I created a cell line for research - is this unique?

[Snuke]

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While working in a lab in London at Kings College, I was able to create and name a cell line (from brain tumour cells) for research in cellular respiration. The researcher uses my cells, along with others that he and his doctorate students created in developing ways to treat Parkinson's.

Is this unique? Is it something I should mention in my secondaries/meaningful experiences? or is it something that is more or less expected for research students to have done? Is it important or just a 'parlor trick?"

I personally think it's awesome, but I thought the handprint I did for my mom when I was five was awesome then too.

Thanks!

 

[NickNaylor]

Just mention it in the description of your activity as something that you did. I mean it's unique - how many people make and name cell lines? - but whether or not it's all that important is up for debate.

 

[Snuke]

I guess that's my point...how many people do this? I don't attend a research heavy undergrad, so no one there has done it, but then, there's a lot of things that people here have done that no one at my undergrad has even thought of.

 

[kami333]

Congrats🙂

I'd mention it as a part of the description summary but it isn't that special. Yes it's important, but important like having proper reagents is important, unless you came up with a completely novel method for culturing and isolating the cells (as in no one had ever successfully cultured that cell type before).

 

[tabascosauce]

sounds interesting dude!

how does one go about creating a cell line?

 

[Snuke]

I thought I'd lost the whole line at one point, and then it came roaring back. According to the professor, the line is now taking on some unique characteristics and he's excited about working on it.

The lab people warned me that I'd grow attached to it, and I did. I write the professor every so often to ask how my baby is doing.

 

[osumc2014]

I thought I'd lost the whole line at one point, and then it came roaring back. According to the professor, the line is now taking on some unique characteristics and he's excited about working on it.

The lab people warned me that I'd grow attached to it, and I did. I write the professor every so often to ask how my baby is doing.

kind of odd? sounds interesting, it is pretty unique, but more important is did you get a paper out of it?

 

[Snuke]

I got a secondary author on two papers and I will also get credit for a 3 hour lab at my home university, after I write up my experiences.

 

[LizzyM]

This is cool! Ten years in the biz and I can't ever recall anyone having such an experience on their application. Be proud! (Be humble, too, but be proud.)

 

[Kaustikos]

sounds interesting dude!

how does one go about creating a cell line?

Same way you go about creating Mouse expressing specific markers/disease specific mice. Not EXACTLY, but along the same principle. I'm not saying it's easy, either. Props, OP. I'd just put it on your Activies/Resume section (whatever it's called).

 

[raltima07]

This is cool! Ten years in the biz and I can't ever recall anyone having such an experience on their application. Be proud! (Be humble, too, but be proud.)

Hmm...Just found a new EC!


/I am just kidding home fires and shakes - if you read this you are very smart and can discern between very small diff...I don't even know what I am saying, but thats life huh. Sorry, going crazy, MCAT tomorrow

 

[cheesier]

I guess that's my point...how many people do this? I don't attend a research heavy undergrad, so no one there has done it, but then, there's a lot of things that people here have done that no one at my undergrad has even thought of.

lol, come on, you know the answer to this question. 🙄

 

[NewYorker9]

I do research with cell lines and I personally find this to be pretty cool, if I had this I would definitely include it as part of the description of my research experience, having it as a meaningful experience is your own subjective call. If nothing else, this could be a talking point during your interviews!

 

[Blowflu]

First of all, major props for creating a cell line from brain tumor cells! I work in a Cancer research lab, and creating cell lines is part of my job. Believe me, just creating one is an accomplishment.

As far as how this helps your bid for medical school, it could help a little or a lot. Check sites like ATCC for cell lines like yours, and with luck, you may have something significant (as long as there aren't 20 other cell lines out there of the same tissue type). Having publications with your cell line really helps too. I'd mention the fact that you made the cell line along with the relevant research. Having something like this will definatly help you stand out, good luck!

 

[mcgyver]

Yes you should include it!!! It's not easy to make cell lines (I did 1). Many ppl will have research experiences. But to distinguish yourself from ppl who just made buffers all day you have to mention it!!!!

 

[Snuke]

lol, come on, you know the answer to this question. 🙄

no, I really, really didn't know. Like I said, at my undergrad, other pre-meds think doing anything beyond the basics of shadowing is pretty exotic, so i have nothing to compare this to.

Thanks for the input. I will be proud, but humble. it's a great EC, but it's just an EC and there are probably 10 other things more important I have to make sure I get right.

 

[Snuke]

This is cool! Ten years in the biz and I can't ever recall anyone having such an experience on their application. Be proud! (Be humble, too, but be proud.)

Thank you for your input. I value your opinion. And yes, proud and humble. proud and humble...got it.