Project Mentor

Dr. Yanjiao Zhou
Department of Department of Medicine

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	My lab is a computational biology lab. We are interested in understanding the role of the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites in aging and other clinical diseases in mice and humans. The techniques we use include mouse models, anaerobic culture, molecular biology, and multi-OMICS technology. Depending on their interests, students will have the opportunity to learn wet bench techniques and bioinformatics.
Project Direction	The student will help with microbiome data analysis this summer, and these efforts will continue into the next academic year.
Mentorship and Supervision	The summer student will be supervised by the graduate students in the lab and will have a one-on-one weekly meeting with the PI.
Student Qualifications	Have basic knowledge of biology, and bioinformatics, and programming skills such as R and python. Students interested in microbiome research are encouraged to work on related projects.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 19 to July 25, 2025 Schedule: M-F, 9am-6pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2025, Spring 2026
Academic Year Time Commitment	6-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU25-39. The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, science GPA, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.