Back to Profiles

Description: I studied DNA and DNA polymerase binding using surface plasmon fluorescence spectroscopy. I was involved in the whole experiment process, from

making solutions, preparing gold surfaces on which binding was to be studied, to running the experiments themselves. I learned an entirely new experimental technique that I had been curious about for a while. Also, I learned to look at DNA from a new perspective.

Comments: It was great to be doing something worthwhile like research while also being in a very exciting place like Germany. I enjoyed my interactions with the graduate student with whom I worked. We travelled some together and had some great talks and exchanges on cultural perceptions." NB: " The Max Planck Institutes are definitely research institutions at the forefront of their respective

research areas, and it is certainly very exciting to be part of such a place. However, as research institutes, they are not geared toward teaching, in particular teaching to undergraduates. As such, undergraduates may be at somewhat of a loss, being not yet experienced enough to take advantage of the full spectrum of opportunities available without further (and sometimes unavailable) guidance.

For further information, please write to anniegai@stanfordalumni.org