BIOL368/F16:Class Journal Week 4

Will Fuchs

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • The article was very dense and I really had to be meticulous in order to effectively read it. The discussion in class was very helpful because I had the opportunity to hear out other opinions and perspectives of my peers; as well as look for meaning behind their figures. Additionally, I found it useful listening to each group present a different figure and their focused interpretations.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • Partially, Yes it has. I think that using online databases and published data is an efficient way to re-comprehend data and potentially make connections that others may have missed. Furthermore, the fact that their is such a plethora of data, the door to enlarged scopes of research may be realized. Unlike, a wet lab where people are physically going out and collecting data this sort of research takes advantage of public data which is an avenue I didn't originally consider.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • One of the first things that comes to mind is an individual who is hard working, proactive and transparent. What I mean by transparent is their ability to openly communicate and their ability to be constructive. These things are paramount for having a successful project.

William P Fuchs 21:32, 26 September 2016 (EDT)

Colin Wikholm

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • The in-class discussion definitely enhanced my understanding of the article. I learned from the varying opinions of the students in the class, specifically in understanding the results, implications, and subtle nuances of the study. This was particularly insightful when we discussed the study subjects, which the paper failed to describe thoroughly. I did not realize that this article was part of a larger project, one that may have better shared information regarding the individuals being studied.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • This article did not significantly change my view of what it means to perform original research in biology. Although it did give me a better understanding of HIV's function in disease, I have read similar studies in the past. This study did not offer unique methods or unusual modes of problem-solving. It did not use analysis that seemed different than what I have seen in the past. Although this paper is older than the ones I more commonly read, I did not find it atypical or perspective-changing.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • For a successful group project, I look for team members who are effective communicators and work efficiently. A foundational understanding of the subject is useful knowledge for a team member, but I believe that collaborative efforts rely on communication before intelligence, and work efficiency before work quantity. I want a team member who can converse in ways that allow for varying perspectives, effective problem-solving, and time-efficient completion of the project.

Colin Wikholm 16:16, 26 September 2016 (EDT)

Matthew Allegretti

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • Yes. It made the information presented in the figures and tables much simpler to understand. It also highlighted various aspects of the article that I did not focus on as heavily while I read it.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • Yes. It was pointed out that this study may have been produced as an analysis of data from a completely different study. Even by analyzing data from another study in a unique way that has not yet been done, it is possible to contribute original research.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • I seek out good team chemistry. If I can get along with and communicate effectively with my team members, the difficulty of whatever project is somewhat negligible. I also seek someone who is willing to both put in as much effort as I do, as well as someone who will hold me to the same standard.

Matthew R Allegretti 20:00, 20 September 2016 (EDT)

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Isai Lopez

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • Yes, having others explain the figures as well as being able to ask questions in class made my understanding of the subject much better, especially when learning about how all the figures tie the findings of the study together.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • Somewhat. The methods and especially when going through and critiquing the paper I realized just how hard it is to "cover all your bases" in terms of experiment design and making sure that all questions are answered.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • I look for group members who are engaged and asking questions, especially when they try to improve the design or carrying out of any ideas I or other group members might have. Strong communication skills are also important, as I want someone who will ask and answer questions promptly to help the group.

• Isai Lopez 20:02, 20 September 2016 (EDT):

User: Zachary T. Goldstein

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • Yes, the in class discussion definitely helped my understanding of the article, especially the figures. I never thought about why some subjects had such few data points until the class discussion, and I wouldn't have noticed how not 'random' the phylogenetic trees were without Dr. Dahlquist pointing it out to the class. The discussion in class will definitely help me understand what patterns to look for while analyzing future scientific articles
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • My views of original research in biology have not changed based on this article, however I do believe it provides a great example of what good research entails. This was a very good study of the HIV virus, and while certain aspects of the study could have been more refined, it was an informative scientific article and it required a lot of analysis and critical thinking
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • The characteristics I look for in a good group project member are someone who is hard working and attentive to what is taught in class, but mostly someone who is original in thought and is able to analyze the questions presented in class in a novel way with different perspectives than my own.

Zachary T. Goldstein 15:02, 23 September 2016 (EDT)Zachary T Goldstein

Courtney L. Merriam

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • Yes. What I enjoy most about the in class discussions is not necessarily having my explicit questions answered or addressing areas of confusion, but rather that I am reassured when my class mates have similar questions. It shows that I am understanding the essential information, and the discussion helps fill in the gaps. It also reassures me that I'm not behind other students.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • My views have changed a bit after getting hands on experience. It's difficult to fully understand all the new terminology, and I imagine it must be even more difficult to author the paper yourself. It requires a great command of the subject material, and confidence that you are not only conducting your research proper, but conveying it properly afterwards.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • I've had good and bad experiences with group projects. The good experiences result from all members being willing to do the entirety of the project themselves, but realizing that they have team members that can help share the burden. The negative group experiences arose from team members being unable to do quality work, or unwilling to do the work entirely, leaving the burden to a single individual. So I suppose I desire individuals who are willing to try their very best, and not simply use their claim of "my very best" as an excuse for sub par work.

Shivum Desai

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • It slightly increased my understanding of the journal article. However, I already had a good understanding of the information before the class discussion was over. I think that is because my portion of the class presentation required me to know all aspects of the methods in the experiment, which was a bulk of the paper.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • My views have not changed when it comes to doing original research in biology. But, honestly my view on original biology research did change last semester when I took Dr. Dahlquist's Biotech seminar because until then I had never studied or read research journals in depth, but that class required be to do just that and thus my understanding of journal articles grew a large amount.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • The main characteristics I look for are a hard work ethic, willingness to take on a fair share of the assignment, and the eagerness to go above and beyond to make a top-notch project or presentation.

Shivum A Desai 18:40, 24 September 2016 (EDT):

Matthew K. Oki

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • I think my understanding of the article deepened slightly from the in-class discussion. Although I had a fair grasp on the concept of all the other figures, I knew my figure the best. It was nice to get a deeper explanation of each figure from other people who looked into them more.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • I now realize that original in terms of research requires a broader definition. Each idea that comes off of a question posed to a previously done research experiment is original. This is why research is so interesting. Each piece of research leads to a number of different questions.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • I look for someone who is a good communicator, first of all. I believe that is one of the most important aspect of partnership. If you can share your ideas freely, it is a good first step in having a sound research experiment. Some other good qualities to have are: work ethic, honesty, and interest in the subject. It never hurts to have someone who loves the subject and wants to explore it on a deeper level with you.

• Matthew K. Oki 20:48, 25 September 2016 (EDT):

Anindita Varshneya

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • The in-class discussion of the journal article greatly enhanced my understanding of the article because it provided an extra analysis of strange and confounding data the researchers presented in their article. It allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the different figures presented in the paper as well as the significance of those figures in relation to the findings presented by the paper.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • This article was based on data produced by a different study. This did modify my views on what it means to do original research because in the past I assumed that original research meant that all aspects of the research were collected and analyzed by the authors of the paper. Instead, this team analyzed particular data produced by another project for a new purpose.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • The most important characteristic in a good team member is consistent communication. In order to work on a project, team members must both participate in any discussions regarding the project and communicate effectively about what needs to be done and who is going to do it. I also believe it is important for team members to be proactive and work ahead of deadlines. In group projects, everyone should contribute and everyone should help revise. In order for everyone to approve of the final project, the project needs to be complete slightly ahead of the deadline.

-- Anindita Varshneya 00:03, 26 September 2016 (EDT)

Avery Vernon-Moore

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • The discussion we had helped me understand a lot more than I did previously. It helped me understand better the methods used and the statistics. I didn't fully understand what some of the components of the other tables and figures meant, so it was very helpful to have my classmates describe them in so much detail. It definitely helped to prepare me for our upcoming assignment.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • Yes, it was interesting to see how much they took from the ALIVE study and used it for other reasons. I didn't like how they seemed to mold the data to what they wanted their research to portray. It felt like we were being lied to in some way.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • Just a partner who is wiling to put forward equal effort, be able to communicate clearly and effectively so that we stay on the same page and be able to make sure we all contribute equally.

Avery Vernon-Moore 01:13, 26 September 2016 (EDT)

Mia Huddleston

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • The in-class discussion significantly helped me to understand the article. Even though I wrote a summary on the article, I missed a lot of nuances that we ended up discussing in class. I still think the article is quite complex, however and I still don't feel I have a strong grasp on every part of the article.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • Yes, it was interesting that even though they studied a lot and went very in depth into their subject, we still were able to criticize their methods and think of ways to improve it. It made me realize how difficult it is to successfully design a research project like this.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • It is important that a team member in a group project is able to keep up with and add to the project with equal effort to yourself.

Mia Huddleston 15:57, 26 September 2016 (EDT)

Jordan T. Detamore

1. Did the in-class discussion of the journal article enhance your understanding of the article? Why or why not?
   • Yes, I have a lot of questions when I am reading this articles on my own. It is really helpful to have a group go over the article so clarifications can be made and questions can be answered.
2. Have your views about what it means to do original research in biology changed as a result of discussing this article? Why or why not?
   • Yes, it is interesting to discuss how many flaws there can be in research. I had thought before that to be published you could not have some of the problems that this article had.
3. What are the characteristics that you look for in a team member for a successful group project?
   • I just look for somebody who wants to contribute an equal amount. No matter how different our ideas are, we can make it work if we are both willing to work.

• Jordan T. Detamore 23:45, 26 September 2016 (EDT):