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Junior’s Summer Internship Leads to DNA Sequence Publication

Junior Varun Sikand of Colts Neck participated in a unique research internship studying DNA sequences at Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute this past summer. The results of his research have been published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) GenBank, and he is on his way to growing a name for himself among genomic experts.
 
The Waksman Institute Summer Scholars program provides opportunities for high school students and their teachers to conduct authentic research in molecular biology and bioinformatics and to publish their findings. Only 35 students were selected to participate in the 2016 program from the tri-state area.

Varun and other students had to isolate and sequence genes from a cDNA library (a collection of mRNAs copied into DNAs). These particular sequences had not been determined previously. All four of Sikand’s sequence analyses were published in GenBank, the NCBI’s international repository of all known DNA sequences, for other scientists to study.

“This amazing program gave me first-hand experience in working in a college laboratory where I learned various techniques which allowed me to isolate unique fragments of DNA,” said Varun of his summer experience. “These techniques included plasmid DNA purification using DNA mini-prep, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), restriction enzyme digests and gel electrophoresis.”

Sikand’s project focused on the isolation, characterization, and DNA sequence analysis of genes from the duckweed Landoltia punctata. After successfully isolating the DNA fragment, he was able to analyze the sequences using lab protocols and bioinformatics tools (many of which are taught at the graduate level) and then confirm that his findings were not similar to previously published materials. He was one of only a few students who had all four of their sequences published in the database.
 
“After completing this program, I have a greater appreciation and understanding of the multiple steps and resources, along with scientific partnership, involved in molecular and genetic research,” added Varun. “I not only created new friendships with amazing students from different schools, I appreciated how collaborative team work is so vital to scientific advancement.”
 
Varun has been interested in scientific research since his Lower School years at Ranney and as a member of the Middle School Science Olympiad team. “I was fortunate to have Mr. Allen as my Science Olympiad mentor who is sincerely committed to enhancing our scientific knowledge. To this day, Mr. Allen continues to inspire and solidify my passion for genetics. In Upper School,  I have been under the guidance of my knowledgeable and amazing AP chemistry teacher, Dr. Distefano, a passionate scientist who has taught me to maximize my potential and  to think ‘out of the box’ with scientific reasoning… I am fortunate to have science faculty that are enthusiastic about their field and who continue to selflessly inspire their students.”

The photos herein show Varun’s PCR reactions on an agarose gel (edited versions); restricted digest results; and agarose gel in the PCR.

View Varun's published works at: W15VS1.16, W15VS2.16, W15VS3.16, W15VS4.16
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