Insightful Insights into the World of Research: An Interview with Brian
"Q: If both a bear in Yosemite and one in Alaska fall into the water, which one dissolves faster?"
"A: The one in Alaska, because it's a polar bear." - Mariano Cecowski
Before I recount my interview with Brian, let me just fill you in on what I've been up to in the lab. I'm still perfecting the protocols that I'll be following throughout my research project; I'll fill you in on the details of that project in my next blog. Mean while, I'm getting much more comfortable with our microscope and PCR techniques. Linda, another Duke undergrad, has shown me how we humanely extract our lung tissue from transgenic mice. Next week, as I get more involved with my project, my pace will begin to pick up so stay tuned!
Before I started research in Dr. Stripp lab's, I did my own research on who I would be working with this summer. From reading his short bio on the Stripp Lab website, I could tell that technician Brian would be both brilliant and highly entertaining, an assumption that would be proven entirely correct. This is a portion from Brian's blurb from the Stripp Lab site:
"As a former teacher, my daily focus has changed from interacting with students to interacting with noxious respiratory toxicants. This is proof that one's life can, in fact, improve."
Clearly, Brian has some interesting opinions to share so I was very eager to ask him a few questions in the lab.
What are your current research interests?
TGF-beta and SMAD / Basically, there are a lot of genes. We take away one at a time and see what the effect is on lung development and repair, especially after injury. We are simulating injury by cigarette smoke, pollutant exposure, and possible remodeling in situations like asthma.
What’s your educational background?
None. Just kidding. A Bachelor of Science in Biology from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
What were you doing before you came to work with Dr. Stripp?
I taught senior and junior high school - science, gifted and talented students, video, and stage productions. I didn’t enjoy it. The last year they gave me junior high students, who should live on an island until 9th grade. Kids should learn sports, games, hobbies, and getting along together for 7th and 8th grades. You should not teach them anything until 9th grade. I can teach them anything they should’ve learned in 2 years in 2 weeks.
What’s your favorite donut and why?
The éclair, because it’s BIG. (I'm not sure if they éclair can be categorized as a donut, but I'll give it to him.)
What’s your favorite part about you what you do in the lab?
Being able to see results directly, like by microscopy, unlike people who work with things that look like water before and after their experiments, and then they use a machine to tell them whether or not the final product is actually water.
What’s your least favorite part?
Molecular biology, because I can’t see it.
What’s your favorite area of science?
Histology (the study of tissues; plant and animal tissues, that is), micrsocopy
What’s your vision for a better tomorrow?
Wow! An improved economy that allows more science to be done. If the economy gets bad enough, they will shut down science.
What’s your favorite soda, movie, candy, and immunofluorescent color?
Coke, Matrix (only the first one!), Laffy Taffy, far red (you can’t see it but the camera says it’s there)
Brian is a constant source of clever hilarity and science genius. He has and will continue to add so much to my research experience, so thanks Brian!
