Project Mentor

Dr. Liisa Kuhn
Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	In this project the student will learn how to test biomaterials that might be used one day as a new bone graft. The biomaterials, also known as scaffolds, are placed in pieces of living bone that have been dissected from old mice and cultured in an incubator to allow the early steps of bone repair to occur in controlled conditions. The student will learn how to embed the biomaterials after they have been cultured and learn how to cut thin sections of them to look at the cell types under the microscope that migrate into the scaffolds with time. The goal of the summer research is to see how various compounds adsorbed on the biomaterial affect early inflammation processes and find the best ones that can help bones heal faster.
Project Direction	The research in the Kuhn lab is focussed on developing better bone graft materials, particularly for older patients that have a greater inflammatory response to implanted materials. The studies during the semester will continue examining the combinations of molecules and the timing of their delivery to find the best combination that can reduce the inflammation that is not helpful to wound healing and bone repair.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will have a written goal each week and will turn in a weekly “exit slip” which contains objectives for the week with a reflection about the experiments done during the week. The student’s progress will be monitored through weekly discourse including review of the exit slips, as well as monthly progress reports to the lab members given in a PowerPoint presentation (which is the standard means of sharing scientific results). A final summer project report will be due at the end of the summer that includes a description of the experiments done, the key data, and the most important conclusions.
Student Qualifications	The student should have good hand/eye coordination and not uncomfortable about dissecting mice. The student should be curious about biomedical engineering and interested in how medical devices are developed from basic science discoveries. They should like chemistry and math and be prepared to apply their prior knowledge. Students that meet the basic requirements but also have artistic skills and experience may be given a preference.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 29 – August 3, 2018 Schedule: M-F, 9am-4pm
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 an unofficial transcript and a brief statement of research interests.