Project Mentor

Dr. Stephen Schensul
Community Medicine and Health Care

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	This NIH-funded project (2016-2018) focuses on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu), not generated by diabetes or hypertension, that is characteristic of standard CKD. CKDu is prevalent in many parts of the world and is endemic among farmers (30-60 years of age) in rural areas of Sri Lanka. CKDu is progressive, with limited treatment options, and leads to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, both a limited resource in low and middle income countries. The project is concerned with identifying the environmental, behavioral, medical and genetic factors that may contribute to slowing the progression of CKDu.
Project Direction	The project was initiated in January 2017 and will begin with collection of qualitative data on male and female farmers, leading to the administration of a survey instrument for data collection on behavioral issues, review and retrieval of medical records from local kidney clinics and environmental testing of water and soil for agrochemical contamination.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student would be supervised by Professor Stephen Schensul and by Dr. Toan Ha, a post-doctoral fellow. The student would learn Atlas.ti, a computer-based text search and management program and either SPSS or SAS. Training would be provided regularly and monitoring and feedback on a twice weekly basis.
Student Qualifications	Advanced undergraduate, preferably a rising senior with experience in data analysis and an interest in public health. A Sri Lankan undergraduate would be a bonus.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: 9-10 full-time weeks to be scheduled between May 25 and August 25, 2017 Schedule: M-F, 9am-4pm, plus possibilities for work on the Storrs campus from time to time
Project Continuation	Fall 2017, Spring 2018
Academic Year Time Commitment	9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity using the form below. The application deadline is Friday, February 24, 2017.

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