Root Ecology Laboratory Assistant; Henan Agricultural University
I have been working in the root ecology Laboratory in China for four months during the summer term. There were many projects in the lab, and I was mainly responsible for the project on the relationship between root and leaf genotype and seed size. The work was very interesting and engaging, and I was involved in a lot of work related to the cultivation and measurement of plants.
At the early stage of the experiment, it was focused on learning how to run and operate the incubator and carry out the pot experiment. Basically, there were about 40 legumes, which required daily watering and weekly height measurements, as well as checking the working condition of the machine. After the end of the pot experiment (plant fruiting), selected species with good growth status, and moved them to the outside for experimental observation, and measure the height once every 3-5 days. Besides, I also got many opportunities to study ecology and botany. I participated in the discussion of article revision, and reviewed the English version articles to put forward my own suggestions.
Co-op is a valuable opportunity for me to learn from the society, where I can apply what I have learned in school to real life, and get in touch with a new position with an exploratory attitude, which can make my future career direction more clear. Co-op is a precious opportunity for our undergraduates through trial and error, which helps us to learn and grow in practical work.