Student Diaries

Krishna

"Priceless is how I would Describe My Experience this Summer"

“Priceless is how I would describe my experience this summer. For eight weeks, I worked in Dr. Yannick Jacob’s lab at Yale University. I spent an additional four weeks continuing last summer’s research at Columbia University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories. I have been involved with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory since 11th grade and it has continued to shape my interests and growth through the field of biology.

My research experience began with Dr. Yannick Jacob then a post-doc in Dr. Rob Martienssen’s lab which is studying epigenetics in plants. This past year Dr. Yannick Jacob became a professor at Yale University and started an epigenetics and genome engineering lab. When I went to Yale this summer, I rented an apartment and in my time away from the lab I explored the university and the town of New Haven. My findings are these: Yale has amazing facilities including it’s gym which is also home to the squash hall of fame. The library is quite stunning as well, even though my visits there were less frequent than to the gym. The campus itself is quaint with massive old gothic style buildings that lead to the town of New Haven which is built in a New York City style, albeit significantly smaller. A definite place to visit would be the East Rock Park which offers a gorgeous view. My time at Yale has been a great experience, a little too busy but fun nonetheless.

While these labs have provided me with immense knowledge in genetics, I found myself still drawn towards neuroscience. In an attempt to expand on this growing interest I decided to continue last summer’s research project in Dr. Adam Kepecs lab at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory whose research focus is cognitive decision making and his collaborator Dr. Richard Axel, a Nobel Laureate from Columbia University, who focuses on the olfactory system. Here I worked with Dr. Ebru Demir a collaborating researcher between both both labs. Our research is focused on sexual decision making in mice. Working at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a dream come true; you are immersed by some of the greatest scientist to have ever lived, such as James Watson who lives on the campus. Located right on the Inner Harbor across the town of Cold Spring Harbor, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is considered to be the epicenter for biology; a must see for any biologist.”