After 7 months, we have made it back into the lab! A few weeks ago, our team was able to visit the pier and deploy a new set of samples into the water. We all were outfitted with masks and were able to social distance, both important in these uncertain times. The deployment itself was different, as we usually have a whole college-level biology class observing. We are so excited to finally resume the research we have been waiting to get back to.
Currently, in the lab, we are planning and preparing to analyze our new data set that will be collected at the end of the month. In a way, it feels like starting new, as some of our research was destroyed when laboratories were shut down. This upcoming deployment will include high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and a new addition will be a glass sample. Can anyone guess why?
The toughest part of being out of the lab for such a long period of time is readjusting to the workflow. Many of us are creatures of habit and returning to a new workspace involves adjusting and making sure everything still works like before. A test run was completed, and we are ready to intake new samples from the next sample collection.
