience. I am ever so grateful for this amazing opportunity, and I am so excited for what this opportunity will bring me for my future! Signing off- Shloka

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