The Ups and Downs of Mod 2

The day has finally come...the Mod 2 report is done!


Over the many weeks, we have worked so hard to understand our research from HR and NHEJ to R analysis and everything in between. It's been quite a journey. To think we started by just learning how to seed our cell lines! And now we know so much more.

Most of my struggles involved the RNAseq data and figures, especially the TCGA comparison.

An actual representation of me trying to understand our R analysis:

Thankfully my wonderfully patient lab partner has conducted RNAseq experiments and used R in her UROP and always answered my questions about the figures we generated.

Jenna's internal reaction when I ask for the 47th time what the figure actually means:

Sorry Jenna, but thanks always for the help!! :)

When it came to actually writing the full report, I struggled in multiple places, mainly the discussion section, the title, and of course, creating the "story" of the article. Writing the discussion section was difficult because, at times, I wasn't sure what the data truly showed or how it would contribute to the story I wanted to tell. Or what story I was trying to tell. Eventually though, the pieces began to complete the puzzle, and I finally was able to pinpoint my main argument, though it was not the one I was expecting.

Honestly, throughout the writing process, I went through phases of feeling really good about my progress, and then feeling like I still had so much to do! But with the help of the 109 staff, BE Comm Lab, and my classmates, we made it through!

At the end of the day though, despite all the struggles, it is really amazing to see it come together. I really enjoyed looking at my final figures and final report as a whole. It looks almost professional, and I can be proud to say that this report is something I have completed. Completing this big task, something I have never done, is a great accomplishment, and I hope you all feel the same way.

Thanks for the journey, and I can't wait to make a virus battery with you guys!!

- Marissa






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