Researchers at the Animal Biotechnology Laboratory hosts the Virtual Orientation of BS ABT Research Interns

Animal Biotechnology Laboratory (ABL) welcomed its research interns for the Mid-year last July 5.

Eight students enrolled in BS Agricultural Biotechnology (ABT) major in Animal Biotechnology at IAS signed up for virtual research internship at ABL from July 5 to August 20.

To learn practical application of theoretical knowledge under enacted work environment, student interns attended a virtual orientation organized by Lab-in-Charge Joy B. Banayo and ABL researcher Katrina U. Aquino as part of the internship program.

The virtual orientation included setting of house rules on online etiquette, presentation of ABL’s organizational structure, and overview of ongoing externally funded research projects. The interns also had the chance to interact with junior researchers working at ABL.

The organizers presented a set of Audio Visual Presentations (AVP) to simulate implementation of Laboratory Safety Protocols, ABL virtual tour, refilling of consumables, autoclaving, and logbook recording. AVP on Laboratory Safety Protocols provided the students with do’s and don’ts of working in a research laboratory, proper dress code, and prevention of accidents, injuries, and damage to instruments. Meanwhile, ABL virtual tour introduced the facility’s physical layout, instruments available, and overview of the molecular analysis workflow. The recordings are currently available for online streaming exclusive to ABL students and their advisers.

Despite the pandemic, research apprenticeships are opportunities to establish institutional linkages. Through the said program, ABT faculty and researchers hoped that students will work diligently on their virtual internship and will develop the life skills of creativity and innovation during these challenging times.

ABL is a research and teaching laboratory at IAS for molecular biotechnology headed by Dr. Consuelo Amor S. Estrella, Faculty-in-Charge. ABT advisers also include Dr. Veneranda A. Magpantay, Dr. Estrella, Dr. Agapita J. Salces, Dr. Jay Ronel V. Conejos, and Asst. Prof. Jorge Michael D. Dominguez.

With contribution from JB Banayo