Tami West
Gallatin High School
Biology I & II Teacher

Dr. Anita Mahadaven-Jansen – Optics Lab

I spent the first week learning basic optical properties by performing a series of undergraduate experiments.  I was not assigned a project, so I asked for one.  The goal of the assigned project was to measure changes in tissue molecules in mesenchymal stem cells over a two week period using Raman Spectroscopy.  I read many articles on stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and Raman Spectroscopy.  I learned how to use the Raman/Confocal microscope and visited the stem cell lab.  Unfortunately, the stem cells were not ready when we needed them and the project never came to be.  I did, however, learn a great deal during my time in the lab:

• Observed rat surgeries and learned about Deep Brain Stimulation

• Performed Raman Spectroscopy

•  Performed confocal Microscopy

• Observed “glowing” transgenic mice w/gene for luciferase production; used to study diabetes

• Assisted in experiment using glycerol to make mouse skin transparent

After learning basic optics, I decided to use a pulse oximeter to teach cellular respiration.  Although my focus will be on the biology of respiration, students will also learn how wavelengths of light are used to measure oxygen saturation of arterial blood.  Most students have little understanding that arterial and venous blood are different colors due to wavelengths of light.  My grand challenge will involve changes in oxygen levels at altitude using Mt. Everest.  My challenges will be (1) Why is oxygen necessary for life?  (2) What happens to oxygen levels at altitude? And (3) What are the effects of the change in oxygen at altitude?  I will use the video “Everest: The Death Zone” during the entire challenge.  Students will use pulse oximeters to measure their own oxygen saturations as we learn respiration.