Abstract:
Undergraduate freshman are encouraged to get involved with extracurricular activities and undergraduate research nonstop from day they arrive on campus. However, these students often only hear this encouragement from their professors and advisors. The purpose of this thesis is to tell my journey through my experience as an undergraduate researcher in hopes of encouraging freshman and upper classmen to find ways to get involved. Under the supervision of Dr. John McKillip, I investigated the sequence of a fragment of DNA that appears to be associated with disease-causing bacteria called Bacillus cereus. The goal of our research has been to determine the sequence of the fragment so that it can be used in rapid detection of B. cereus. B. cereus has been demonstrated in many local and systemic infections. Rapid identification of these bacteria can ensure that the patient will receive correct and effective diagnoses and treatment quickly. Even though, this research was largely unsuccessful, the experience I gained and the friends I made have been well worth all the failures and frustrations. I truly believe that getting involved is the best way to get the most out of the undergraduate experience.
