About A*STAR
"A global leader in science, technology and open innovation" - A*STAR
The Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) is a Singaporean government agency that oversees the country's scientific research activities. Located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, the company houses over 30 research institutes, focusing on areas such as biomedical science, engineering and advanced manufacturing. With a vision to become a "global leader in science, technology, and open innovation", A*STAR aims to develop world-class scientific research that furthers economic growth and contributes to societal benefits.
Roles & Responsibilities
For the 5 months of internship at A*STAR, I worked as a research assistant at Caroline Wee's lab under A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB). Caroline Wee's main research focus is on nutrient-metabolic interactions in the brain and behavior. My work revolved heavily around zebrafish, molecular biology, and neuroscience. Some of my responsibilities in the lab include genotyping, microinjection, and dissections. In addition to lab work, I also have to attend weekly lab meetings. Below is a gallery of my day-to-day job as a research assistant.
Projects
As a member of the Brain-Body Initiative (BBI) subgroup, I was in charge of researching the effects of agouti-related peptide (AGRP) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) on food intake and energy expenditure. I carried out Feeding Assay Experiments to measure feeding behavior and Alamar Blue Experiments to measure energy metabolism. For each experiment, I compared AGRP and POMC knock-out zebrafishes to Wild-Type Zebrafishes. This project was later passed on to the next incoming intern.
Contributions to A*STAR
To increase the efficiency of the analysis process of the Alamar Blue Experiment established by an ex-research Officer, I created an Excel macro that sorts all the color-coded cells. Weeks before leaving, the lab bought a microplate respirometry reader from Loligo Systems to measure the oxygen consumption and resultantly, the energy expenditure of zebrafish. I and my supervisor created a protocol to test the efficacy of the machine before it could be used for the actual experiment.
Alamar Blue Excel Macro
Microplate Respirometry Reader Protocol
Reflections
A brief summary of what I have learnt
Technical Skills in Biotech Equipment and Lab Processes
I am now familiar with operating various biotech equipment such as centrifuges, microplate readers, and microscopes. I am also now familiar with common lab processes such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR). I gained these skills through the multiple experiments I had to run and help of many kind-hearted employees in the lab.
Technical Knowledge on Biology Concepts
Thanks to the help of my supervisors who were willing to share their knowledge and expertise with me, I gained an understanding of biological concepts such as mutagenesis and transgenesis. Through attending symposiums and weekly lab meetings, I also gained a huge insight into the research world and was enlightened by state-of-the-art research data.
Time Management Skills
Through juggling numerous time-sensitive experiments, my time management skills improved significantly. Every weekend, I would take a few minutes to plan the following week, ensuring that I allocate enough but not too much work into my schedule. I also keep a log of my lab activity in a notebook so that I am clear of my daily objectives and tasks.