I recently, returned to school to obtain a degree in biology to prepare myself to work in a different career.  The biology field of study is comparable to my work experience in wastewater treatment which uses microogranisms to breakdown wastewater generated by residential, commercial and industrial users.

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During my educational experience at Winston Salem State University, I participated in a research project with one of my professor involving microbiology and genetics.  The goal of the project was to understand the mechanisms involved during integration of the LTR-retrotransposon (Tf1) in the chromatin of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.  The project provided the experience of working in a real laboratory environment producing actual results that contributed to a real research project.  In addition, I gained hands-on experience with various laboratory equipment and meters, proper laboratory documentation, laboratory skills and test procedures.  

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My educational skills include basic laboratory skills such as use of a microscope, pipetting, making solutions, and operation of basic laboratory equipment.  I have lab experience including cell morphology by gram staining, bacterial isolation and extraction, DNA isolation and analysis, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Gel Electrophoresis, Northern Blotting, and Southern Blotting.  I also have lab experience in tissue culture. Through my educational experiences I have decide that I much prefer working in the field of biotechnology and microbiology.  I like working with organisms that are invisible to the eye.  My educational training is in biotechnology which focuses on “feeding the world, healing the world, and fueling the world”.  Microbiology plays an important role in these task.

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My goal to obtain a bachelor of science degree in biology will better prepare me to transition into an alternate career.  I believe the educational training and skills I have gained will allow me to make the transition to work in a research lab.  If conditions change with my existing employer, my plans are to seek employment with a research company or medical institute.