Biomedical Alchemy: Transforming Science into Code
Oct 26, 2023
Embarking on the journey from a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science to mastering Bioinformatics through my MSc. marks a transition laden with new skills and stark cultural shifts between dry and wet lab research. In this post, I'll share reflections and insights gained during this academic odyssey, exploring the dance between biological experimentation and computational analysis.
Wet Lab Wonderland
In the early chapters of my academic career, the wet lab was my sanctuary. The hum of centrifuges, the scent of agarose gels, and meticulous pipetting rituals framed my biomedical science explorations—where success and failure were measured in tangible outcomes like gel electrophoresis bands and PCR curves.
Transitioning to bioinformatics, I reflected on the tangible nature of wet lab work. The joy of visible results, the thrill of troubleshooting, and camaraderie among lab mates added a rich, tangible layer to my journey. However, it occurs to me that wet lab research was overly time consuming, not to mention how much time I spent just on troubleshooting.
Stepping into Coding World
Enter bioinformatics—a realm where the experiments are virtual, and the data, vast and uncharted. Coding became my compass, and algorithms, my guides. The transition from pipetting to programming was not just a shift in technique; it was a cultural leap into the abstract and algorithmic world of dry lab research.
In the dry lab, the thrill lies in unraveling the mysteries hidden within the data. The satisfaction of troubleshooting code, the beauty of crafting algorithms, and the solitary nature of coding sessions presented a stark contrast to the collaborative and interactive nature of wet lab work. I found myself marveling at the power of computational tools to unveil patterns and insights beyond the reach of traditional experimentation.
But do I have to make a choice between them?
That's definitely out of the question.
As I straddle the worlds of wet and dry lab research, I've come to appreciate the symbiosis between experimentation and computation. The interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics has opened my eyes to the immense potential that arises when diverse perspectives converge. It's not a question of choosing between wet and dry lab; it's about embracing the complementary strengths of both.
The Journey Continues
This convergence of wet and dry lab cultures is not merely a scientific intersection but a meeting of emotions. Here, the palpable joy of witnessing results in the wet lab intertwines with the abstract beauty of unraveling computational insights.
Cultural differences, rather than being obstacles, transform into bridges, guiding me toward a profound emotional understanding of the intricate dance between biology and technology. As I navigate this dynamic terrain, my heart brims with anticipation, eager for the discoveries that lie ahead at the intersection of wet and dry labs. This journey paints a narrative that resonates with the profound emotional depth of scientific exploration