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General Schedule
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The first week for the intern is filled with learning about
the lab and the lab work. Beginning with a lab orientation and tour, students
must successfully complete the lab safety training course. During the remainder
of the week students learn how to conduct
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DNA extractions, create standard solutions, use a
spectrometer, dilute primers, conduct a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to
amplify the DNA, and run the gel electrophoresis. The week winds up with a tour
of Mann library, an overview of Dr. McCouch's research, and an intern BBQ at
BTI. After this first week's introduction, interns are given their research
assignments, which they will work on for the next 6 weeks.
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Students attend a weekly Seminar at BTI, and participate in
lab discussions about the importance of studying rice and presenting scientific
publications. They also learn the basics of plant genetics (understanding the concepts of genes,
alleles, polymorphisms, and transposable elements), the basics of rice
cultivation, and the methods of recordkeeping and seed organization.
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We require that the intern give
either an oral or a poster presentation as a part of their internship. This
helps them to develop additional skills often required of individuals pursuing
a career in the sciences. We also strive to keep science fun through a number
of social functions that are scheduled each year to welcome interns into the
Cornell community.
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