By ERICA LIND
Many students in the sciences read about DNA in the classroom, but what kind of students get to actually work with DNA in a lab - University of Lethbridge Co-op students.
Joel Stimson, a Bioscience major, completed his first Co-op work term in summer 2008.
"My friends said they enjoyed the Co-op program so that's why I decided to do it," says Stimson. "I got a job as soon as I got into the program."
Stimson worked at the University's Hepler Hall with Dr. Igor Kovalchuk, a Biological Sciences professor
Joel Stimson used a co-op work term to learn from biological sciences professor Dr. Igor Kovalchuk.
"We studied the effects of different chemical concentrations and components on canola," he explains, "such as phosphates, cerium, and lanthanum."
Stimson worked with a specific gene called RAD52 and learned various laboratory techniques of extracting this gene from canola. He was responsible for cutting and inserting DNA, planting seeds, looking at shoot formation, reducing genetic mutations and determining optimal growing conditions of canola. His research has many implications in the field of gene research, but more important are the agricultural benefits that these chemical and gene insertions may have for the optimization of canola growth.
The Arts and Science Co-operative Education Program at the University of Lethbridge works to create a partnership between students, the University and the employer, and allows for an extended learning environment as well as the ability to network with employers. Students can integrate academic semesters with work terms, and can apply skills learned in the classroom directly to the workplace and vice versa.
Throughout his work term Stimson learned valuable laboratory techniques and procedures that will help him immensely in his further studies and research.
"My Co-op experience will help increase my chances of getting into medical school," he says. "I would recommend the program to anyone who wants to weigh their career options and see what kind of potential they have."
For more information on the Arts and Science Co-operative Education program, contact the Faculty of Arts and Science Applied Studies/Co-operative Education and Internships office at B610, or phone 403-329-2000.