Hello,
I am a UT Dallas undergrad student looking to utilize the DMS science lab to perform some chemical tests for a research project. I was wondering if there were any requirements I should fulfill before doing the tests. I also saw there was an autoclave that required a class. Is there a good time for me to come in and attend the class? Thank you!
Best,
Luke Fisanick
Hello Luke! Using the lab for this purpose is definitely a possibility. I’m the safety officer here at science and more information can be found here at the area rules on source (Area Rules - Science - DMS Source).
You will likely need to take a lab safety course and then afterwards submit information as to the experiments you want to do to [email protected]. Depending on what specific experiments you want to run and how much training you have already had at UTD, we may make an exception in terms of the 2 hour safety class for which I’m the only instructor at the moment. It might be easier if you stop by in person during Science Sunday between 3-6 PM so that we can discuss further.
How soon are you looking to get started?
Hello,
Thank you for the reply. I am looking to get started very soon! I am waiting on some supplies to arrive before purchasing a membership so I cannot stop by in person yet. For the time being I would be happy to share details here or over email so you may determine whether an exception to the safety class is possible.
For the research project, I will be cultivating a bacteria strain and inoculating it in an artificial soil. Then I will test the soil with Fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay and Biuret protein assay to detect microbial activity. The tests do not require a fume hood. The autoclave will be used to sterilize soil.
In terms of laboratory safety training I have received at UTD, I have taken general chemistry and bioengineering lab courses which included laboratory safety trainings. I have also taken BioRAFT trainings on general safety, PPE, chemical hygiene, and biological safety. I am also an undergraduate research assistant at a bioengineering research laboratory at UT Dallas
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Best,
Luke Fisanick
Seems reasonable overall but would still invite you to drop by on a Sunday afternoon. As a lot of us will be there, not yet having a membership shouldn’t be a problem. We can let you in as a guest on Sunday for now.
I see. In that case I will try to make it to the Science Sunday on the 12th. Thank you for your assistance.
We can also show you the autoclave at that time which will be more efficient than coordinating another meetup at a different date (I have a busy week coming up)