Project Mentor

Dr. Alix Deymier
Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The body is extremely sensitive to changes in pH and small disregulations can lead to pathologies like acidosis that cause tissue damage and osteoporosis. In the lab, you will be examining the structure and mechanics of bones that come from mice with acidosis. You will learn to perform dissections, do chemical and structural analysis and do mechanical testing. The goal is to determine how acidosis affects the skeleton and how we can minimize those effects.
Project Direction	The bones in this study have been exposed to short-term acidosis. Once we understand what happens at this short time scale, we can expand to more realistic cases of long-term acidosis. This work will include working with live mice and continuing structural and mechanical analysis.
Mentorship and Supervision	Early in the summer students will spend extensive time with me directly learning how to perform experiments and tasks. Once they have exhibited understanding of the techniques they will become more independent and will be able to proceed with their work without direct supervison. However, I will always be available as well as my postdoctoral researcher, Brian Wingender. Brian will be the technical expert on a number of techniques and will be able to help the student with most technical issues. During this time, one hour a week will be set aside to make sure that the student is comfortable with the work and that all questions are answered. These once a week meetings will continue throughout summer and will include the student reporting on progress and discussions of where things may need to change. Halfway through the summer, the student will be asked to present at group meeting so that progress can be discussed as a group.
Student Qualifications	Students must have a basic understanding of materials science principles. Students with interests in biological materials are strongly encouraged.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 29 – August 3, 2018 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2018, Spring 2019
Academic Year Time Commitment	6 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.