Project Mentor

Dr. Sivapriya Kailasan Vanaja
Immunology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The objective of the project will be to identify virulence factors of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) that interact with the innate immune system. Specifically the project will include utilizing mutants of EHEC that lack virulence factors to infect macrophages and determine if the deficiency of these bacterial factors affect innate immune responses such as inflammasome activation. Inflammasome activation will be assessed by measuring cell death and cytokine responses following infection with the EHEC mutants.
Project Direction	Overall the project will unravel the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens modulate innate immune responses. This will also provide insight into the ways by which these pathogens suppress the immune responses to successfully colonize the host.
Mentorship and Supervision	I will train the student initially on basic laboratory techniques. Once the student becomes familiar with experimental plan she/he can work independently with some help from students/postdocs in the lab to continue the project. I will meet with the student on a daily basis to assess the progress and provide feedback. I will also provide them with the necessary scientific literature to become familiar with research area.
Student Qualifications	Must have some background in microbiology and immunology. Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques such as bacterial culturing, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques will be considered favorable. Should be willing to collaborate with students and postdocs in the lab, read research articles, and troubleshoot the experiments.
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	3 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	No

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 and a resume or CV.