HELLO.
Meet me, Avalon Surratt.
WHO AM I?
I am a scientist. A scientist whose elementary question was: how do plants live without a brain? Since childhood I have researched this phenomenon. Thus, my life experience equates to countless STEM skills, increasing determination, and of course, more questions.
REJUVENATION
EVEN THE HUMMINGBIRD
pauses its famous fluttering to rejuvenate. Making an effort to remember this can be challenging for me, since I enjoy packing my daily schedule with as many activities (and therefore responsibilities) as possible. Pausing to reflect on how I feel and partaking in passions I still enjoy but do not prioritize is an important part of the balance, though. Thus, I try to bring a sense of freshness into my routine.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
is one of the main methods I use to engage in the present moment and refresh my mindset. Focusing on the flora engages my five senses and creates a new association with plants that I would typically examine on a microscopic scale. I still remain engaged in the details, though, which provides an escape to an artist’s mindset.
LABORATORY SKILLS
GENOME SEQUENCING
I was one of the first (my BIO 210L classmates completed this lab concurrently) to sequence the genome of Poeciliopsis monacha, a freshwater fish found in the Sonoran desert. P. monacha was sequenced because of its contributions to conserved collinearity of homologous developmental genes and adult anatomical regions via early developmental expression and genome duplication. NCBI Blast was used after the genome residue was acquired for comparison to other fish: the Indian glassy, Monterrey platyfish, and Amazon molly.
EFP
I have extracted samples of muscle from sanddab, salmon, tilapia, sardine, and squid to apply Myosin Actin Standards of each to the electrophoresis gel. I composed and analyzed a Cartesian graph and a Semi-Log graph depicting the Kaleidoscope Standard (kDa) migration against the molecular weights (mm) to allow comparison of Myosin Actin Standards across squid and several species of fish.
TITRATION
I diluted my own stock solutions, which consisted of typical bases and acids such as sodium bicarbonate and hydrochloric acid. The computer software Logger Pro was used to record concentrations as points on a graph as well as Excel to label the axes of the graphs. I was able to evaluate the slope of the graphs and what the equivalent point/points were and determine from this information the name of the analyte. I calculated the analyte concentration as well; determining the analyte concentration is the general purpose of titration.
PCR
I utilized polymerase chain reactions to detect the presence (+) or absence (-) of the Alu transposable element in three ( +/+, +/-, and -/-) possible genotypes for PV92. I successfully carried out the three major steps of PCR: denaturation, annealing, and extension. Denaturation consists of heat shocking the double-stranded DNA so it begins to separate into single strands. In annealing, the two strands cool down, allowing artificial primers to move along and attach hydrogen bonds to the ends of the targeted sequence. Lastly, in extension, DNA polymerase attaches nucleotides to the end of each primer with the use of Taq polymerase.
GFP
I transformed model organism E. coli with a pGLO plasmid vector to demonstrate how gene transformation occurs and how the transformation can be measured. Green florescent protein (GFP) was purified via hydrophobic interaction chromatography after transforming the E. Coli. I can repeat this same process of transformation for medical or agricultural purposes.
PROTEIN ASSAY
I have been able to determine what was an unknown concentration of protein content in nonfat milk using Bradford Protein Assay with calculations and a standard curve. I used egg albumin to find the extinction coefficient of the unknown concentration by doing my own dilutions until the milk concentration was in range with the standard curve of egg albumin. I worked with a graduated pipette to add Bradford reagent to the dilutions so absorbances could be measured with a Spectrophotometer 20. I composed a standard curve and recorded the egg albumin curve as the y-value and used to calculate x, the unknown concentration of protein in the milk.
DNA ISOLATION
coming soon
CULTURING
coming soon
AMBITION
MY BEST
My great ambition is one of my most notable traits according to friends, family, coworkers, and teachers. Combining my strengths to follow through on what I have set out to accomplish is one of the reasons I am not afraid to dream big. The stunning green from a successful titration represents how my persistence and patience lead to me obtaining what I seek.
GROWTH
Once I have met one goal, my ambition does not die. In fact, when I move from one goal to the next, my ambition grows. I do this by not focusing on the failure mixed in with success but by asking myself what I enjoyed most in my pursuit of fulfillment. I have learned from my previous stepping stone what I can accomplish in a set amount of time and what I am going to gradually improve on.
INNOVATION
Instinctively, I search for solutions. Sometimes there is not anything prominently wrong. For example, the melty chocolate chip cookies at my university dining commons are considered especially tasty. The soft serve ice cream machine is also coveted for its sweet, cold and creamy creations. Yet as my gaze fell on these two items at the dessert bar, I dreamt up a bold new solution that could satisfy my craving. I was surprised I had never seen someone at school try this creation- the delectable ice cream sandwich- before.
New combinations are just one way I create something unique. The key I use to open the doors to something completely original is innovation. When I founded Swingin’ Otters (see Leadership tab) I gave myself the freedom to establish the mannerisms of the club. The COVID19 pandemic requires more digital learning and part of my adaptation includes innovating. I brought elements unique to the digital world to the forefront so each event is innovated in the best way possible.