A Telling TED Talk

On the week of January 3rd, I felt I could have done much more than I actually did. I was coming out of winter break, but I did accomplish a few things. Firstly, I was excited to get my mentor approved! I was worried Dr. Sullivan had lost contact with me, but she eventually replied to my email before winter break saying she completed the online mentorship forms. I was quite glad to hear that, and I'm eagerly awaiting her reply to my inquiry on our first mentor meeting. My biggest accomplishment this week, however, was my fifth evidence of learning. This time, I decided to take a spin on things and do a TED Talk instead of the bland research or interview assessments I normally do. I have to say, I was completely taken by surprise and awe by this TED Talk, a marvelous presentation on base editing by famous geneticist Dr. David R. Liu. I was able to learn about the origins of my former favorite genetic technology, CRISPR, and dispel a lot of misconceptions I had about it. I also learned the severe impact of single-point pathogenic mutations and how the recent technology called base editing could revolutionize the treatment of these mutations. All in all, it was a wonderful, hope-filling, and informative presentation that has only tightened my grip to the field of genetics.

My biggest challenge this week was getting my original work started. I have it all planned out, very thoroughly in fact. However, I am just dreading to begin it because it will be a tedious process that I am not eager to start. This week, I will be starting my original work and setting up small goals for myself so I am not overwhelmed by my ambitious project. I also hope to research base editing for my evidence of learning this week, as my interest in the technology was inflamed by Dr. Liu's TED Talk.