My name is Megan Kienapfel and I am a student at Ouray High School. I started my first week with a 16 hour drive to La Jolla, CA. I am staying with a host family as well as two other Pinterns, Michelle Hoy and Kacy Henwood.
The machine is what we use to slice the brain to get the tissue samples.
Old brain tissue from rats that we used to practice mounting.
I am interning at the Scripps Research Institute in the George Lab with Kacy. Our study is focused on alcohol addiction and the neurological effects. The Postdoc we are with, Adam Kimbrough, had already been working on this study before we got there. Our first couple days Adam showed us around, helped us get the proper training and orientations, and showed us what we would be helping him with. Kacy and I took an online course on the correct way to handle the rats for their safety as well as our own. Once we completed that and had the orientation, we were allowed to start handling the rats. A typical day for us starts with us helping Adam collect and wash brain tissue samples from mice that were from a different study. Once we are done with that then we go over to the area where the rats have their sessions. There are two groups of rats: one that is in the alcohol vapor and another that only has access to alcohol during their session. Both groups get moved into the testing boxes for 30 minute sessions. The boxes keep track of how many times the rats press the levers for alcohol and water.
The box is where the rats go for their 30 minute sessions with the levers.
During our time outside of the lab, we have been exploring the La Jolla and San Diego area. The weekend Kacy and I arrived, our host mom took us and Michelle to the San Diego County Fair and got to see all the bizarre food. On Tuesday we got to go to the “demotion” celebration to honor the end of our host mom’s year of being the La Jolla Rotary Club president. It was fun being able to talk to some of her friends. Friday night Michelle, Kacy, and I decided to drive to a pizza place, recommended by our host mom, and then we got froyo after. I have been enjoying the great experiences that Pinhead has provided. Thank you for making this possible.
Great to hear that Lora Fisher, your host and past president of La Jolla Rotary has shown you such a good time as your host. Congratulations on all the learning! Keep it up and consider a career as a physician like me. Best field in the world. Jane Reldan, MD
Sounds amazing Megan. I can’t wait to hear all about the rat experiments!