The people in this lab are a PhD student and professor at a major research institute. They are working in a lab on a new polymer. The student is nervous and apprehensive because she is being watched by her professor, and critiqued when she does something wrong. The student would like very much to succeed and earn the respect of her professor. After they finish in the lab, the professor and student will leave the room, and go into another room to discuss the results of the experiment. 
