Project Mentor

Dr. Syam Nukavarapu
Orthopaedic Surgery

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The project we have deals with the characterization of amorphous silica fiber scaffolds and their ability to deliver growth factors. Under this project, the student will learn biomineralization, growth factor loading and controlled release concepts and put them to work to determine the scaffolds’ ability to support controlled factor release. The student will carryout the experiments first with a model protein followed by bone morphogenetic protein-2. These studies will help establish scaffold release kinetics and determine the conditions for a sustained and long-term factor release.
Project Direction	Segmental bone defect repair is a significant clinical challenge. Autografts and allografts have been commonly used as bone grafts, however they suffer from various drawbacks. My laboratory has been developing effective synthetic grafts that support bone formation and leave the body once the required tissue is regenerated. This project will contribute to the overall direction of the development of effective engineered scaffold system for bone tissue engineering.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will be closely working with a graduate student in the lab. In the beginning, the student will shadow the graduate student to learn scaffold fabrication, biomineralization media preparation, and scaffold biomineralization. He/she will also be trained on how to do cell culture. Weekly, the student will get a chance to present research or a journal paper related to bone tissue engineering. Towards the end, the student will learn research methodology and experimental design to address a research problem.
Student Qualifications	BME and MSE undergraduate students with knowledge about Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. Students who have taken BME 3700 are preferred. Minimum GPA: 3.5. Minimum Science GPA: 3.5.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: 9-10 full-time weeks to be scheduled between May 7 and August 24, 2018 Schedule: To be determined in consultation with the selected student
Project Continuation	Fall 2018, Spring 2019
Academic Year Time Commitment	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.