Project Mentor
Dr. Changchun Liu
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Rapid, sensitive and affordable molecular detection plays a critical role in disease early diagnostics and health monitoring. In this summer project, we will develop a portable point of care diagnostic system to detect the molecular biomarkers of diseases in microfluidic chip. We will use microfluidic chip to detect the biomarkers. We will build a point of care diagnostic system to read the chip signal and operate microfluidic chip. Please find more detail on our current research through the website: https://smds.engr.uconn.edu/. |
| Project Direction | This summer research will focus on developing a portable, point of care diagnostic system for microfluidic diagnostic application. On the one hand, we will use a programmed smartphone to detect the optical signal of microfluidic chip. One the other hand, we will build a portable platform to control microfluidic chip. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The summer students will first work with me and our lab members (e.g., PhD students) to learn the basic knowledge of microfluidic devices and point of care diagnostic technology. Then, they will be encouraged to independently design and develop their portable point of care diagnostic system. Next, my lab members will assist them to test their diagnostic system. The summer students will be invited to join our weekly lab meeting to discuss their experimental progress. Students are expected to analyze the experimental data and present their findings. |
| Student Qualifications | Previous experience in microfluidics technology is not required, but the demonstrated experience in one of the following fields (e.g., smartphone app development, electrical circuit design, microprocessor, mechanical design (e.g., Solidworks), 3D printing) is desired. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 19 – July 25, 2025 Schedule: M-F, 9:30am-5:30pm |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2025, Spring 2026 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | No |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU25-18. The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, and an unofficial transcript. References should be available upon request.