Project Mentor
Dr. Alix Deymier
Biomedical Engineering
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The study focuses on the effects of acidosis on the structure and mechanics of bones. Over the course of the spring semester, a number of mice will be given a diet that puts them into an acidodic state, meaning that their body pH will drop. After a few weeks of acidosis, the mice will be sacrificed. Students will learned how to collect and characterize the bones of these mice. This includes learning to dissect mice, perform mechanical tests, use Raman microscopy, analyze CT data, and perform histology. |
| Project Direction | My lab is interested in how acid/base imbalances affect the structure and mechanics of bone. Acidosis, is a common condition often caused by bad diet or chronic kidney disease, which leads to increased body acidity. This imbalance in body pH has been shown to lead to dissolution of bone and tendon modification. We are interested in understanding how exactly the bone is modified and determining what we can do to protect the system. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will be mentored by myself and by my graduate student Anna Peterson. Early in the program, I will personally teach the student skills such as dissection and mechanical testing. As the experiments progress, Anna will teach them the simpler skills of Raman and CT analysis. I will meet with the student at least once a week to ensure that the student understands that context for the work and to help them with any challenges. |
| Student Qualifications | Interest in musculoskeletal systems is necessary. Knowledge of X-rays or Raman spectroscopy is very beneficial. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 28 to August 2, 2019 Schedule: M-F, 9am-4pm or 9am-5pm |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2019, Spring 2020 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP19-5/. The application deadline is Monday, February 4, 2019.
This application requires a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, a brief statement of career interests, and contact information for references.