Project Mentor

Dr. Ernesto Canalis
Orthopaedics and Medicine

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Notch receptors are determinant of cell fate and function. Our laboratory has studied the function of Notch for the past 15 years. We have developed mouse models of human diseases associated with Notch mutation, specifically mice engineered to carry mutations associated with Hajdu Cheney and Lateral Meningocele Syndromes. We suspect that these mouse mutants have developmental defects of the skeleton. The project entails the characterization of the skeleton during embryonic development using histological and molecular approaches.
Project Direction	Data obtained from the developmental studies of Notch mouse mutants will serve to characterize the skeletal abnormalities associated with the diseases. This work will be integrated with the characterization of the skeleton of adult animals. Future work will explore mechanisms responsible for the phenotypic alterations using appropriate in vitro and in vivo models.
Student Qualifications	– Basic knowledge of biology – Some laboratory experience would be useful
Time Commitment	9 hours/week
Schedule Options	Monday through Friday, 7am-4pm
Project Continuation	Summer 2017 and/or Fall 2017
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity using the form below. The application deadline is Friday, January 6, 2017.

Please note that this application requires a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for two faculty references.