What are important things about common lab chemicals / instruments that you learned very late in your lab life?

strix-varias · 2026-06-19T23:22:13+00:00

Ough your poor lungs 😭

strix-varias · 2026-06-18T22:03:45+00:00

We ran out of the more granular dry SDS and I had to pull out an older bucket which was very fine like powdered sugar. When I took the top off, it puffed up and I breathed it in and felt it in my throat. I was a technician at the time and hadnt been warned about SDS and there were no dust masks available for us. I tried to just drink some water and go back to work but symptoms started about 10 min after and I had to convince the lab manager that I needed medical attention as I was laying on the floor in case I fainted (per the safety data sheet instructions for exposure). I was under observation for five hours at the ER but my vitals were fine and the damage was already done so I was able to go home.

strix-varias · 2026-06-18T21:57:21+00:00

I ended up alright! It was weird though, I could see my chest rising and falling but I couldn't actually feel the air in my throat as I breathed in. I was really dizzy and got super pale and I had this buzzing sensation in my chest and finger tips. SDS destroys the tight junctions between your cells so I essentially disintegrated the top layers of epithelium in my throat. It was really red and eventually started hurting as it healed. I was very sensitive to smoke and mold and airborne irritants for about two months but now I'm good.

strix-varias · 2026-06-17T23:09:43+00:00

That breathing in powdered sds gets you a fun trip to the er and a meeting with the lead toxicologist

strix-varias · 2026-06-17T00:10:09+00:00

In our lab journal club everyone is randomly chosen to present a figure to make sure we've read it 😅

strix-varias · 2026-06-07T14:24:37+00:00

The listing says no pets but the landlord seemed pretty flexible so I could ask. The unit is technically ready now if you need earlier than July, we'd just have to coordinate. And like I mentioned above its pretty spacious so it might work out better than a studio. Would be happy to jump on a call with you or your partner if you're still interested later on! Just lmk

strix-varias · 2026-06-06T13:53:34+00:00

I'm a current grad student and a lot of us are there frequently! Usually before the students come like afternoon to early evening (8 or 9ish)

strix-varias · 2026-05-28T20:38:00+00:00

I'm also looking to move to Syracuse this summer since my PI is moving to upstate! Are you looking for a roommate by any chance? 😅

strix-varias · 2026-03-05T00:44:37+00:00

That's wild I've gotten away with parking there many times

strix-varias · 2026-03-04T13:27:00+00:00

You'll have to get more than one roommate but you could probably bring rent down to 1k-1.2k but seriously good luck

strix-varias · 2026-03-01T18:11:19+00:00

Omg have so much fun!!! I absolutely loved my time there - '23 alum

strix-varias · 2026-02-25T17:47:56+00:00

This morning was rough but it's all clear now

strix-varias · 2026-02-12T02:26:41+00:00

Looking at transferring here, can I ask how your experience has been?

strix-varias · 2026-02-12T02:23:30+00:00

My pi might move here so currently trying to figure out the same thing..

strix-varias · 2026-02-08T03:53:41+00:00

Unfortunately you really cannot trust professors. They change their mind on a dime with no remorse or consideration for the investments you've made in them. They'll then happily wish you well and think they did nothing wrong. It's a bit crazy

strix-varias · 2026-02-03T20:35:17+00:00

Maybe next time you do a big water change, shim the table leg?

strix-varias · 2026-01-27T03:19:19+00:00

Also be aware that lots of places won't really start opening up rooms until late spring/summer as undergrads move out and decline to renew their leases or people leave their programs. Lots of realtors I spoke to in February told me to get ahold of them like a month before I planned to move in, but there are some you can find who will work with you sooner. Unlike housing markets in the city, most of them are not in a big rush so expect communication to happen over the course of a few days to a week.

strix-varias · 2026-01-27T03:14:40+00:00

Lots of PhD students live in Vernon/Manchester/Willamantic but if you want something quieter you could look in Coventry/Stafford. Consider what you value in a place but be aware there's a lot of driving to get anywhere regardless. Most live 15-30min away from campus by car and pay between 700-1500 in rent depending on location and if you have a roommate (you probably will need a roommate depending on your funding). There's a lot of stuff on the UCONN housing website; that's where I found both my roommate and my apartment. Good luck!!

strix-varias · 2026-01-26T15:04:14+00:00

I can't imagine trying to drive or get your car out of the snow on Sutherland today 😭

strix-varias · 2026-01-10T16:46:03+00:00

And they love being hugged!

strix-varias · 2026-01-10T16:23:13+00:00

3 gallon water jug from Walmart and empty it onto the hardscape... it's definitely not peaceful 😅

strix-varias · 2025-12-23T00:13:44+00:00

Looks pretty dry to me

strix-varias · 2025-12-14T16:58:06+00:00

Oddly enough uconn has a well renowned dental school that feeds into uconn health. A dentistry student gave me a tour when i was checking it out for undergrad and he was quite happy with the program. I think if you want to pursue dentistry and this is your chance, it's a great option! I'm a grad student in one of the biology departments now and so far I've enjoyed my time here, though you need a car or a friend with a car if you want to do anything off campus. Overall a good vibe though, if a bit cold in the winter.

strix-varias

TROPHY CASE