The Road Ahead

The research that I have done has impacted me in many positive ways. It has provided me the motivation to search for depth in everything I do, as that is what provides the best opportunities for discovering new things. It has nurtured my interest in biological and ecological sciences as I have realized that the things I learn can be applied to do great things that can benefit society in an abundant amount of ways. Bust most importantly, it has fostered my interest in pursuing further research to not only increase my knowledge in the respective area, but to also foster the creative desire within me to manipulate the unexplored realm of research itself. Before, everything that I did in the classroom was like putting together a pre-assembled lego set with a set of instructions. It is greatly to my liking that I am now able to throw away those instructions and to engineer whatever my mind desires. I have also drawn a great deal of inspiration from the national science foundation.

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Project Completion

I have officially completed the project and analyzed the results. I tested for ability to identify hydrogen concentrations within specific algal compound as well as the amounts of those respective hydrogen concentrations. Then I made some comparisons regarding the different observations and contradictions that I observed. I was then able to compare the process of copper addition versus sulfur depletion as this was an integral foundation for the project itself. After all of this were done, stark generalizations were able to be made regarding the structure, function, utilization process, and hydrogen-producing properties of the Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii CC-125 algal strain. This has been a fun project to conduct and I am glad it was able to be completed over a relatively short period of time. I have learned a lot working with these algal cultures, and all in all, it was a great experience for me to interact with the world of science.

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Designing a Project Procedure

The procedure design was one of the most time consuming parts of this process. I had to think in creative ways to get some of the things to work. The materials I ended up using were a complete salts solution, phosphate solution, acetate solution, trace elements solution, sulfur free salts solution, sulfur free trace elements, 2 sizes of vinyl tubing, latex tubing, 1 ml and 5 ml pipettes, balloons, duct tape, transparent tape, copper II Sulfate Pentahydrate, 12 water bottles, 50 mL graduated cylinder, test tubes, wooden splints, microscope, and the Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii algae strain CC-125. At this point I have developed a complex procedure with a ton of steps. I will explain the simplified version which provides an overview of what will be done.
1. Culture the algae
2. Change the copper
3. Capture the hydrogen
4. Method the process
5. Test for gas

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Project Approach

Like the other mini experiments that I conducted, this project will require thorough background research and the designation of a procedure. I have already done some minor background in some of my other experiments with algal properties, however, there will be more for me to learn. Some of the topics that I will have to research again include the basics of photosynthesis and its inner workings, the methods and effects of sulfur depletion, some effects of copper reactions as copper as copper works on the same basis as depriving the sulfur, and also the properties of a type of algae called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Project Initiation

One of the most complicated features of this phase of my research is inherently sticking with a single experimental design. If I choose to change a part, or even the entire topic idea, there could be serious complications associated with time delays and fragmented periods of wasted time. As my research is drawing to an end, and there being only one month left, I have come to fully realize the value of time in my own "race for the cure" situation. This is definitely going to be tricky to pull it off with AP exam and final exam dates getting closer and closer. That being said,  I have developed my project idea that I will be performing further research on. Although I did end  up doing some research in the bio fuel industry, I still felt that there were alterior environmental applications that could also be affected with this research. My consolidated project is to try to produce hydrogen from algae. This could be useful in the generation of electricity and utilizing algae as an effective fertilizer.

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Heading towards a Project

I now feel that I have learned enough regarding the way algae works both on the interior and the exterior. There are a wide range of characteristics that I find fascinating regarding this organic essence, however, I would like to head towards forming an application for this plant. Preferably, I would like to stay away from the bio fuel market as that has significant research going on by other prominent scientists. After all, what is the point of repeating someone else's work when trying to contribute to society?  At the moment, I am leaning towards a food based project, however, projects regarding human hygiene also seem interesting, such as an algal mouthwash or soap. I am also still researching the application of my findings mentioned in the previous post. For now, I will have to see where my research and ideas take me.

Rohith Kaliyur Properties of Algae Block 3 Results of Working With Algae

I finally have experienced certain results that could shape my experimental experience. Below I will list those experimental ideals. I am still trying to follow through with my intended project plan, however, I might have to change it provided access to certain resources.

Gel Electrophoresis: My experiences with this experiment was tedious, however, the results were phenomenal. Algae leaves a smaller DNA fingerprint so it was a little tricky working with the logistics of this species. That being stated, I was able to map an electrophoresis diagram, which showed that the heredity associated with different types of algae plays a larger role in some species than others. I will try to find more of an impact for this aspect later on.

Strand Isolation: I only worked with one type of culture for this particular experimentation. After I isolated the strand in more of a chunk, I was able to observe its physical appearance and characterize certain textures of it. I will work to try to find the impact of this, and will try to develop a greater significance for this particular experiment.

DNA Replication: Although I could not replicate a particular designed experiment, I was able to do research to postulate a particular effect. This is still the most open ended part of my research, and I still have much to work with regarding this experiment.