HCS Student Experiences of the University of New Hampshire Research Experience 

     There's absolutely no equivalent to the week I had with staying at college dorms for 8 days at University of New Hampshire. It was new challenge for me being away without my twin sister however, from that week I learned to be more independent and be able to interact with other people. At first, when we arrived at the UNH, I felt like it was going to be a boring week with loads of work but then after a couple of days with working and still be with my new friends, I felt like the week went by so fast that in some point I kept telling my roommate that I don't want to leave the university. Dr. Minocha (our mentor) did give us a lot of work but it felt like nothing knowing that you got friends that will help you. This week also changes my mind and made me realize that I have to stop depending too much on my parents and I should be able to do certain things on my own. Since I was not with my twin sister, that week also changes my point of view in which I should open up my door to other people and be able to be friends with them because if only my twin sister would have come with me, I know for the fact that I would never met other people because ‘m only going to depend on her.           

     However, not only I want to talk about my experience of gathering friends but also I want to share the "science experience" I had with the trip. On Saturday, July 26, we went on a boat trip to see whales. Although a lot of us got really sick during the almost 4 hours boat ride, seeing the whales for a little while just fascinated me that is why I'm really interested in conducting a research in studying the behaviors of whales with probably the help of Dr. Hancy (professor at UNH). However, I would also consider myself lucky to go to white mountains and be able to ride the train going up to the mountain.  Although it was scary going down, but knowing that i experienced it first with my newly found friends was just exciting. In addition, I also feel fortunate to be part of this week because I had a chance to have hands on experience using the gene gun machine to transfer genes. Moreover, I also had hands on chromosome experience that we conducted in which each of us made a slide of a plant and then we check if chromosomes are present through microscope. Although some of us weren't able to see its presents but Dr. Davis, the professor and researcher who help conducted it with us said that its okay if we weren't able to see its presents because in science field, it takes years of study in order to get the result you wanted and like what Dr. Sat always says "inventions or results won't only happen in a day or a summer, it takes time".        

     UNH was just a completely different environment from NYC. The people there were so friendly and that the surroundings were quiet and safe. Since I’m starting to choose the colleges I want to go to, I should say that I’m considering UNH as one of my college choice. I just really felt in love with how quiet and peaceful the surroundings are. We also had a chance to have a talk with the admission officer of the university, Mr. Haynes in which he introduced us about the steps in getting to a good college with just writing good essays, getting god SAT scores and many more but he also mention how great UNH is. I also felt very fortunate to be given a chance to experience college life for a week with living at college dorms, treated and had fun like college students does.          

     This whole week just made me more mature, independent and responsible individual in facing the "real world" and made me realize certain things I never thought I would ever gain from this trip. It was a life lesson and more knowledge in science studies that I earned from this unforgettable trip that I will treasure for the rest of my life. That is why I thank you Dr. Sat for giving me this opportunity to experience college life, and I hope you would still choose me in the future to send in other places to explore and be able to come back with memories that I would definitely share with my future generations and of course be kept in my heart.  

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     The only reason why I accepted the offer even though I already had a mentor for the summer was because I desperately needed a break from New York City and its complications.  After I had said, “yes” to Sheeven and she had made it clear that there was no turning back, I thought I had made the worst decision of my life.  I figured that I had nothing to lose, so I packed my bags.  The five-hour journey to New Hampshire was boring and tiring.  When we finally got there, I was disgusted by the fact that the place was as quiet as a graveyard and all I could see around was green.  I kept thinking about how difficult the transition from big busy city to quiet suburban town would be.  I was even more disappointed when I discovered that I was not in the same room with my friend.  What I did not know at that point was that I was about to begin the best week of my life.             

     The first day was spent familiarizing us with the campus.  The dorm was beautiful, the cafeteria had good food in abundance, and the entire campus had something about it that screamed, “you’re at home”.  The professors and doctors who came to welcome us all seemed excited to have us.  Dr. Minocha and the RAs made us sit through a session of rules and regulations of the dorm.  They all sounded ridiculous: ”no sex, no alcohol, no guns, etc.”, but I guess one can’t really trust a group of city teenagers.  Before he left, Dr. Sat looked like a father who was reluctant to leave his kids.  When I looked at the schedule, all the classes but a few were about plants.  I thought I hated plants but that would change before the end of the week.          

     The following day was packed with activities, classes to attend and meal times that were too close, too early (we were bound to get fat).  The lectures we had were thrilling.  I learned so many new things about biotechnology and the wonderful things that can be done with plants. I couldn’t stop asking Dr. Minocha questions and surprisingly, he didn’t get tired or frustrated; he gave really good answers.            

     One the third day (Tuesday), we received a strongly worded E-mail from Dr. Sat. It was very frightening and I didn’t know what had made him so angry with us.  I found out later and decided that he had every right to be angry.   From that day, we had to write essays about what we learned each day.  The essay writing was a blessing in disguise because every night, I had the opportunity to review and think about the things I had learned during the day.            

     On Wednesday, we went to the Hilltop Fun Center where for the first time, I played mini gulf and rode go-karts.  That experience took me right back to childhood when I used to have fun as if life was all about fun and games.  It was a long time since I had such experience.          

     By Friday, I was homesick and tired.  Fortunately for me, we had a live telecast with our colleagues in New York.  That day was the last day of lectures.  The remaining two days would be spent watching whales and climbing Mount Washington.  Whale watching sounded exciting until we got on the boat and I became sea sick.  Before then, I thought we would see a group of whales jumping in and out of the sea.  I was disappointed when we only saw one whale that was hardly visible.  The trip up Mount Washington was exiting and thrilling.  The train we took was very old and slow.  The man controlling the brakes kept on telling jokes about how the breaks could fail.  At the top of the mountain, it felt like winter.  We had fun climbing on rocks and taking pictures of beautiful skylines and mountain ranges.           

     I was very sad to leave on Monday.  We had such a good time that it was difficult to say goodbye.  Overall, the experience was one of a kind.  The best part of is that it sparked up an interest in biotechnology in me and I may decide to pursue a career in the field.   I wished we had more time to spend in such a beautiful place, learning more things. 

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     The eight days that I have spent at the University of New Hampshire was fascinating. Meeting Dr. Subhash C. Minocha was nerve-racking to me but I eventually adapted to it. The lectures he gave and the labs we have done has taught me a lot about biotechnology; genetic engineering. I thought it might have been tough because the schedule seemed as if every single hour, minute, and second, that we had to work and take notes. It turned out that even though that was the case, Dr. Minocha made it seem like it wasn’t. I especially enjoyed the labs because I like to do experiments.           

     We began with biotechnology on the first day. Biotechnology is the work of biology and technology. We also did a lab on the same day. We did plant cloning. I found it interesting because you didn’t really need to put it into any machine to undergo any processes. Usually, when I think about cloning, I think about a machine and taking a sample of the organism and placing it into it and watch it form. But in this case, all we needed was to cut off some plant samples and place it into a petri dish with medium already pre-made for us.           

     We continued the discussion about plant cloning and then made a turn into genetic engineering. We did our second lab on gene transfer into bacteria. We had changed the solutions a little because we didn’t have some of the chemicals that we need. The result of this lab was not what we had expected because there were errors during the lab. Dr. Minocha hopes that if some of us do go back next year to continue working with him, we can re-do the lab and see if the result would change.           

     Another lab that we did was the gene transfer using the gene gun. I found this lab really interesting because many of us were expecting a gun to do the experiment with but it came out to be a machine. Even though that it wasn’t a gun, I enjoyed using the gene gun machine because I learned how to use a new technology. I am really interested in technology and I found it easy when everyone else made it sound so hard.           

     Another lecture I enjoyed at the campus was nanotechnology with Dr. Glen Miller. His presentation was really interesting. The facts that he stated about nanotechnology were attention grabbing. I am really interested into fashion just like the majority of the other young adults are. Dr. Miller said that nanotechnology could also be used in fashion as well.           

     Next year, I am still very interested in going back to the University of New Hampshire to work with Dr. Minocha once again. I would also like to continue working on the projects that we have started in the lab. The project I am really interested in completing is the plant-cloning lab and I would like to further work in the lab with the gene gun experiment.           

     Overall, my experience in the University of New Hampshire was amazing and I really learned a lot. It would be best if I got another chance to work with Dr. Minocha and complete my projects. 

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     My name is Diana Bailon and before I tell you about my experience at New Hampshire I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I have really grown both intellectually and spiritually. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and had experiences that I will never forget.           

     Going to New Hampshire I had no idea what to expect, I did not know anybody and felt scared that I would not understand the concept of plant biotechnology. But as soon as we had are first class, I was fascinated by what Dr. Minocha did and what he had to say about what he knew.           

     Although it was an intense week I really learned a lot. My favorite part about this whole week was the fact that we got the chance to be in a lab. There are not many high school students that can come back to school this fall and say: I cloned my very first plant. I got the chance to make my own slide and view chromosomes. I was able to use a gene gun or even say that they spent a whole week at a college campus.           

    Although it was hard work, I appreciate the fact that everyone   took his or her time to make this a memorable experience for us. Although many did not take this program seriously i am grateful for the time everybody took to make this happen. One thing i will never forget is getting the chance to go whale watching. Although many, including myself got sea sick, I really enjoyed the whale watching and even saw a whale come out to take a breath. I really can't describe this trip as anything but great. Even the whole tornado-warning scare was a fun experience. It gave me a chance to get closer with everyone and even though I was scared I was glad to be in New Hampshire.    

     I feel like I have taken enough of your time. But once again I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I really had an amazing time and believe this program was such a great experience for myself and all of my peers. If I were to get the chance to do this again this coming year I would not hesitate to say no.      

     My mom would also like to thank you. I have told her everything I did in UNH and she is very pleased and proud of the fact that I am in such a great program. 

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Dear Dr. Sat,           

     How are you? I’m fine if you are wondering. I thank you for asking the New Hampshire group write to you about our experiences there. Overall I liked being in New Hampshire. The atmosphere was so inviting and very comforting.              

     The first day that you left us was interesting because I had mixed emotions about being there. I thought to myself, “Would I make any friends? Will we have fun? Would I be able to live without my mom beside me? Would we learn something interesting?” I was really afraid and excited at the same time. As the day progressed, I couldn’t believe how nice everyone was. Especially the Resident Advisors. Hannah and Steve were the nicest people that I have ever met in my life. The made us so very comfortable. I made a new friend the first day and it really felt great to meet someone new.            

     The next day when I woke up, I had gotten the news that a bunch of oafs decided to drink. I also heard that you wrote us an e- mail saying that you were ashamed to know us. I understood that we had dragged your name down and it wasn’t fair because you found it in your heart to send us to a foreign state at no expense to us. I was disappointed. Eventually we went to our first class. I never heard of Bio Tech. when I sat through the class it made me realize how fascinating it can be. Dr. Minocha was a great professor. He was completely truthful and made me feel comfortable.            

     By Thursday I started making more and more friend. They were all so nice and fun to be around. Class was becoming more exciting and everything began looking great. We would all have fun while righting our lecture notes and when it was time to go bed we would all get up and say our good nights. I didn’t feel homesick anymore. Hannah and Steve were great. I applaud them for always being bright and up. I don’t even know how they managed to have patience with us. I mean we all were well behaved but we asked a lot of questions. As I went into my dorm, I realized that this might be my only time to ever be able to go out for the HCS program. I mean I understand why you wouldn’t want us to go back to UNH but the thought made me shudder.            

     We did wonderful experiments that just left you in awe. Bacteria can glow! That left me dumfounded. Another thing that was incredible was the fact that tomatoes were poisonous to us. I’ve learned so much from this experience. There are no words to describe how wonderful it felt to be in UNH. If you minus the things that were ‘stolen” or taken from me without my permission- eventually they were returned to me- I loved it. Meeting new people, having a great teacher, watching whales, climbing the rock on top of Mount Washington, seeing bacteria glow, cloning plants and the list goes on.  Last but not least, THANK YOU DR.SAT! This all happened because of you. I wouldn’t have been able to experience this with out your help. If it were possible I would love to continue the research in UNH. Now when I go back to school I can write about my experience with ease about what I did during my summer vacation.   

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     First I would like to thank you for choosing me to take part in the New Hampshire trip. It was an experience that I will not soon forget. I met so many new people not only from the program but two that go to the New Hampshire high school and one who was visiting. Everyone was so friendly and kind and that made the trip all the more enjoyable. The dorms were great and I loved hanging out with my roommate, Tamika. The bathroom was clean and in good order and the food was great (though I am sure you heard that they fed us a lot, I probably gained ten pounds.)  We were taught a lot during our week there, not only from our mentor but also from the other speakers who were so kind to come talk to us. In this trip we focused not one thing but broaden our mind to many different kinds of sciences. Our Ra’s were fun loving people who went out of their way to make sure we had what we needed and to make sure our stay was the best possible. For many they know second-guess their choice in science wanting to do something else they saw/enjoyed doing on this trip. My mind has been set on becoming a pediatrician or psychiatrist for a long time and though I was at first doubtful about what I would be learning on this trip it was a great experience that I would not change if I had the choice. When we were not in class or lab we were playing games or going on trips. We had numerous trips around campus; we went shopping down town, whale watching, to the dairy farm and mountain climbing. To me the campus was huge and was a lot of walking, but it was beautiful and I really loved the library (which is actually one the places I love going the most, if I attend that school I can see myself spending all of my time there). The shopping area was not a mall but stores on a plain street. Unfortunately I did not go to the dairy farm, I still had notes to complete, but I heard those that went had a ball. I loved going whale watching and the smell of the ocean (I had not smelt one in over two years, I went to the beach a lot when I lived in Trinidad). Although we got soaked we had a great time, saw a shark and two whales, or it may have been the same one that just moved I’m still not sure. The mountain climbing was especially challenging for me because I am afraid of heights and though we did not hike up it was still very fighting for me. I learned to concur my fear that day (even if I may not willing do it again). All in all depict some of the many complaints I am sure you heard I along with many others had a great time. It is not something that we will soon forget and we will not forget each other and all the fun we had. I will once again like to thank you for choosing me and I hope I did not let you down. 

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     During my experience at New Hampshire, I have met many great friends. I personally especially have meet great staff members and most importantly a great mentor. Dr. Subhash Minocha, who is the Professor of Biology and Genetics, has been an exceptional mentor in teaching me science by lectures and labs. Being in New Hampshire for the week has been great. At first I was clueless in my way around campus, but after a few days I was used to New Hampshire. I finally knew how to get to the places for the lectures and labs due to the guidance of the UNH staff for the first few days. To know the way around campus was fun because I didn't need any help whatsoever in getting to the places I needed to do for the program. Based on my acceptance to the program, I have really got a feel of what college is really like and the experience of living in a dorm. Doing activities in the campus is really fun and you get to know your peers a little bit better. From this experience, I've found my interests working in the lab of the University of New Hampshire.            

     I've also out the importance of science and its originality. All of the work there can be boring but can be fun also. The labs were especially fun because it was nice to see how plants grew, how chromosomes are like, and what genes are. From the experience of the lectures and labs it turned out not as bad as I thought it was. I really learned a lot from my mentor and I've gotten to really know the people on the campus. Besides this, the presentations by the college professors really gave me a head start on what colleges look for in a student. On the other hand, I really like the way the program is divided into academics first them the fun part. The Space Science was actually fun looking at the presentations and the lab itself. The most fun part of the program was Whale Watching and going up to Mount Washington on the Cog Railway. Going to a university has most definitely improved my skills in science because of my mentor. The following next day when we attended the ceremony, everybody had so much fun with giving out certificates and awards. 

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     First experience of this trip was New Hampshire. I have never been on New Hampshire before. This was first time for me. It was good to see another place in East Coast. Before that I was visited some universities like Harvard et. But it was first time to see University of New Hampshire for me. I am happy for see that university too. I really like this campus. I t was restored and it has good environment. I have never been any other campus before. It was really good for me. We lived campus life before attended to any university. It was very good experience for us. In time we lived in campus I made new friendships and I think this is the most important thing for a human being. Meeting new people has a lot of different experiences for people. I learned that I have to write faster on these conferences, which we had in university and also at lectures. Lab experiments were very exciting and very informative.

     The day we went to see the whales I gained a lot of experiences. For example some people get sick when they get on the fast ship. It was first time for observing whales and me watching. I have never seen a whale before and it was very beautiful and huge. It was so exciting. To go to The White Mountains was very exciting too. We went to there by old type trains and it was very fun also the view of mountain was wonderful.  

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     Driving to Durham, New Hampshire was a little tiring, but it was worth getting away from the city.  After hours of driving and only knowing one person and the names of a few others, I arrived at the University of New Hampshire.  I wasn't excited about the fresh green lawns of the campus at first because I kept seeing that while on the bus.  I remember getting off the bus and saying, "I like the air."  Very soon I was saying the same thing about the people, the dorms, the food, the campus, the lectures, the library, the farms, the woods, the mountain, the town, the state, the activities, and the entire experience.  I have never done so many new things in such a short time ever in my life.  The end came too soon.           

     The taste of college life was much appreciated.  Having a roommate seemed really exciting, and it was, but the first time we were alone in the dorm was very quiet.  That was nothing compared to the silence when lying on the bed, trying to sleep, but couldn't because of the deafening silence.  It was really no surprise when most people stayed up quite late the first night.  That's not the only college tradition that was followed religiously.  For the first meal, we were told to walk around first and then go back to choose our favorites.  That did not prevent us from loading up on everything in sight, definitely including dessert.  I will forever remember Holloway Commons where I unwillingly ate my vegetables, tried a variety of new foods, and talked with friends to every meal's end.            

     Whether it was playing cards, learning to play pool or getting better at table tennis, the lounge was the place to be after a hard day's work.  The friends I made will always be with me and be the best thing about the experience.  If the list weren’t a long one, I would write all their names in the middle of this paragraph.  I can still see everybody's laughing faces and hear Steve and Hannah telling us to be quiet.  They weren't always shouting for the breakfast crew or the laundry group; they had fun hosting us.  I hope I'm not deceiving myself too much, because one thing is for sure, they were extremely tired in the last days.           

     It is impossible to say in a few words how I feel about the different outings I enjoyed in New Hampshire, but I'll try.  The Equine Farm was absolutely amazing.  At first I was afraid to touch the horses, and later I was still afraid, but I did it anyway.  I felt bad when I had no treats for this one horse that was expecting a carrot or something.  The walk in College Woods was something I always looked forward to.  I never expected it to come that soon, but it did and it was awesome.  Ms. Gretchen Forbes, the lady that offered to take us to the farm and the woods, kept pointing out the smallest parts of the forest.  She showed us mushrooms and spiders: the things that we would have never noticed.  I thought I was the type of person who always appreciated the little things; now I do even more.  Whale watching in Maine's waters was bittersweet.  At the time when the whales arrived, I was seasick like almost everybody else in our group.  I barely got up to see the whales, and if I didn't what would I have accomplished?  The ride back to Rye Harbor was a lot of fun because of the laughing and singing.  I sincerely believe that I made some adults wish they were teenagers again.  The trip to Mt. Washington by cog railway was a bit scary but exhilarating.  The air pollution from the train was of great concern to me, however, I sort of forgot that when we were on the mountain or enjoying the breathtaking views.  Taking pictures on the summit of the tallest mountain in New Hampshire was a highlight of that trip.             

     If I was to convince somebody to go to New Hampshire for Project REIS or Project SMART, I don't think it would be hard.  I would tell them that the classes could make you rethink what you want to be in society.  The plethora of new things that these programs expose to you could change your life forever.  These are things that I never knew was happening in the world.  As for the fun part of the experience, I can honestly say that this was probably the best week of my life so far.  It is simply "unforgettable in every way".  In seven words: we were being paid to have fun.             

     Muchas gracias to all the people who made this possible.  I hope it will be somebody's best week next year and the years after.           

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     During my experience at New Hampshire, I have met many great friends. I personally especially have meet great staff members and most importantly a great mentor. Dr. Subhash Minocha, who is the Professor of Biology and Genetics, has been an exceptional mentor in teaching me science by lectures and labs. Being in New Hampshire for the week has been great. At first I was clueless in my way around campus, but after a few days I was used to New Hampshire. I finally knew how to get to the places for the lectures and labs due to the guidance of the UNH staff for the first few days. To know the way around campus was fun because I didn't need any help whatsoever in getting to the places I needed to do for the program. Also at the UNH Holloway Commons, the place where we ate was really nice and neat. Based on my acceptance to the program, I have really got a feel of what college is really like and the experience of living in a dorm. Doing activities in the campus is really fun and you get to know your peers a little bit better. From this experience, I've found my interests working in the lab of the University of New Hampshire.              

     I've also found out the importance of science and its originality. All of the work there can be boring but can be fun also. The labs were especially fun because it was nice to see how plants grew, how chromosomes are like, and what genes are. From the experience of the lectures and labs it turned out not as bad as I thought it was. I really learned a lot from my mentor and I've gotten to really know the people on the campus. Now I've gotten a better view of what science is like and the different fields it has to offer to us. Besides this, the presentations by the college professors really gave me a head start on what colleges look for in a student. On the other hand, I really like the way the program is divided into academics first them the fun part. There were many others who made this a memorable trip to my internship. My family and friends I met there all have been nice to me throughout the program.

     The Space Science was actually fun looking at the presentations and the lab itself. From all the presentations, I know more about space and its atmosphere. The most fun part of the program was Whale Watching and going up to Mount Washington on the Cog Railway. Going to a university has most definitely improved my skills in science because of my mentor. The following next day when we attended the ceremony, everybody had so much fun with giving out certificates and awards.

     In conclusion, there were many people that I've met that were nice to me. Everybody has been influenced by many people and has shaped what we are today. 

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     I will first start off with how much I loved the University of New Hampshire. It was a great university and you could tell all of the teachers and students were happy to be there. It was a good and progressive environment to be in. I was excited to have the opportunity to experience college life in a dorm and with real professors. Turns out I like the college life fine, it takes some of the surprise out of what I will expect when I enter college.             \

     The university was great but the professors were even better. Dr. Subash Minocha was extremely kind, down to earth and easy to talk to. His way of teaching was very encaging. Even though we were miles away from home he made us feel at home. Dr. Subash taught all topics clearly, so that if we were to choose any one of them we are capable of writing our ten to fifteen page essays and presentations successfully. Even after I returned home from the trip I email the doctor to thank him for the wonderful experience, which exceeded my expectations.            

     Another aspect of our trip that is unforgettable are the friends I made during the trip. Meeting these new people from very diverse backgrounds has really taught me certain things that I couldn’t learn inside of the classroom. Now I can say that I truly believe in Dr. Sat’s motto:  “The purpose of souls is to assist each other”. My dorm roommates and me have formed a sisterly bond. After a week together we are comfortable with each other, we felt like family members by the end of the trip.            

     Another thing I didn’t expect from college was good food. I thought college or university food wasn’t going to be as good, however, I was wrong. The food was delicious; there were so many choices and I feel like we ate often. Ironically, after a couple of days everyone was complaining that we were fed too much too often. This just shows that we were kept well so I have no complaints.

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     This was the first time that we were introduced to the topic of “Biotechnology”.  The topic was on biotechnology being just about everywhere we go and how it’s in things that we would never expect.  Biotechnology is a growing field of science and it holds many solutions to the problems that we face on a daily and annual basis.  I did not know what “Biotechnology” was prior to this day, but I enjoyed learning about how important such a small field in science was capable of doing.               

     Genetic Engineering is needed to understand biotechnology to a fuller extent.  So as a result, we learned the steps of genetic engineering.  Though it may sound complicated, the actual actions are on quite a simple skill level.  The first of the many steps was to identify which gene was needed and to isolate it.  Afterwards, whoever is leading the experiment must clone the gene, which was identified.  The third step is to transfer the cells, which are needed.  Through growth in the cells, a single cell can manage to recreate itself into an entire organism.  Lastly, for the economic part, the company has to mass-produce the product to fund money for later/ more contemporary research.           

     After learning about the steps to genetic engineering, we learned the different types of genetic engineering, which are still used today.  The seven steps include direct uptake, microinjection, liposome fusion, electroporation, biolisitic bombardment (Gene Gun), Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and viruses.  Direct uptake occurs when a bunch of cells mix up with the DNA directly to accomplish their task, which is usually the process of medication.  Microinjection is when one adds DNA through a fine needle into the DNA of a cell (plasmid for bacteria).  Liposome fusion is when phospholipids fuse with cells to deliver the drugs effect immediately.  Electroporation is the use of an electrical shock/ zap to electrocute DNA into the cell.  Then, there is biolisitic bombardment, also know as the gene gun, which involves genes being transferred through high-speed, pressurized movements and, like a gun, shoots the DNA into the cell.  Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a method solely used for plants, which is used through a transfer of bacteria and more DNA from their plasmid.  Finally, there are viruses, which can be used to transmit genes through heat shock.  Heat shock is the process of heating and cooling bacteria till the DNA gets in.  The heat of the heat shock allows the bacteria to open for a little while to let the DNA soak in, while the cooling is used to instantly seal of the bacteria from receiving too much harmful or useless materials.  These are the few ways/ methods of genetic engineering, which we learned.           

     Genetic Engineering has many advantages, which make it quite a beneficial process to the world.  Genetic Engineering can transfer genes without altering the original cell, which means that you can add new genes without taking out old ones.  Also, the results are instantaneously noticeable in the next generation.  There is no taxonomic limit for the source of the gene, so any gene can take any gene from anywhere.  Entirely new features can be added to a cell, which can change species.  The natural gene is unaltered and new genes are added, making the process quite interesting.           

     The future of biotechnology involves many plants, too.  Biotechnology aims to improve the conditions of plants in our world.  With biotech, we can make the growth rates to match the rising population.  Plants’ color and taste can be altered for any reason.  With the biotechnology, we can create plants immune/ resistant to pathogens that usually prove harmful to them.  This allows more food to be protected from bacterial decay.  With the genetic enhancement, adaptation to environmental pollution is possible, too.  The future of plant growth co-existing with biotechnology is quite a fruitful journey.             

     Genetic Engineering is nowhere near perfection though.  Only a few genes, about one to three, can be transferred and the function of the gene has to be predetermined.  Also, the regeneration of single cells is almost ALWAYS required.  Due to genetic engineering’s recent study, long-term stability and transmission is also no known to the public audience.           

     For genetic engineering to prosper, many things need to be assured.  The safety of genetically engineered materials needs to be guaranteed to be 100% safer, if not, at least safer than the originals.  Also, because of its recent appearance genetic engineering has a lack of trust from the public.  The lack of support from the media and the public activist groups develop an untrusting and anxious audience.  Lastly, there is mistrust in the industries because companies are selling the experiments for money.           

     Though Genetic engineering may not be appealing right now, it will be essential for years to come.  After the years of testing genetically engineered goods/ food products, it may provide the best way for the world to have food rates matching the increasingly growing population. 

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     My experience at Harlem Children Society has been unimaginable due to the immense amount of knowledge I have acquire within a week, as well as the countless number of friendships I have gained and built upon. Although I was excited to go to the University of New Hampshire for eight days, I was truly nervous and scared deep inside. This was due to the fact that this is my first year being a part of Harlem Children Society; therefore the bus ride was quite lonely and boring. However, I knew that I was not going to the University of New Hampshire to play games, but I was going to gain the experience needed to decide upon my future and to acquire what I want to become when I grow up.            

     At the University of New Hampshire, not only did I gain knowledge of plants and biotechnology, but also I was also able to adapt to a change. Meeting new people were less of a worry than being homesick and living away from my family. While staying at a college for only eight days, I have come to thank this experience because I was able to become dependent on myself and not on my family. I had to follow the tight schedule and care for myself with the assistance of the lovely counselors at the University, Hannah and Stephen. Doing laundry, knowing the proper time to go to sleep and behaving in a responsible manner were things I could not have achieved without the experience in New Hampshire.             

     Furthermore, I stepped out of my shell to meet new people, those of whom I had to spend a good amount of time with at the University. Although I was not able to become close friends with everyone there, I was still able to meet people of different backgrounds and accept them for who they are, just like how they accepted me. The environment was a great help because at the dorms, there was a pool table, air hockey station as well as a table tennis area to play games and interact lively with other students. This is how I spent most of my free time in order to be comfortable around all the students there. It isn’t as easy as it sounds, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be either, because everyone was warm and welcoming.           

     Along with new friendships, new schedules, and new meals at the University, there was also a new teacher and learning environment. Being able to work with a professor at a college was an amazing aspect of the entire trip. I enjoyed learning at a college level and I loved using the new materials and technologies. I wanted to stay because it felt great learning about college and having the capability to see how graduate and undergraduate students studied. It gave me a glimpse of myself in the near future, and that helped push me to pursue a professional career as a doctor even more.           

     The entire trip was amazing and it could not have been any better. The food, the people, the university and the teachers were great. I sometimes wished the program could have lasted a whole two weeks, so that we can continue the feeling of maturity. This allows me to look forward to becoming an undergraduate student. The experience was as fun great as you wanted it to be, because the feeling of joy comes from how you want to feel. Personally, I wanted to enjoy the week I stayed in New Hampshire, and I did. I hope other students felt the same way I did about this program. 

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     I sent this a little late but I will also like to re-thank you for
reaccepting me into Harlem children’s society. The New Hampshire trip
was overall a fun and exciting experience. I learned a lot about
plants, gene cloning. I also learned a little about space science,
marines, and I learned a couple of stuff during our visit to mount
Washington. The dorm life was great and refreshing. Hannah and Steve
were very generous and they always looked out for our best interest.
The campus itself was marvelous. I got the chance to meet their
administration officer, which was pretty cool. The food was also
pretty good. I might have gained a couple of weight. I really didn’t
care about the cut on our stipend because the experience was marvelous
and it was a once in a lifetime thing. Thank you for this opportunity.
I am look forward to doing something similar to this with the same
group of peoples in the following year. The New Hampshire campus was marvelous. The boat cruise was also amazing. It was the first time that I have ever seen a whale. It was also the first time I have been on a boat. The funniest part was the part when people was getting see sick. Never seen so much sick people in my life. We were in the sea for about three hours. The work and schedule was tough and exhausting. The work made me feel like a real college student. I also developed a better sense of note taking. The most memorable part was the friends that I made on the first day. Some of these kids are in different groups from me; therefore this was my first time meeting them. We all got along on the first day. We all helped each other and lived with each other for eight day without fighting or arguing. We lived like a peaceful family. New Hampshire was a good opportunity for us to meet each other and interact. Dr. Minocha and his wife were truly kind to us and they explained everything thoroughly to us. The New Hampshire experience was overall a marvelous experience 

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     First of all, I would like to introduce myself, I am Jasson Carcache. This is my first year at Harlem Children Society and would like to let you guys (all the staff of HCS [The Family]) that it's a great experience been part of this program.                       

     At first I would like to thank Dr. Satyajit Bhattacharya, and the staff of Harlem Children Society, for making this event of life long experiences possible. This has been a wonderful experience wrap with a “bunch” of educational, colorful, full of enjoyment, and most of all great hands-on Laboratory exploration!                         

     Yes, I admitted, at first I was really skeptical about joining or been part of this trip to The University of New Hampshire, first I've never been out of my house, especially to relived my life without my parents after 8 years without them, it was really hard for me to make a decision, but at least it was only one week, after all I was able to handle 8 years so why not 1 week. But I decided to take the challenge, and be part of this group and I set foot on the “journey” to a new place where I now rethink all that decision making and I don't regret going to this new place and been able to meet new people new friends. WOW!                       

     I am really thankful with you Dr. Satyajit Bhattacharya, for making this trip possible. I really learn “a lot”. And while in our way to New Hampshire I told that by the means of this trip I was hoping to learn much more that what I do, therefore I really reach my goal, this trip open the doors of different fields in science, fields unknown to me, fields that I had ever hear about. And learning how to clone a tobacco plant is really exiting and really a new thing I never though of doing in my life!                       

     The schedule was full of exiting things to do, for instance another field of science that really caught my attention was Nanotechnology it was very impressive and really “cool” How human can create thing nearly visible without the help of a microscope, but that is the beauty of human will, we can do things that are unbelievable even to us, the ones that create so many thing, but is also the beauty of us humans that sometimes we can reach our goals and go beyond, hey, remember that the sky is our limit, so why not take an advantage of it!                         

     Genome sequencing was another exiting thing we did, it was awesome! Everything about it caught my attention, all that had to do with genes get me really exited and after all it there, all our “information”, slight changes can cause great changes. Take for example, how we can figure out just with a piece of it gene sequence, what is the animal, or any mutations. Also the GFP project we did with the bacteria E. Coli was really exiting and interesting too.                       

     Finally watching a chromosome for the first time was a very, very exiting moment, I believe everyone really enjoyed this moment it was like everyone was waiting to see light after days in a dungeon, it was really great, and sweet and awesome moment that I can't explain!                       

     Also how can I forget the entertaining moments like going to “HILL TOP NETERTAINING CENTER” and for my first time be able to play golf or enjoy going on “GO CARTS” and letting all the stress out after writing our essays at night. Also Going “WHALKE WATCHING” was another great moment, to be honest I have never been in something like that, specially seeing a whale, and sharks with my own eyes it was really interesting. Yes, I got sea sick but lets put that aside it was only for a moment I really put that away and enjoy the rest of the trip. Well yeah I got sun burnt, and sea sick, but it was worth it. And finally on Sunday we went to Mt. Washington, it was really chilly out there, and a great view of New Hampshire. I was able to take great pictures and learn a lot about the mountain. ALSO GOING TO THE DAIRY FARM OF THE UNH CAMPUS WAS REALLY EXITING BEEING ABLE TO SEE HORSES AND COWS. WOW, THANKS!!!                          

Behalf all the student I would once again like to thank you for this great week of life long experiences that I believe everyone enjoyed, yes many felt home sick, I personally did the hold 8 days, however that was not an obstacle for any of us to enjoy the moments that we all lived there. OH and how to forget, thanks for letting us have a brief taste of living a week in a College Campus without even being in college! And I will never forget this moment in my life, that fate has brought me. These moments are written on My Book of Life, and most of all my heart. There are no words that can explain how thankful I feel with you and all the staff and Professor Subhash Minocha! Thank You 

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Dear Dr. Sat,     

     The New Hampshire trip was the best. I had so much fun. My friends from my school and I met a lot of new people. The two dorm constructors (Steve and Hanna) were the nicest people ever. We played pool tournaments and had a lot of ice cream.      Dr. Minocha was a great mentor, and a very nice one too. The part when we cloned plants was very easy but exciting to see them grow over the days. I tried to keep the plant from dieing after the trip but I didn’t succeed. I even put the plants under my lamp but some sort of whit stuff started to grow. It looks like a disease or something so I stopped. Another fun experiment is when we did the gene transfer into bacteria. Even the work was fun. To feel like a scientist in the lab was very intense and fun. That was the first time I’ve ever saw bacteria in person. I know that it’s all over but the way it multiplies is very cool to see.       The University of New Hampshire trip also made me change my major in college. The space science was very informal. Astronomy is my favorite subject even thou I don’t have it at my school. The rocket power point and the power point about weather in space are what really got me. And also to see different pictures of the sun in UV was very stimulating.      

     Also what was exciting was to see the presentation about the whales and ocean creatures. When the presenter took out the turtle it was huge. It made a lot of noise with the box it was in. It looked real strong, but the presenter said that its jaw could rip a humans arm in half. The whale trip wasn’t all so well. The whales to see were exciting. That’s another first timer. I never saw whales that close before. I was hoping one of them would jump up but they only showed us there back. I’ve already seen how big their tongues are; imagine their bodies. But the people vomiting all over the place really wasn’t a site I would want to see again. They should have warned us on how long we would be sailing. Even students from our program were sick. Luckily the girl next to me didn’t throw up. I can’t take that smell.     

     Our last trip on the train to Mount. Washington was very fun as well. The ride to the top of the mountain was very long. There was this steep slope called “ J. ladder”. It was very deep and we even saw people walking on it climbing it.  We took a lot of picture my new friend and me when we got to the top. They’re the coolest, and the weather was cold as well. A lot of people were freezing. I even wore two jackets. Like I said this trip was fun but the only down fall was that it was to short. Could have made it 2 weeks. LOL! 

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Shante Fife HCS Class of 2008

    Dear Dr. Sat, First of all I would like to thank you for allowing me to experience something new, which was to travel all the way to New Hampshire, study biotechnology and nanotechnology and see what it was like to be away from home and be in a college campus?           

    My experience in New Hampshire was good. I got to see what college felt like. I had to wake up every day at 6:30am to prepare myself for the day. We had to be at lectures in the morning at 8:30am. One thing I liked about this was that it showed me how to be responsible for waking myself up and it was kind of fun because I had to wake up my roommate I got to hit him with pillows and get lots of laughs. Another thing I liked about it was that I got the chance to show people that I was serious about my work and knew what had to be done.           

     I enjoyed the three times a day, daily meals also it was like standing in a buffet line and not knowing what to get. I also enjoyed the lounge in our dorms. After work we all had a play to hang out, play some games, such as paddleball, pool, air hockey and TV. It was like a relaxing area.           

     Some things I didn't like about the New Hampshire experience was that during the time we were over there it rained daily and on one of the days there was a tornado warning. Basically I just didn't like the weather, other than that the experience in New Hampshire was great. Also I got seasick so the boat trip wasn't really good for me.           

     While I was in New Hampshire I learned about biotechnology, DNA and nanotechnology. On the final day we were told to continue our research project in New York. Right now I'm doing my research on Plant biotechnology and nanotechnology. Once again I would like to thank you for allowing me to experience this. Dr sat, Take care, see you around  

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