Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I live in the the GTA and Toronto area.I need to culture mammalian cells in a molecular biology labs around the area. I greatly appreciate any help. I am a grade 8 student and registering for a science fair soon and would appreciate and shout out any mentorship. Please reply here or you can contact me at :

Emily.

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Hi Emily,

In addition to this forum, I would suggest that you check the professors' websites or biographies at all the universities near you. This information will tell you whether their research involves mammalian cell culture. That is a very common technique and most life sciences research labs have cell culture facilities.

You may be able to find a lab to work in that is doing research of the kind you are interested in. I'm assuming you have a reason for culturing mammalian cells besides just learning the method. A university research professor will want a student who can work on an actual project and get some data before they will consent to assign someone to be your mentor. You will have to show that you are familiar with the methods of cell culture, but need training in the execution of the technique. Likewise, if you choose a certain lab to approach, you must become familiar with their research as much as possible. This means reading and understanding the description of their research interests on the lab's website and studying a couple of their recent papers online to learn what they do, how they do it and why. University research professors are extremely busy and they will not take on someone unless they show a high degree of knowledge, skills potential and time commitment.

Doing real science at the bench is great fun and the lab people are amazingly enthusiastic and dedicated and helpful, but you will have to work HARD and be willing to spend a lot of hours both inside the lab working and outside the lab reading and learning on your own. If you can do all that you will gain a wonderful experience and a great addition to your CV.

Good luck!

Sybee

thankyou for the advice!!