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Jake Hirst
Prof. Guenzel
ENC 1102
3 March 2021
Research Dossier
My research dossier is focused on the laboratory environment and Covid-19, but more
specifically how does the Covid-19 pandemic influence current lab environments, what are the
future affects left behind by the pandemic, and what are common/efficient ways to adjusting to
these difficulties. The Covid-19 outbreak led to a drastic change to the daily lives of every
citizen for now and possibly many years into the future. People had to adapt their schedules, cut
down on socializing, and live and work from home. The change that seemingly happened
overnight changed the dynamics of our society forever. Many people suffered as they tried to
adjust to an isolated lifestyle. One specific area where people would struggle was switching from
in person work to at home online work. This switch proved tedious and difficult for many as
highlighted by media. The media specifically focused on how workers from companies and
businesses who either relied on in person clients or did not have a preset online infrastructure to
support their employees. This led to countless closures and layoffs of businesses and employees,
respectively. However, one area that many people grazed over when the outbreak happened was
the change in the laboratory setting. Laboratory work is an essential component and arguably the
background of scientific and technological advancements. The issue that is presented by Covid-
19 is that scientists and researchers alike are unable to use their equipment meaning they are
unable to further the research. In fact, a large majority of labs have either been completely shut
down, or they were converted to research or testing facilities for Covid-19. Many feared, due to
the ease for Covid-19 to spread especially inside in close quarters, that Covid-19 would spread
through laboratory workers easily. This fear is what lead to many, somewhat, controversial
changes. To overcome these changes many researchers would try to focus on methods such as
computer programming or models, online surveys, and even at home labs. In my own experience
in a lab setting during Covid-19 there are glaring differences between pre corona and now. Some
of the changes are obvious and prevalent everywhere such as personal protection equipment
(PPE), social distancing, and limited capacity. Some major changes as indicated by Korbel
(2020), are the introduction of an online self-checking system that will allow health officials
keep track of those who are sick or have possibly been exposed. So far from all of the data and
information I’ve gather whether from firsthand experience, primary resources, or secondary
resources I have noticed one clear and consistent answer. It is time to reopen laboratories, albeit,
in a safe and organized manor. Covid-19 has already severely hindered the progress of society by
hindering the advancements of technology. There are two main categories I am wanting to
further my research into that I have had difficulties finding information on. These two sections
are the affects of having a six-month break on research and how it will set back the development
of the human race, how current protocols slow down the rate of research and the overall budget,
and how easily Covid-19 is spread in the lab environment.
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Research Proposal
Research Topic:
My research topic is investigating the pros and cons in conducting lab experiments
during the Covid-19 pandemic and how it may influence future research. This
information will greatly influence my future profession in Aerospace Engineering as my
job revolves around conducting research in lab settings.
Documentation Style:
Since my major is Aerospace Engineering and it revolves around APA formatting I'll be
citing my information APA format. 
Purpose:
Since my major is Aerospace Engineering and since I am currently working in a lab
setting as an undergraduate, so my research doesn't only reveal difficulties I could be
facing presently, but in addition future changes that I will have to adjust to. 
Intended Audience:
My intended audience is other engineers, scientists, and undergraduate students who
could or are interested in working in a lab setting. 
Research Question:
How does the Covid-19 pandemic influence current lab environments, what are the
future affects left behind by the pandemic, and what are common/efficient ways to
adjusting to these difficulties. 
Types of Research Areas:
I will be utilizing primary research methods such as surveys, secondary research
methods such as library books, and scientific journals.

Annotated Bibliography

4, J. C., Chen, J., Chen [email protected] @atJustinChen, A. T., Chen [email protected]

@atJustinChen, J., Says:, T., Says:, D. W., . . . Says:, M. (2020, May 01). Covid-19 has shuttered labs. It
could put a generation of researchers at risk. Retrieved from
https://www.statnews.com/2020/05/04/coronavirus-lab-shutdowns-impact-on-scientists-research-
delays/

Abcam scientists' top tips for resuming research post-COVID-19. (2021, March 04). Retrieved
from https://www.abcam.com/content/abcam-scientists-top-tips-for-resuming-research-post-covid-19
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COVID-19 Testing Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cityofoviedo.net/917/COVID-

19-Testing-Information

How institutions are approaching scientific research during COVID-19. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/03/18/how-institutions-are-approaching-scientific-
research-during-covid-19

https://www.clinicallabmanager.com/trends/covid-19-in-the-lab/how-to-reopen-your-lab-
following-a-covid-19-shut-down-22579

 Kabanova, A., Gavriilaki, E., Pelzer, B. W., Brunetti, L., & Maiques-Diaz, A. (2020).
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Laboratory and Clinical Research: A Testimony and a Call
to Action from Researchers. HemaSphere, 4(6).

Kelly Servick, A. C., Sofia MoutinhoMar. 2, 2., Sofia MoutinhoFeb. 23, 2., Daniel CleryFeb. 11, 2.,
Sofia MoutinhoFeb. 4, 2., & Sofia MoutinhoFeb. 3, 2. (2020, March 16). Updated: Labs go quiet as
researchers brace for long-term coronavirus disruptions. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/updated-labs-go-quiet-researchers-brace-long-term-
coronavirus-disruptions

Korbel, J.O., Stegle, O. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on life scientists. Genome

Biol 21, 113 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-020-02031-1

Reopening the Lab After COVID-19 Closures. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.stemcell.com/efficient-research/reopening-the-lab

Research Laboratories During COVID-19. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://medschool.duke.edu/resear

ch/research-laboratories-during-covid-19

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://cen.acs.org/safety/lab-safety/Getting-back-lab-during-COVID-

19/98/i19

Personal Observations and survey.

Scientific research stopped for COVID-19 is trying to restart. (2020, June 11). Retrieved from
https://www.marketplace.org/2020/06/10/scientific-research-stopped-for-covid-19-now-its-trying-to-
get-back-into-gear/

University, S. (2021, January 13). Research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from
https://news.stanford.edu/2021/01/13/research-covid-19-pandemic/