After working in a molecular biology laboratory for Dr. Jennifer Parke's laboratory in Crop and Soil Science at OSU, Chris decided he wanted to try the private sector. He landed a paid internship with Invitrogen/Molecular Probes based on the techniques he had gained during his undergraduate research. The summer internship in the research and development facility in Eugene helped him learn a variety of flow cytometry techniques which he used to develop two new patented products including a fluorescing dye which can label dead cells without interfering with other dyes. The internship went so well that he began work for Invitrogen following graduation. Chris had the following to say about his undergraduate research and internship experiences:
"My education at Oregon State gave me the knowledge I need to be successful in my career as a scientist, but the experiences I had outside the classroom as an intern and an undergraduate researcher really helped to refine my career path and find a great job after college. Working in a research lab on campus allowed me to work side-by-side with professors and graduate students, applying my classroom knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems. Doing a summer internship at Invitrogen (a large, public biotechnology company) gave me a taste of life in the industrial side of science. There are so many exciting opportunities available on campus and in the community for students to expand their skills. I really encourage students to look for ways to expand their learning by working or volunteering part-time during school. It adds an entire new dimension to your education."
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