HRP SU19-15: Research Opportunity with Dr. Lakshmi Nair

Project Mentor

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The goal of the project is to develop bioactive polymeric biomaterials to decrease tissue inflammation and enhance healing. The work involves incorporating bioactive molecules to existing hydrogels, physico-chemical characterization of the hydrogels and in vitro cell culture studies to under the broader biological activity of the hydrogels.
Project Direction	The overall goal of the project is to develop unique bioactive antiinflammatory or angiogenic biomaterials to support wound healing and relieving pain. Based on the preliminary in vitro studies, further in vitro studies will be designed to test the specific bioactivity of the hydrogels. If time permits, the best performing gels will be tested in vivo using a mouse model to evaluate their efficacy.
Mentorship and Supervision	Student will work directly under my supervision and will get training in methodologies from graduate students. The progress will be assessed based on data collection and interpretation, presentation of data. The goal is to write a scientific paper by the end of the program.
Student Qualifications	Interest in tissue regeneration, wound healing or pain relief research
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	3 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP19-15/. The application deadline is Monday, February 4, 2019.

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