Unveiling the Chemistry Lab: Lab Life and Apramycin Adventures at UGA Athens

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Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, back in the realm of carbohydrate chemistry after years, embarking on a mission to synthesize an Apramycin derivative. Apramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, wields bactericidal power against many gram-negative bacteria and have a unique bicyclic sugar moiety and a monosubstituted deoxystreptamine.

The organic chemistry laboratory at the University of Georgia Athens is a haven of cutting-edge equipment. Top science demands top-notch tools, and this lab is no exception. Glass plates rule the realm of routine TLCs, offering better elution than their aluminum counterparts. The chromatography purification is guided not just by TLC but also by mass spectrometry, and even test tubes are disposable to save both money and time.

 

Among this scientific haven, colleagues are a source of motivation, tirelessly engaged in their work. The cozy meeting room avoids PowerPoint for good old-fashioned board discussions. Pen and "paper" take precedence, a sign to the timeless tradition of creative thought.

 

Adaptation, a challenge I initially feared, has transformed into a pleasant surprise. In this laboratory, where sharing is the norm, a sense of friendship prevails. The initial fear of letting go of my personal stash, a practice I'm accustomed to in Portugal to prevent contaminations, fades away in an environment where cleanliness and respect for each other's work are paramount.

 

Here, group dynamics thrive, the atmosphere is friendly, and every tool required for the research journey is at my fingertips. The once-feared transition from a privileged "bourgeoisie" to a collaborative community becomes a story of newfound enjoyment in sharing, learning, and thriving together.

 

As I navigate these laboratory waters, I'm reminded that the essence of research lies not just in the pursuit of knowledge but in the shared journey, the collective growth. In this combination of experiences, I find joy in the collaborative dance of science, where every step forward is a step taken together.

 

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson




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