Meet Elaine Colomb Undergrad Intern

07-14-2017

I’m a senior in general biology, and I’ve been working in a biochemistry lab for about a year and a half.  My lab engineers fluorescent biosensors in order to study oxidative and metabolic stress in neurons.  Specifically, these sensors will be used to study the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease.  This summer, I am working towards optimizing an extracellular ATP sensor. My goal is to help make the sensor as efficient and sensitive as possible.

 This internship has allowed me to do more in-depth lab work than I could during the semester.  Trying to work around a class schedule can make it difficult to focus on research, so I’m glad I can dedicate a summer to it.  Having a cohesive project under my belt will also help with my plans to attend professional school.  Additionally, completing a project allows me to have a lasting effect on my lab, and I’m grateful for that opportunity.