Project Mentor

Dr. Ion Moraru
Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	This project combines experimental and computational approaches to determine the changes that occur when cells lose DNA mismatch repair function and how it relates to carcinogenesis. Single-cell RNASeq profiling data of stem cell-derived organoids have been used to ab initio the cell subpopulations that develop in the organoids. Dynamic models and simulations of intracellular signaling pathways will be created to characterize the behavior of wild-type and mutant samples. Additionally, new single-cell RNASeq data is expected to be available from adult-derived organoids for identifying subpopulations and comparison to stem cell-derived organoids.
Project Direction	The longer term goal is to identify the mechanisms by which Lynch syndrome patients develop colon cancer. As target pathways and molecules are being identified, the project will continue with computational work focused on predicting new biomarkers and drug vulnerabilities, and additional experimental work on testing drug combination effects. The student could continue at either 2 or 3 credit level as shown below.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will learn how to use a variety of bioinformatics and systems biology methods and software to analyze data and create models and simulations of intracellular signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks. This particular project will also involve interactions with my collaborator Chris Heinen and his lab in the Department of Molecular Medicine. Additionally, our Center (CCAM) is a multidisciplinary environment with a group of highly interacting faculty members. We organize joint weekly meetings with all HRP students and their faculty mentors at CCAM, where projects and progress are being presented and discussed. The student will also attend the weekly CCAM seminars/journal clubs as well as the monthly sponsored invited seminar presentations.
Student Qualifications	The student should have an academic interest in life sciences and bioinformatics/computational medicine and should have completed at least one course in the MCB and/or BME offerings.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: 9-10 full-time weeks to be scheduled between May 14 and August 14, 2018 Schedule: The schedule is relatively flexible and shuttle-supported hours (9am-4pm) is an acceptable option. Student can also work remotely for some of the days (we can provide loaner laptop if student does not have own), although a minimum of 3 days per week on-site is expected.
Project Continuation	Fall 2018, Spring 2019
Academic Year Time Commitment	6-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity using the form below. The application deadline is Friday, January 26, 2018.

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