In Which the Author Struggles with the HPLC

For those of you new to this blog, I am still an undergrad. And right about now in the semester, a very tired, cranky undergrad. 

Working seven jobs, two volunteer positions, studying for 16 units, researching and applying for grad school all at the same time will do that to a person. 

I know I can get through this because I'm actually doing fairly well in keeping up with everything and doing well in my classes (I have two A's and one B+ right now. The other two classes are pretty much guaranteed A's as long as I keep going.)  

I took the GRE subject test yesterday and I have no idea how I did. I skipped 12 questions, so I won't get the perfect score, but I wasn't going for that anyway. Having not taken quantum or inorganic chem yet, I studied for those by myself this semester.  The only question I remember from the test was determining the relationship between Cp and Cv (Cp-Cv = nR). Having gone over the derivation at least three times last fall, I knew I would get that one right. 

Research is...a struggle. The HPLC, that wonderful experiment that I was so excited to learn about, has now taken most of my time this semester. I still can't get the diastereomers base-line separated!  I've learned a lot though and because the grad student I work with has basically left alone on this, I've felt more like a "researcher", making my own decisions and trying to interpret the data correctly. 

I've also got to learn how to use the DART (direct analysis in real time) mass spec! Using instruments that require simple setups and then patience while the line inches across the screen should make me grateful because I have time to grade papers, study, create to do lists, do errands, make sure the classes I need are being offered, etc. Instead, I'm discovering I miss my lab. I miss the smell of organic fumes, the numbing noise of the fume hoods, even washing the hundreds of test tubes!  

Maybe next Tuesday, I'll go in just to wash dishes. I'm missing my lab time.

In Which I learn to Use the HPLC (or Remembering Three First Days Part III)

Do you remember how my last post mentioned starting research very quickly. Walk in and BAM! Set up that distillation. 

Well, this semester began at breakneck speed compared to that. It also marked one full year doing research and LOVIN' IT!* 

This time I walked in and was told, set up this reaction and then we're going to go over to the other lab to work on the HPLC. Now, bear in mind that I had been doing these reactions for almost a year but after a week of absolutely no thinking, (I'm talking nothing harder than simple algebra), my mind was moving a little slower. But I finished with minimal stopping and thinking: "What am I doing now?!" 

And then we walked over to the other lab and thus began my journey with the wonderful instrument known as the HPLC. 

I watched carefully as he (the grad student) removed the old column and replaced it nonchalantly, ensuring every thing was tight and in order. After purging, he said:"Okay, now I want you to inject a sample and see how it works."**

Trying not to tremble, I reached for the syringe and cleaned it, watching as it spurted sideways into the beaker. And then I cautiously injected the sample, moving slowly so that he could stop me from blowing us up.*** The experiment began and I stared at the screen watching the thin black line travel across the plot.

As the colors changed my (inside) excitement grew. It was working! 

......

Four weeks later, the wonder has somewhat faded from watching a thin black line travel across a screen 1 nm per second. But manipulating the solvent concentration and flow rate and watching in trepidation as the pressure increases toward 2000 psi and smiling as the results show two peaks almost baseline separated...the delight and contentment...that has not changed. 

That's not to say there haven't been times when I've wanted to pull out my hair while threatening to pull the plug on it or just simply walk away. But most of the time I've figured it out and if not, the grad student does.**** 

I can't wait til tomorrow! 

P.S.  School + work + volunteer + club + other necessary stuff like food and sleep = no time for blog. I shall try to be better, but it will probably be only once a week. 

* Brownie Points if you know which TV show I'm referencing

**Or something like that. I can't actually remember the conversation or really the exact story. This is a complete approximation. 

***Not really true, I know. Dramatic license. 

****Because he's awesome!