Profile
Charlene Rodriguez
Scientist ID
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Type of scientist:
Microbiologist
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Degree(s) and where you obtained them:
Final year Microbiology student at NUI Galway
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Qualifications:
Nearly finished my degree in BSc General Science NUIG
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Research/Work History:
Volunteer Coordinator – Cell EXPLORERS
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Current Job:
I'm still a student right now
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Employer/Lab group:
Still a student at NUI Galway, but current I’m the volunteer coordinator at Cell EXPLORERS
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CE team:
NUI Galway
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Volunteering since…
2017
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Favourite thing about being a Cell EXPLORER volunteer:
interacting with different students in schools and meeting other volunteers
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My best tip for extracting DNA:
Patience is important! If you need help, always ask
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Favourite thing to do in science: Learning about new discoveries in the scientific world
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About Me: I’m a final year microbiology student who loves learning new crafts and watching anime
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Read more
I was born in the Philippines and now live in Donegal. I love music and art and like to combine them with my science projects. I like to dance when I’m in a good mood and I’m learning how to rollerskate! I have been volunteering with Cell EXPLORERS since my first year of university and I’m enjoying every moment of it
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My Course/Research/Work: I am a general science student that will be focusing on microbiology for my final year!
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I study General Science in NUIG. My course is 4 years long and you get to choose your final pathway in your final year. I will be studying microbiology- this is the study of microorganisms. For my final year project I will be dealing with data science and writing essays
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My Typical Day: Learning new skills and creating solutions!
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I wake up early in the morning and do some stretches. I grab some breakfast and head into campus for my first lecture (usually 9am or 12pm). I take part in lab works 2-3 times a week and work in teams. Our labs reflect what we had studied in our lectures during the week e.g. water quality or the best nutrients to grow a microorganism. After a busy day, I meet up with my friends and we watch anime or other films together. I like listening to music on my journey home. One of my favourite things to do is play video games. My favourite game to play at the moment is Stardew Valley. In September I will be starting my final year project! Due to COVID-19, this means that the project will be done online, gathering data and presenting it to others.
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Why did you decide to study science/become a scientist?:
I wanted to become a scientist as I was very curious about the world around me. My mother is a nurse and growing up, I would flick though some of her books and stare in amazement at the close up images of different cells. There was something fascinating to me about looking at the tiniest living things and wonder how they come to be
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What part of your own life experience gives you a unique view on your science work?:
Growing up, I would help my younger brothers with their homework after school. I would break down the information into bite size pieces and explain it using pictures. This has helped me with a becoming a scientist now as I can think of how to present experiments to younger scientists such as yourselves!
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Name 1 thing you struggled with in science and how you overcame it.:
Learning big bulky texts used to frustrate me as I found it hard to retain the information. With the help of study groups and online resources such as Khan Academy, I have become better at processing information
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Quickfire Q/A questions
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State 1 part of your job that requires creativity
Thinking “outside the box” when an experiment goes wrong- how to get the best result with the items you have
Give 1 example of how a hobby/personal interest relates to science
I enjoy baking in my spare time! Measuring out ingredients and being safe in the kitchen also applies working in the lab
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Short, smiley, kind
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Hozier
What's your favourite food?
Adobo (it’s a Filpino dish made with chicken and soy sauce)
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Become an activity leader in Edinburgh, giving city tours for a language school
What did you want to be after you left school?
I loved art and science growing up. I wanted to be able to be in a job that allowed me to use both of those talents and now im a scientist!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Not at all! I was a quiet child in school and followed the rules
What was your favourite subject at school?
Primary school – art, Secondary school- Science
What's the best thing you've done as a scientist?
Doing research topics on very small organisms such as e.coli
What part(s) of your job makes you happy?
Knowing that that you’re doing is going to make a difference to someone’s life- that’s pretty cool
What or who inspired you to become a scientist?
Seeing different scientists on TV using fancy equipment like microscopes
If you weren't a scientist, what would you be?
A teacher or artist perhaps
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To not always be so critical of myself when things go wrong. Be surrounded by loving friends and family. Finish getting my drivers license!!!
Tell us a joke.
Why did the germ cross the microscope? To get to the other slide!
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My profile link:
https://cellexplorers.imascientist.ie/profile/charlenerodriguez/
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