Project Mentor

Dr. Liisa Kuhn
Reconstructive Sciences/Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	In this project the student will learn how to prepare combinations of biomaterials and biologically active molecules that can be injected into a cartilaginous growth plate to improve healing after injury. This type of work builds on chemistry and biomaterials courses the student may have had. In this project we will also inject materials into mice and then image them by X-ray to understand changes to the bones and cartilage.
Project Direction	The clinical application that motivates this research is pediatric broken bones that involve the section of the bone called the growth plate. Untreated injury to the growth plate can lead to changes in limb growth that results in one limb being shorter than the other. In the Kuhn lab we will test some new approaches to treatment of growth plate injuries in mice, but we will not test new therapies in human patients. Over the following summer and fall the student would be able to continue with data analysis of the Spring experiments and participate in the preparation of additional drug delivery systems being developed in the Kuhn lab.
Student Qualifications	Good hand-eye coordination, capable of handling delicate instruments, and being comfortable with handling small animals/rodents. Artistic ability including being able to draw complicated figures in PowerPoint. Minimum GPA: 3.2. Minimum Science GPA: 3.2.
Time Commitment	6 hours/week
Schedule Options	It would be ideal to have the student on campus for a full day using the shuttle: 9 am-4 pm on a day of the week to be determined that works for both the student and my PhD student and technician who will assist in mentoring. Otherwise there is a minimum of 4 consecutive hours required to make progress on research tasks. Some days it will not be necessary to come into the lab to conduct the research (e.g., background reading and progress report preparation).
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.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, a brief statement of research interests, a brief statement of career interests, and a writing sample.