| Dr. Thomas Agresta
Department of Family Medicine |
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a growing area of training for primary care physicians in clinical practice as well as in training. The Department of Family Medicine at UConn Health is joining for the PRIME Learning Network (Point care Research, Innovation and Medical Education) as the US Northeast Regional Hub leader. We will be assessing the current knowledge, skills, attitudes and interest in participating in educational workshops of Family Physicians in clinical and academic practice, as well as resident learners throughout the Northeast US. This will include development, administration and analysis of on-line Qualtrics surveys and focus groups throughout New England, NY, NJ and PA. |
HRP SU26-1 |
| Dr. Sheila Alessi
Calhoun Cardiology Center, Division of Behavioral Health |
The Contingency Management for Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder in Connecticut (“CM in CT”) Program is a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)-led and Opioid Settlement-funded initiative to pilot integrating contingency management treatment for stimulant use disorder into clinical care at five substance use disorder treatment programs serving adults throughout the state of Connecticut. Contingency Management (CM) is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention in which tangible reinforcers are provided to clients for meeting an objective goal for an incentivized behavior. Continency Management is the most effective treatment available for stimulant use disorders, substances for which there are no FDA-approved medications nor overdose reversal medications, with demonstrated effectiveness in increasing rates of abstinence and treatment retention. Cocaine, a common stimulant in CT, is often found in substance combinations for overdose in CT. Stimulant users are at times unaware of opioids in their drug supply and thus are at risk for opioid overdose. Black individuals are disproportionately impacted by overdose deaths involving cocaine in CT. Contingency management has also been demonstrated to be effective as an adjunct to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). In the CM in CT Program, Dr. Alessi (UConn Health) leads Training and Technical Assistance and implementation oversight and evaluation (contract #25MHA5025). The student intern would have the opportunity to learn about the science of contingency management for stimulant use disorder, train and then participate in implementation training and fidelity monitoring and contribute to data collection and evaluation activities that occur during the internship period. |
HRP SU26-2 |
| Dr. Srdjan Antic
Department of Neuroscience |
Using acute brain slice preparations, electrophysiological approaches (synaptic stimulation, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings), and optical imaging techniques (calcium imaging, voltage imaging), we aim to determine whether synaptic transmission in disease-free control animals differs from that observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice that develop amyloid plaques characteristic of the disorder. - - Students involved in this project will gain experience with software for quantitative analysis of physiological optical imaging data, organization and presentation of experimental measurements, and basic histological techniques for detecting amyloid plaques in archived brain sections. - - Students who are interested will also have the opportunity to perform optical imaging of synaptically evoked depolarizations in brain slices in close collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher. Optical imaging experiments (calcium and voltage imaging) will frequently be complemented by patch-electrode recordings, providing an excellent opportunity for students to learn whole-cell patch-clamp techniques in acute (living) brain slices prepared from mouse neocortex or striatum. |
HRP SU26-3 |
| Dr. Michael Blinov
Department of Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling |
I have a variety of computational projects described at https://health.uconn.edu/blinov-lab/projects/, and coding projects are described at https://github.com/vcellmike (also as Organizations on the left). I can accommodate students with an interest in applications of computers and mathematics to biology in many directions: reading publications and coding biological mechanisms, using software to model, web development, algorithms coding, visualization using graphical tools, etc. |
HRP SU26-4 |
| Dr. Manuel Castro-Alamancos
Department of Neuroscience |
The project is for students in the fields of data science, engineering, computer science, applied math, statistics, biology, psychology, or neuroscience who have programming skills in Python, R, and/or Labview (or others) and who are interested in helping develop tools for automated analyses of complex data pipelines originating from neuroscientific experiments addressing the neural basis of behavior in mice. The student would be involved in developing the software tools used to control the experiments (actuators and computer vision) and/or analyze the data (data models), which includes recordings from hundreds of neurons in behaving mice. We collaborate with faculty in the School of Engineering who can provide input. Opportunities to participate in the research by conducting experiments are also available. |
HRP SU26-5 |
| Dr. Steven Chou
Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics |
Biochemical characterization of the membrane progesterone receptor mPRβ. The membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) are a family of cell-surface receptors that mediate rapid, non-genomic progesterone signaling. Among the five known members, mPRβ remains poorly characterized. In this project, the student will overexpress and purify mPRβ using insect or mammalian cell systems, then investigate how progesterone and related small molecules influence its biochemical properties. The student will use techniques such as surface plasmon resonance and negative-stain electron microscopy to evaluate ligand-induced structural changes. |
HRP SU26-6 |
| Dr. Caroline Dealy
Department of Orthodontics, Orthopedic Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology |
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondylosing Ankylosis are auto-immune diseases that affect the small joints of the hands and feet (RA) and the intervertebral "joints" of the spine (AS), causing severe pain and disability for patients. The mechanisms that underlie these diseases are poorly understood, hampering development of effective treatments. This summer project will characterize joint damage in paws and spines harvested from an unusual mouse model of dual RA/AS disease. Characterization will focus on histological examination of the paws and spines including expression of protein/gene markers of cellular differentiation or behavior (stem cells, apoptosis, proliferation, etc.), and micro-CT (computer tomography) scanning for features like bone loss or bone fusions. As half of the mice will have received a novel test treatment; this analysis will also test the hypothesis that the treatment blocks joint destruction. |
HRP SU26-7 |
| Dr. Abhijit Deb Roy
Department of Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling and Cell Biology |
We are interested in interactions between different cytoskeleton (actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments) in cell motility. We apply molecular cloning, advanced fluorescent live cell imaging modalities and synthetic biology approaches to examine the molecular cross-talk between these cytoskeletal entities. Students working in our lab will learn to perform molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, live cell microscopy and working with synthetic biology molecular tools to address fundamental questions in biological and biomedical context. |
HRP SU26-8 |
| Dr. Alix Deymier
Department of Biomedical Engineering |
This summer project focuses on understanding the role of hydrogen phosphate and carbonate in bone-like mineral and how it can be used as a buffer for the acid in degradable polymers. That's a mouthful! Essentially you will be making mineral nanocrystals with a varying compositions and then measuring their composition, enthalpy of dissolution, and pKa. In the day to day you will be doing hands on chemistry, using a calorimeter, and possibly X-ray techniques like XRD and XRF depending on timing. |
HRP SU26-9 |
| Dr. Ellis Dillon
Department of Center on Aging |
We are conducting short satisfaction surveys with residents and family members from each nursing home in Connecticut. Over the summer we are looking for someone to assist with recruiting family members to complete a brief 3-question survey. You will be based in our office helping email, mail, and call individuals who are the family members of nursing home residents to ask them to complete the survey. You will also accompany research team members to conduct surveys in nursing homes with residents. You will help analyze the data collected with this survey to understand differences across nursing homes. |
HRP SU26-10 |
| Dr. Samantha Fortin
Department of Medicine |
The Fortin Lab is looking for undergraduate researchers to help conduct behavioral neuroscience research in rodent models to better understand how the brain regulates food intake and how pharmacotherapies for obesity (e.g. Ozempic) work and can be improved. Our current focus is directed at understanding the role of locus coeruleus glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and amylin receptors in modulating energy balance control. To do this, students will combines advanced behavioral assays with pharmacology and molecular imaging tools to determine the contribution of LC GLP-1 and amylin receptors to appetite, nausea, and autonomic physiology. Students will also contribute to general lab maintenance, animal husbandry, record keeping and data organization. |
HRP SU26-11 |
| Dr. Mallika Ghosh
Department of Center for Vascular Biology |
Cell-cell fusion is a highly specialized process mediated by fusion regulatory proteins involved in a variety of diverse cellular functions. CD13, a transmembrane protein that we study in my lab, controls many cellular functions including adhesion, migration, membrane organization, and endocytosis which are all critical in cell-cell fusion. Studies in our lab showed that CD13 is a critical regulator of cell-cell fusion during osteoclastogenesis and macrophage giant cell formation, and thus is a novel target for therapeutic intervention in pathological conditions mediated by defects in cell-cell fusion such as osteoporosis and foreign body response (FBR). FBR is triggered by implantation of any medical devices such as hernia mesh, glucose sensors, cardiac and neural implants, among others. Our objective is to prevent the failure of critical medical implants through monoclonal antibody-based therapy in both in vitro and in vivo models of foreign implants. |
HRP SU26-12 |
| Dr. Andres Grosmark
Department of Neuroscience |
The cognitive maps that we use to navigate the world around serve as a fundamental stage in which we organize our day-to-day memories (what happened where) and the ability to generate and use these maps is one of the first cognitive capacities to decline in a number of psychiatric diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). My lab studies the formation and long-term evolution of spatial cognitive maps in mice traversing through 3D virtual reality environments using custom made 3d headsets, while we either track the real-time activity of thousands of neurons with two-photon imaging or manipulate neural activity using optogenetic methods. This combination of modern tools allow us to get a unique view of memory that is both detailed - looking at the activity of thousands individual neurons, and broad - tracking these neurons over many days and relating their activity to behavior in both healthy and AD mice. The insights gained from these studies will help us better understand the foundations of how our memories both define and are defined by the world around us, and how these processes can go awry in psychiatric diseases such as AD. |
HRP SU26-13 |
| Dr. Yuan Gui
Department of Medicine/Nephrology |
The project explores how Coronin 1A remodels the kidney fibrotic microenvironment. We will subject CKD models, including ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), low-dose cisplatin injection, and Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) to WT and Coronin 1A knockout mice to evaluate kidney fibrosis after Coronin 1A deletion. Besides, global/phosphoproteomics will be performed to explore the underlying mechanism. |
HRP SU26-14 |
| Dr. Arthur Gunzl
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences |
We work on a lethal parasite called Trypanosoma brucei which causes disease in humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa (we work with a strain that is not infectious to humans). We are interested in the unusual gene expression mode of this parasite and currently focus on the cyclin-dependent kinase CRK9 whose activity is essential for pre-mRNA splicing in the parasite. More specifically, the kinase activity is required for activation of the spliceosome by phosphorylating its substrate, the splicing protein SF3B1, just prior to activation. We hypothesize that a special "RS" domain in the cyclin is required for recognizing SF3B1 within the precatalytic spliceosome. This project is to test this hypothesis. |
HRP SU26-15 |
| Dr. Xiaoyan Guo
Department of Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences |
Our lab focus on elucidating organelle quality control mechanisms. The accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria is closely linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Our research focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that maintain mitochondrial health. Using CRISPR-based genetic screening, we have identified candidate genes involved in this process. This summer project offers students an exciting opportunity to investigate these genes and explore their roles in regulating mitochondrial health. |
HRP SU26-16 |
| Dr. Baihai Jiao
Department of Medicine |
This summer research opportunity focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD), with particular emphasis on kidney fibrosis and necroptosis signaling. The project will examine the role of casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α) in regulating receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)–mediated pathways that contribute to tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrotic remodeling in the kidney. Students will gain hands-on experience in experimental techniques including cell culture, gene expression analysis, PCR, real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and histological analysis to elucidate key molecular mechanisms. This research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for CKD while providing students with valuable training in biomedical research and translational science. |
HRP SU26-17 |
| Dr. Brian Kelley
Department of Neurosurgery |
This project focuses on blood-meningeal barrier responses to traumatic brain injury. Using an animal model of concussive injury, the student would investigate cellular and molecular changes in neurovascular composition within the meninges following injury. The student would be responsible for tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, microscopic image acquisition, and quantitative analyses of meningeal blood vessels and fibroblasts in control and experimental groups. |
HRP SU26-18 |
| Dr. Insoo Kim
Department of Medicine |
The primary objective of this project is to develop self-fitting hearing aids that enhance speech intelligibility while adapting to individual user preferences through a self-administered hearing assessment and fitting procedure. Students will contribute to the development and evaluation of a self-administered speech intelligibility test based on the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT). Student responsibilities will include administering MRT sessions in an audiometric booth, assisting with participant management, and supporting data collection, processing, and statistical analysis. In addition, students will assist graduate researchers in the development and evaluation of AI/ML-based speech enhancement algorithms, contributing to data preparation, testing workflows, and performance analysis in support of adaptive, user-centered hearing aid design. Through these activities, students will gain hands-on experience in auditory perception research, human-subject experimentation, and data-driven evaluation of hearing aid technologies. |
HRP SU26-19 |
| Dr. Kshitiz
Department of Biomedical Engineering |
When we think of cancer, we mostly think of cells constituting the neoplastic part of cancer. But a cancerous lesion consists of many other cell types, which could resist, or help in its progression. These “stromal cells” consist of activated fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, as well as the specialized environment modulated by these cells. In our lab, we attempt to systematically understand how cancer and stromal cells interact with each other using a variety of approaches, including microfluidics, nanotechnology, live cell imaging, and genetic screens. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms through which stroma facilitates cancer to grow, become invasive, and resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. |
HRP SU26-20 |
| Dr. Liisa Kuhn
Department of Biomedical Engineering |
Women that have breast cancer often require having one or both breasts surgically removed. Afterwards, some women chose to wear prosthetics, a breast-like form worn in their bra to restore a symmetric appearance. Current breast prosthetics are hot and heavy bags of silicone gel, available in standard sizes and often don't provide a good fit. Dr. Kuhn's lab has discovered that 3D printed mesh silicone is an ultra comfortable, much better option than silicone gel breast prosthetics. In this project, you will help Dr. Kuhn to design and produce these prosthetics that can be given away for free to breast cancer survivors in CT thanks to philanthropic funding that established the Biosymmetrix Project. This project involves learning how to take 3D body scans, manipulating the files in design software and learning how to use our custom-made 3D printer to produce the customized breast prosthetics made of silicone mesh. |
HRP SU26-21 |
| Dr. Changchun Liu
Department of Biomedical Engineering |
Simple, rapid, and affordable disease detection is essential for effective disease management and routine health monitoring. In this summer project, we will develop and validate a fully portable diagnostic platform capable of operating a microfluidic chip and accurately interpreting its output signals. The project will also provide hands-on experience in device engineering, biosensing, and diagnostic assay development while advancing accessible point-of-care testing. Please find more detail on our current research through the website: https://smds.engr.uconn.edu/. |
HRP SU26-22 |
| Dr. Xin-Ming Ma
Department of Neuroscience |
Understanding the Role of Interneuron RFWD2 in Depression and Anxiety. Depression frequently co-occurs with anxiety, and the limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying these disorders contributes to the limited effectiveness of currently available antidepressants. RFWD2 has been identified as a risk factor for both conditions, and its protein is expressed in brain regions associated with mood and anxiety regulation. This study aims to determine whether manipulating RFWD2 in interneurons within the mouse brain contributes to the development of depression and/or anxiety in an Rfwd2 genetic mouse model. The findings from this study will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms driving depression and anxiety. |
HRP SU26-23 |
| Dr. Pedro Mendes
Department of Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling |
Recently several methods have been published that take protein and metabolite structural properties to predict values of kinetic parameters. These methods, which are based on classical machine learning or deep learning, have only been compared against each other by their authors with different data sets. This project is intended to create an independent comparison of those methods following a two-approach: 1) first establishing a test set to form the basis of the comparisons, and then 2) creating and running a workflow to generate performance metrics that can be used to form an objective comparison. |
HRP SU26-24 |
| Dr. Pedro Miura
Departments of Genetics and Genome Sciences |
Genes are regulated post-transcriptionally through events targeting the 3’ Untranslated region of mRNAs. The project will involve using Drosophila melanogaster and ONT long read RNA sequencing to study gene regulation. In particular, the student will help determine how RNA binding proteins regulate Alternative cleavage and PolyAdenylation (APA) in the brain. |
HRP SU26-25 |
| Dr. Megan O'Grady
Department of Public Health Sciences |
Drug overdoses continue to be unacceptably high, contributing to tens of thousands of deaths per year. Opioids have been a major contributor to these mortality rates. The summer research student will have the opportunity to work at the Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics (CPES) at UConn Health on projects that are evaluating opioid prevention and overdose initiatives across Connecticut. The summer research student will work with the CPES team to collect and examine data, participate in research interviews and focus groups, and create presentations and reports from evaluation activities. |
HRP SU26-26 |
| Dr. Hideyuki Oguro
Department of Cell Biology |
The Oguro laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the development, self-renewal, mobilization, and malignant transformation of blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using mutant mouse models, patient samples, and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Potential projects involve studying gene expression modifications in mouse HSCs or human iPSCs to explore the roles of candidate genes in HSC biology. This includes tasks such as plasmid constructions, lentiviral and/or transposon gene delivery, CRISPR-activation/interference of gene expression, and flow cytometric analysis of cultured mouse HSCs or human iPSCs. |
HRP SU26-27 |
| Dr. Joana Paulino
Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics |
The Paulino laboratory focuses on virus-host protein interaction that leads to the widely different disease outcomes in Orthoflaviviruses. The summer intern will work on the expression and purification of proteins from Zika virus, Dengue virus, and Powassan virus. The research project encompasses: cloning of DNA fragments into expression plasmids, heterologous expression of viral proteins, and purification of soluble and membrane proteins. The intern will be trained in: chromatography techniques, western blots, and bacterial culture. |
HRP SU26-28 |
| Dr. Carla Rash
Departments of Medicine & Psychiatry |
We have an NIH-funded clinical trial testing a mobile app for the treatment of stimulant use disorders. Our team conducts the follow interviews and zoom meetings to observe the participant providing a saliva sample testing for the presence of illicit substances. |
HRP SU26-29 |
| Dr. Danielle Rux
Department of Orthopedic Surgery |
Our central research question is: how do developmental mechanisms that shape tissues early in life continue to influence tissue health and vulnerability to disease across the lifespan? The Rux lab focuses these efforts on the synovial joints and articular cartilage that are essential for all ranges of motion, but that are also highly susceptible to diseases such as arthritis that significantly reduce quality of life. Ongoing research projects are focused on how hedgehog signaling and the Hox genes function in joint development and disease. The selected student will learn to perform PCR, tissue histology, staining and imaging techniques from a novel genetically modified mouse model to test molecular mechanisms that control articular cartilage growth and maturation during embryonic and postnatal development. |
HRP SU26-30 |
| Dr. Sarvenaz Sarabipour
Department of Center for Cell Analysis & Modeling, Cell Biology, Center for Vascular Biology, Biomedical engineering, Molecular Biology & Biophysics |
This project will involve building computational models of membrane protein (receptor) interactions in human cells. We will study trafficking, phosphorylation, and signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and their ligands in blood vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells. Cellular signaling mediated by these receptors plays key roles in vascular and tissue functions such as wound healing, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and vasculogenesis. Our models will be detailed in biophysical/biochemical interactions between receptors and ligands. Our simulations will shed new light on mechanisms of receptor signaling in vasculature. |
HRP SU26-31 |
| Dr. Tannin Schmidt
Department of Biomedical Engineering |
Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4, also known as lubricin) is a mucin like glycoprotein originally discovered in synovial joints and characterized as a critical lubricant necessary for cartilage health. It is know known to be present at many bio interfaces in the body, including other joints including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This project involves biomechanics testing of cartilage in excised mouse TMJ, from PRG4 component and PRG4 deficient mice, via automated indentation mapping to understand the role PRG4 plays in TMJ cartilage health. Additional opportunities will include being involved in other basic and translational PRG4 projects in the lab, and exposure to and opportunity to learn other biochemical, biophysical, and biological techniques. |
HRP SU26-32 |
| Dr. Benjamin Sinder
Department of Orthopedics |
Bone is a highly dynamic tissue and your entire skeleton is replaced every ~10 years! Using specialized animal models, we study how bone strength is maintained (including in rare diseases), how it adapts to mechanical loading and heals, and specific signalling pathways that modulate this response. The selected student will get the opportunity to use a variety of cutting-edge histology, fluorescent microscopy, cell culture, microCT imaging, and/or mechanical testing techniques to address these questions. There are opportunities to focus on certain techniques/aspects of a project depending on the student (biology, engineering, etc). |
HRP SU26-33 |
| Dr. Henry Smilowitz
Department of Cell Biology |
The overall focus of our lab has been experimental cancer therapeutics. Current Projects: 1. Our lab has been collaborating with a small biotech company that has developed novel heavy atom nanoparticles (NPs). We have recently shown that the well tolerated BaTiO3 NPs significantly enhance megavoltage radiation therapy (RT) of both tumor cells growing in vitro and in vivo tumors growing subcutaneously on the thighs of mice after intravenous injection 24 hrs prior to RT. Going forward we want to improve NP-mediated radio-enhancement by a. increasing the specific NP loading of tumors and altering their distribution in the tumors by using a variety of techniques including specific targeting, pre-irradiation, hyperthermia, ultrasound, combining intratumoral and intravenous routes of administration, b. by combination therapies including radiosensitization, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, c. Comparing proton and photon irradiation.
2. Our lab is collaborating with a laboratory at UCONN Storrs on the use of a novel NP for therapeutic RNA delivery to tumors. An initial publication on this has recently appeared in ACS Nano. Please refer to Dr. Smilowitz's Cell Biology Blurb for research interests and publications since 2000. |
HRP SU26-34 |
| Dr. Dongyuan Song
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences |
This summer research project focuses on improving and evaluating spAlign, a computational method for aligning multi-slice spatial transcriptomics data. The student will work on comparing spAlign with existing alignment methods using both simulated and real biological datasets, and create a more user-friendly package with newly added functionalities. Through this project, the student will gain hands-on experience in spatial omics data analysis, algorithm benchmarking, and reproducible computational research. The work will contribute directly to improving how spatial transcriptomics data are integrated across tissue sections. |
HRP SU26-35 |
| Dr. Timothy Spellman
Department of Neuroscience |
This project investigates how the neurotransmitter acetylcholine supports cognitive flexibility in mice performing attentional set-shifting and reversal learning tasks. Students will assist in behavioral testing, data collection, and basic analysis using established rodent cognitive paradigms. The work will contribute to ongoing studies linking neuromodulatory signaling to executive function and decision-making. Prior experience with animal handling is helpful but not required; training will be provided. |
HRP SU26-36 |
| Dr. Feliks Trakhtenberg
Department of Neuroscience |
We study how the brain develops and utilize gained knowledge to reverse-engineer regeneration of the brain tissue damaged by an injury or stroke. We employ a multidisciplinary approach spanning cutting edge genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and gene therapy, which will provide a student with an opportunity to explore different approaches and select a project that aligns best with the individual’s career goals and interests. |
HRP SU26-37 |
| Dr. Melanie Tran
Department of Nephrology |
Renal fibrosis is the pathophysiological hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by extensive fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix accumulation. The mechanisms implicated in renal fibrosis are not fully understood, and existing therapies are often limited and ineffective. This research project aims to investigate the role of UBX domain-containing protein 1 (UBXN1) in regulating renal fibrosis in CKD. The student will gain experience in cell culture, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, Western blot and using mouse models of CKD. |
HRP SU26-38 |
| Dr. Oscar Vargas-Rodriguez
Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics |
The summer research project aims to elucidate the functional role of protein synthesis factors in bacterial pathogenicity. These proteins regulate protein biosynthesis and may enable pathogenic microbes to survive, adapt, and thrive in different environments, particularly within their host during colonization and infection. The student(s) will perform standard molecular biology and biochemistry assays, including molecular cloning, protein, nucleic acid manipulation, enzymatic assays, and cell-based experiments. |
HRP SU26-39 |
| Dr. Yanlin Wang
Department of Medicine |
The summer research project will examine the role of TRIM28, a transcriptional and epigenetic factor, in tubular epithelial cell damage, inflammation, and fibrosis of the kidney. Molecular, cell, genetic, and pharmacological approaches will be used in this research project. Students can learn a wide range of biological techniques such as cell culture, cell proliferation and differentiation, PCR, real time RT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, histology, animal models of kidney disease. |
HRP SU26-40 |
| Dr. Ji Yu
Department of Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling |
Spatial SH2 profiling of cancer cells. The goal is to obtain high quality multiplex optical microscopy data based on the spatial SH2 profiling pipeline developed previously in the lab. The student will be trained and work on cell culture, fluorescence labeling, and confocal microscopy technologies. |
HRP SU26-41 |
| Dr. Kristyn Zajac
Department of Calhoun Cardiology Center, Division of Behavioral Health |
The Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research (CHEARR) at the UConn Health School of Medicine is recruiting students interested in learning skills to conduct research on recovery support services for emerging adults (ages 18-25) with substance use disorders, with a particular focus on opioid use disorder. CHEARR activities include establishing and collaborating with community boards consisting of emerging adults in recovery and recovery coaches providing services in community settings; developing a range of technical tools to advance the research on recovery support services and communicate these advancements to other researchers, professionals, and the public (e.g., tipsheets, webinars, social media content); develop and validate a measure of recovery capital specifically for emerging adults; and train the next generation of researchers in the field of recovery supports. The student intern would have the opportunity to participate in all of the above activities as well as two ongoing randomized clinical trials led by Dr. Zajac that are relevant to this research area: 1) a clinical trial evaluating the use of recovery coaches to reduce treatment dropout among emerging adults in community-based substance use treatment and 2) a community-based participatory research project that aims to develop a peer-led program to increase retention in medication treatment for opioid use disorder. |
HRP SU26-42 |
| Dr. Dong Zhou
Department of Medicine |
This summer project will investigate how the immune cell–expressed G-protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo) influences the outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI). Our published work has shown that deletion of Smo in fibroblasts attenuates AKI severity by creating a more favorable microenvironment. However, despite the central role of immune cells in shaping the AKI microenvironment, very few studies have examined the specific function of immune cell–derived Smo in renal injury and repair. To address this critical gap, this project aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which immune cell–expressed Smo regulates AKI onset, progression, and resolution. The student will gain hands-on experience with in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo experimental approaches, and will develop foundational bioinformatic skills to analyze proteomic datasets generated during the study. Through this integrative research experience, the student will develop a comprehensive understanding of immune-tubule interactions in AKI and the molecular pathways controlled by Smo signaling in kidney injury. |
HRP SU26-43 |
| Dr. Yanjiao Zhou
Department of Medicine |
Unlike the bacterial microbiome, little is known about the type and frequency of the viruses in healthy humans, as well as their impact on health. The candidate will perform bioinformatic data analysis to identify unknown and novel viruses in sequencing data generated from human samples. |
HRP SU26-44 |
