Time Sure Did Fly! by Sean Cotton

​​When I started the TRIP Initiative course, I never thought it would go by so fast. I absolutely loved the course. Whether I was designing my experiment, running an assay, or even designing an assay, I was always enjoying it. I have developed many skills because of the course. I am now confident in designing an experiment, using a micropipette, and working with fruit flies. I am shocked at how my skills have grown exponentially through working in the lab.

TRIP has shown me that the lab is a workplace where I am challenged, curious, and comfortable.

The end of TRIP also brings the end of my experiment, and needless to say, this was an interesting and enjoyable experience. I have found that the pre-workout drug did, in fact, increase activity in both adult and larval flies. The finding that surprised me the most was that the recommended dosage of the drug produced the most activity; more drug did not mean more activity. 

The most challenging part of this experiment was discovering how to measure addiction. For this, I had to design my own assay. This was difficult, but also rewarding, as there’s satisfaction in knowing I did something no one in the program has ever done before. To measure addiction, I used capillary tubes filled with the pre-workout drug and an attractive solution. If the flies were addicted, the drug capillary would drop the most over a couple of days. ​

With my practice talk approaching, I am both excited and nervous. I am slightly nervous to present to a large crowd, but I am also excited to show how much I have learned, and I want to showcase the skills I have gained. Participating in the TRIP program has been one of the best decisions I have made. Not only did I gain memories with great people and skills that will help me beyond the lab, but I now know that I have a passion for research science and working in a lab. TRIP has shown me that the lab is a workplace where I am challenged, curious, and comfortable. Even though I will be studying Chemical Engineering instead of Biology, I now know that the lab is the place for me.