Project Mentor

Dr. Sangamesh Kumbar
Orthopaedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Cell to cell communication plays a key role in the function and development of neural tissue. Neuronal cells communicate largely through electrical potentials. This summer’s research will focus on cell culture of neuronal and non-neuronal cells to study the underlying connection between electrical stimulation and neural phenotype development by mesenchymal stem cells.
Project Direction	This research will focus on how cell to cell communication and electrical stimulation are interconnected and their role in neuronal cellular development. More importantly, it will apply this knowledge in combination with polymeric scaffolds, external stimuli, and cells in order to produce neuronal regeneration in a tissue engineering approach.
Mentorship and Supervision	Student will be supervised by me in the lab on a day to day basis. There will be periodic check-ins and presentations of data and work done thus far. Feedback will be given in the form of one on one meetings with the student about their progress and work. The focus will be on hands on research experience, framing hypothesis, study design, and generating data. Student is expected to process the data to derive meaningful conclusions and present findings both in written and verbal forms.
Student Qualifications	Previous cell culture experience, upperclassmen interested in biomedical field, and have taken a BME course. Suggested Minimum GPA: 3.5 (GPAs close to this will also be considered). Suggested Minimum Science GPA: 3.5 (GPAs close to this will also be considered).
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: 9-10 full-time weeks to be scheduled between June 4 and August 17, 2018 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm
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, a brief statement of career interests, and a brief statement about past research experience.