As time passes, the days start to blur together. For me, this is an excellent indicator that I’ve found a comfortable rhythm in the lab. Since my project is predominantly computational at this stage, I spend most of my day inputting codes into the computer to convert files and extract data. I’ve gotten quite good at multitasking and it helps that I was able to find some tricks to make the work more efficient. I’ve incorporated a sidebar with generic codes to help me remember the order and aid in the input. It’s very simple to make mistakes, especially when using numbers in code. To keep the work lively, I try to listen to music. Since Pandora isn’t available in Thailand, I found a very nice alternative called “Jango”. I start with “Classical with Studying” but after a few hours of classical music, I needed a change! I’ve been switching between “the 90’s top hits” and some electronic music with lots of beats. The beats from the songs keep me awake and it’s a nice “blast from the past” feeling when Backstreet Boys or Spice Girls pops up on the station.
Another source of entertainment in the lab are my labmates! They are all so animated and really have a close-knit relationship. I feel as though they are brothers and sisters because they always tease each other. Even though I don’t understand what they are saying most of the time, the tones in their voices explain in all. The bickering and laughter can be heard down the hall on the 4th floor of the chemistry building.
My labmates are so accommodating and generous. I really enjoy the fact that they really want to share their favorite places with me. It feels like every week, we make our lunch break something to remember. I make it a goal to always try something new. I let my Thai friends order for me and I get to eat what they eat! So far, it has been wonderful. I feel as though I’ve been here for months and I’m falling in love with my lab and Thailand.
It’s been rewarding learning the computational side of biology, but once I’ve finished with analyzing the data, I hope I get a chance to work with cells again.
Till the next update,
Judy Nguyen
Another source of entertainment in the lab are my labmates! They are all so animated and really have a close-knit relationship. I feel as though they are brothers and sisters because they always tease each other. Even though I don’t understand what they are saying most of the time, the tones in their voices explain in all. The bickering and laughter can be heard down the hall on the 4th floor of the chemistry building.
My labmates are so accommodating and generous. I really enjoy the fact that they really want to share their favorite places with me. It feels like every week, we make our lunch break something to remember. I make it a goal to always try something new. I let my Thai friends order for me and I get to eat what they eat! So far, it has been wonderful. I feel as though I’ve been here for months and I’m falling in love with my lab and Thailand.
It’s been rewarding learning the computational side of biology, but once I’ve finished with analyzing the data, I hope I get a chance to work with cells again.
Till the next update,
Judy Nguyen