The research opportunities are many in the Walker Lab. These opportunities allow the student a deeper understanding of the scientific process and the "doing of science". The student is considered an appentice scholar.

Technical Skills
Sounthern and northern blotting, cDNA library screening, Restriction endonuclease analysis, DNA sequencing, PCR are some of the molecular biology techniques used in the lab. Cell culture, videomicrography, immunofluorescent microscopy,Western blotting, SDS-PAGE, IEF/SDS-PAGE two dimensional electrophoresis are some of the traditional cell biology techniques used in the lab.

Research Skills
The student becomes part of a research team with graduate students. In this environment (learning by doing) the students are able to develop analyical skills and organizational skills that they can use in almost any job in future. They obtain first hand knowledge about experimental design and how to approach scientific questions.

The Science
The laboratory is working in two basic areaa: 1.) the study of alternative regulatory pathways in skeletal and smooth muscle (rippling muscle disease) and 2.) the study of muscle stem cell cycle and its relationship to myogenesis. The research projects are decribed in more detail here.

Time Commitment
Learning "to do" science takes time. One term is not enough, barely enough time to catch on to the basics. In addition most students underestimate how much time it takes to do experiments (including preparation time and data analysis). Experiments very rarely take only a couple of hours. It is more common that experiments take several days. Ideally a student should spead two-three years and about10 hours a week in the lab.

In practical ways, what does get out of this experience ?
Employers expect more than book knowleldge. They are looking for individuals that have a wide range of experiences and have developed intellectual skills that go beyound the text book. The skills and knowledge developing by doing research provides the student with these compponents tto make the student more  competitive in the job market. Many employers don't even consider applicants with no research or internship experience.

If interested in working in this lab see interview form (Fill out form and then come see me.) and expectations