Project Mentor

Dr. Royce Mohan
Neuroscience

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The Mohan lab is interested in the study of retinal pathology using mouse models of experimental and genetically-induced neurodegenerative diseases. The student will be taught techniques such as, isolation of mouse eyes from sacrificed mice, cryosectioning of eyes, tissue staining using antibodies, and image acquisition by epifluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis. In certain cases, students may also advance to using live mice, where they will be taught mouse handling, perform injections to deliver anesthesia and drugs and terminal euthanasia. Some students do continue on the project in fall semester and may learn retinal injury.
Project Direction	Many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) share common pathological pathways where the retina shows the earliest signs of stress. Because the human retina is a “window” to the central nervous system, we are especially interested in discovering what proteins found commonly in the brain and retina are biomarkers of AD or AMD, and how these proteins may also be studied as potential new targets for drug discovery. As a chemical biology lab, we are also interested in discovering small molecules that bind to these biomarker/targets and using these interactions we plan on perturbing these targets and learn how they contribute to disease. By using experimental injury, or through use of genetically altered mice, we aim to illuminate new biomarkers and targets for therapy.
Mentorship and Supervision	Students learn techniques from junior and senior members of the lab, including the PI. There is a lot of hands on training and so students will be supervised by experts in the lab as part of a team. Progress is monitored constantly and this way a student learns not only how to work through experimental challenges but also the demands on time devoted to the project. Past students have worked diligently leading up to co-authorship in meeting abstracts and journal publications by participation as a team member and being responsible for their share of work. These students who have been mentored typically enter into medical schools or join biomedical graduate programs for their PhD at some of the best universities. The Mohan lab continues to maintain connections with former students, many who joined medical residencies as well as explored novel career paths interfacing science and another field.
Student Qualifications	Students should have a background in biochemistry/molecular biology or related field. They should show the highest level of scientific curiosity to engage in conversations about their project and be open to learning new techniques, which they will be taught. A working knowledge of how buffer and reagent solutions are prepared for uses in biological research and sterile work is very helpful. Very good record keeping and engaging in responsible research conduct as applied to a medical institution is required.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 28 to August 2, 2019 Schedule: To be arranged between 9am-6pm, M-F
Project Continuation	Fall 2019, Spring 2020
Academic Year Time Commitment	9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP19-14/. 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, a brief statement of career interests, contact information for references, and letters of recommendation.