Analyze This: Scientists from Rockefeller University Work with Research Students
April 11, 2005

On Friday, April 1, 2005 Pingry juniors and seniors taking the Introduction to Scientific Research course welcomed Dr. Lars Westblade, Bill Lane, and Margareta Sorenson as guest instructors from Rockefeller University in New York. The trio shared information about techniques currently used to clone genes for the purpose of expression. The students eagerly worked in groups to learn how to grow and analyze protein crystals from purified solutions of lysozyme, while gaining insight into careers in the bio-medical field. Sorenson, who is pursuing a PhD. in crystallography, worked with the class to grow crystals, determine the structure of proteins, and differentiate between salt and protein crystallization. Dr. Westblade, a post-doctorate fellow, spoke about DNA and cloning. Lane, an M.D.-PhD. student, followed Dr. Westblade’s discussion with a lesson on how to analyze and manipulate structural data using a molecular visualization program called PyMOL, which can be used to analyze protein and DNA structures. The scientists were the guests of Tommie Hata, who teaches the introductory course. Hata became involved with Rockefeller University last summer as part of their outreach program and as an intern in the university’s Darst Lab under Dr. Seth Darst. The lab works on understanding the structures and functions of enzymes and other molecules involved in the transcription of genes. Hata continues to work with the scientists and will be returning to Rockefeller for a second year this summer. Both Hata and the scientists were more than willing to share their experiences with the exceptional students, who were equally impressed with their visitors. Some students were able to confirm their desire to enter the sciences, while others had their interests peaked. Regardless of their plans, each student took with them a greater understanding of protein structures as well as a unique opportunity for hands-on learning with experts in the field. © 2005 The Pingry School