Project Mentor
Dr. Rishikesh Pandey
Pediatrics
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | To study red blood cells’ biophysical and biochemical properties using our home-built multi-modal and multi-wavelength system (MMS) featuring Raman micro-spectroscopy, quantitative phase imaging (QPI) and auto-fluorescence imaging. We intend to develop our next generation MMS system equipped with incubator set-up to enable live-cell imaging. The other project centers on label-free and real-time classification of normal lymphocytic B-cells from B-ALL infected cell using our MMS system by studying pathophysiology of live cells by exploiting morphological and molecular information. The ultimate goal is to translate this technology to point of care setting for theranostic applications. |
| Project Direction | Strongly grounded in the principles of light-matter interactions, our research tackles problems in the elucidation of morphological and chemical information of different patho-physiological conditions through an interdisciplinary approach featuring novel optical and spectroscopic measurements and advanced numerical methods for interpretation and analysis of the acquired data. By incorporating expert biological and clinical insights into the overall analysis framework, our work seeks to identify and analyze the relevant biochemical and microstructural patterns contained in the myriad of acquired spectroscopic data, and to use the developed models for prospective diagnosis in patient populations.
The successful student may contribute in any of the following research components depending on his/her skills, interest and expertise.
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| Mentorship and Supervision | I will devote the first two weeks to teach underlying basic concepts and important literature survey related to the research project. This time will also allow me to better understand the student’s interests, skills and expertise so that I can assign the component of my research project accordingly to effectively utilize the student’s potential. I shall then work with the student in the laboratory to train him/her with the instrumentation/data processing.
I will monitor the research progress every week on Friday in a one-on-one meeting. I will provide constructive feedback to maximize output and effectively train the student for his/her next career path. |
| Student Qualifications | The two important qualifications are openness and willingness to learn. Research experience in area of microscopy/Matlab coding/cell culture will be a plus. Minimum GPA: 4.0. Minimum Science GPA: 4.0. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 29 – August 3, 2018 Schedule: To be arranged within the hours of M-F, 9am-6pm |
| 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, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.