> Thomas Batchelor
I am currently in my final year of undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology at the University of Central Florida. My passion for biotechnology began junior year of highschool in which I was concurrently working on my Associate of Arts degree at the local community college. It was there that I took Methods in Biotechnology and my passion for the field flourished. Since then I have continued to pursue this field as an academic and hobbyist.
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After taking all of the biotechnology courses the college had to offer my eagerness to learn only grew. I began scavenging for used lab equipment on government auction websites and Ebay. Over time my homemade lab began to grow and has now reached a point where I have the ability to complete nearly every basic molecular biology technique necessary for my projects on a college student budget.
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This work has led me to have experience with numerous techniques including but not limited to: solution chemistry, recombinant DNA technology, various culturing techniques, DNA/RNA/Protein expression and purification, PAGE-SDS, gel electrophoresis, experimental design, professional documentation, primer design, PCR, spectrophotometry, aseptic technique, and more.
This hobby experience landed me an internship at the Kennedy Space Center's Space Life Science lab doing astrobiology research studying the interactive biocidal effects of four space conditions including: vacuum, solar heating, solar UV irradiation, and ionizing radiation on three different species of Bacillus. This internship provided me with professional laboratory experience that has greatly increased my understanding of conducting publishable research.
I am now in a transition from a hobbyist to an independent researcher. I am currently developing and conducting preliminary projects in the field of gene editing and monoclonal antibody therapies. I am incessantly working towards the goal of mastering my knowledge of these cutting edge technologies in order to begin making a significant impact in the field of medical research.
Following graduation I intend to pursue a PhD in the field of molecular biology. Visit the contact page for any questions or inquiries!
-Thomas Batchelor