During my 2nd spring semester at SDSU I took a course titled “Biological Basis of Disease”, co-taught by Toxicologists Dr. Kari Sant and Dr. Elana Elkin. This course went through the bodily systems, going in-depth about the different diseases and disorders that affect the major organs and tissues in each system. Dr. Sant and Dr. Elkin both taught from a toxicologist’s perspective, which intrigued me and sparked an interest to continue learning. Eventually, after meeting privately with both professors, I was welcomed onto Dr. Elkin’s lab team. In this lab, Dr. Elkin works closely with graduate students who aim to obtain either their MS or MPH in Environmental Health. We focus on maintaining and growing the cell line HTR-8 svneo, an invasive cell which is found in spiral arteries of the placenta. When cultured successfully and exposed to different chemicals, we can measure live/dead ratios of these cells to determine toxicity to the placenta. Since joining this lab, I have gained extensive knowledge on so many new hands-on skill sets. Maintaining cell culture requires the aseptic technique, and thanks to my background in sterilization, working in a wet lab has been a quick adjustment. I am excited to continue my learning in this lab, and hopefully start my own research in the near future.

Sterilizing ortho tools, using and cleaning an iTero scanner, breaking down and disinfecting dental units, disinfecting Alginate impressions, filing paper charts