Let's Talk About It -- Week 6

Week 6 continued similarly to week 5. In the CHILLL lab, I met with Dr. Gray to discuss the lab's progress and signed up to RA further assessments over the weekend.

Tuesday and Thursday I spent most of my time in the SLG lab. Finally we were nearing the final pieces of our data analysis, which meant more spreadsheets. Karishma and I compiled a list of all genes thought to affect either speech and language or memory. We created a document with the gene names and the chromosomal regions they supposedly affect. Next, with a file so big Dr. Peter’s Mac couldn’t open it, we checked these specified regions against the information from our test subjects for possible point mutations. Next week we will try to narrow now specific genes/chromosomal regions that seem to affect only the children with low working memory scores, dyslexia, or speech impairment. 

Here is the desk I work at in Dr. Peter's lab, complete with three separate spreadsheets open on the computer. 

Though not much changed this week, I'm looking forward to finding and analyzing results from both labs in the weeks to come!

Let's Talk About It -- Week 5

As this week was ASU's spring break, I couldn't work in the SLG or CHILLL labs. However, I did have the computer at home, which weighs about half as much as I do and took up much of our dining room.

The keyboard and game lockbox 

(which contains all patient information as well

 as tape and touch screen wipes and 

other necessities) on my dining room table

Finally I could work on my skills as an RA by testing my siblings at home. My 15 year old sister's working memory was nearly impeccable, but with my brother...

My somewhat stressed brother playing the POWWER video game

...not so much. Still, between the two of them I was able to administer the tests for all "islands" and by Saturday felt prepared to enter the field!

My first true test occurred at Chandler sunset library. I drove the computer there, set up, and tested the first sixth grade student. He was surprisingly excited, even for the repetitive tasks. When learning the names of the monsters, he would repeat the nonsense syllables out loud, during the difficult tasks he kept assuring me he'd eventually get it, and at the end of the session, he exclaimed that the POWWER video game was "super cool!"

If only I had so much energy in sixth grade...

My preparation paid off, and my first experience as an RA was exciting.  Now I'm confident that I could administer the tests without any of the other researchers watching over me. I'm able to set up and pack up the monstrous computer, start and record the game, and even, with enviable speed, deliver to snotty children. Saturday was a success. 

Next week, ASU's classes will be back in session (meaning the buses will run again and I won't have to drive as far), and my own in the SLG and CHILLL labs will continue!

Let's Talk About It -- Week 4

Week 4 continued on a similar note. Tuesday in the CHILLL lab, I finished testing myself on the POWWER game and learned how to pack up the computer cases. Finally I can practice supervising while a student takes the tests! This week, I practiced on my 15 year old sister, Jessica, who like me was a bit patronized by the pirate at first but later found the competitive nature of the game somewhat entertaining. This weekend I plan to finish my trial run with Jessica and report back to the lab.

The SLG lab too was a bit slower this week. I could only work thursday, but Karishma and I searched through detailed spreadsheets which listed all the genes found in each patient. We flagged specific genes known in previous studies to affect speech, language, and memory for further examination. Likely, we will finish this work next week.

Later this week I will attach pictures of the computer I had to bring home from the CHILLL lab. The case and computer together weight 50 pounds and would be quite a struggle to take on the bus! Until then...