Project Mentor

Dr. Changchun Liu 
Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Rapid and sensitive molecular diagnosis of diseases, including pathogens and cancer biomarkers, at the point-of-care is critical for prompt and appropriate therapeutic intervention. In this summer project, we will focus on developing microfluidic chip and biosensor for point of care molecular detection. The device will be fabricated by either 3D printing technology or wax printing technology. Please find more detail on our current research through the website: https://smds.engr.uconn.edu/.
Project Direction	This summer research will focus on designing, fabricating and testing of microfluidic chip and biosensor for diagnostic applications. On the one hand, we can develop low-cost point of care diagnostic devices for global health. One the other hand, we can further expand to develop new wearable devices and mobile health technology.
Mentorship and Supervision	The summer students will first work with me and my postdoc researchers to learn how to develop microfluidic chip and biosensor. When they are familiar with these devices, they will be encouraged to independently design and fabricate their microfluidic devices and biosensors by 3D printing technology and wax printing technology. Then, my postdoc researchers will assist them to test their developed devices. The summer students will be invited to attend our weekly lab meeting to discuss their experimental progress. Students are expected to analyze the experimental data and present their findings.
Student Qualifications	Previous experience in microfluidics, and biosensor technology is not required, but the demonstrated experience in one of the following fields (e.g., mechanical design (e.g., Solidworks), 3D printing, program development, molecular biology, analytical chemistry) is desired.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 28 to August 2, 2019 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2019, Spring 2020
Academic Year Time Commitment	6 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP19-11/. The application deadline is Monday, February 4, 2019.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.