TrUE Scholars
During my time in the research lab, I have learned how to do a number of laboratory techniques, including larvae imaging. Where I am searching for microplastics in the gut of Aedes aegypti larvae, also known as the Rock strain. I take second, third, and fourth instar stage larvae exposed to various types of microplastics and preserve them in 70% Ethanol. I then mount them on glass slides using mounting media to preserve the slides and image them using an inverted microscope. Since this is a new project, it has been very dependent on the trial and error method. I have experimented with various contrasts, exposures, and magnifications to try to get the best images possible. These are techniques that will be useful for me in the future because they expose me to skills that are useful with any experiment in any field. I took a parasitology course, which covered mosquitos, before joining the lab, and it was very exciting being able to work hands-on with them and learn under Professor Brelsfoard, who I took the class with originally. I've had the opportunity to work with graduate students who are extremely helpful. I encountered difficulty in my research experience when I first began learning how to image the larvae correctly but with the guidance from Dr. Brelsfoard. I was able to overcome the issue and come out of it with greater experience under my belt. In the future, I will be imaging the guts of adult Aedes agypti mosquitos exposed to the same microplastics as the larvae. I really look forward to being able to compare these images with each other and with the images of my previous project. My overall experience in the Brelsfoard lab has been amazing. Dr. Brelsfoard and graduate students, C.C., Hunter, and Gabriela have been extremely helpful. They have all taught me a number of different laboratory techniques as well as shared their laboratory experiences with me. I am happy to share that I am listed as a co-author on a recently submitted manuscript about the effects of microplastics on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.