John was awarded a grant to conduct research over spring break with Dr. Jamie Bojko in the Behringer Lab at the University of Florida. With Dr. Bojko, John analyzed muscle tissue samples of Caribbean spiny lobster for the presence of diseases, including PaV1 and Microsporidia, through DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. John’s research in Florida was a continuation of a research project he started during a field course in Belize that he took through BU’s Marine Semester.
All of my previous research had dealt with marine ecology. During my time in Florida, I was able to get hands-on experience working with DNA extraction and analysis techniques. While the research component of the trip was extremely interesting, the highlight of the trip was the incredible people that I got to know while in Florida, including Dr. Bojko and Amy Oxton.
John’s travel was sponsored by Dr. Randi Rotjan in the Biology Department. He is currently waiting to hear back about publication of a paper written on this project.
