Project Mentor

Dr. Yanjiao Zhou
Medicine

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	My lab is a computational biology lab. We are interested in understanding how the gut microbiome modulates local gut immunity and neuro-inflammation in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting central nervous system. The technique we use includes both anaerobic culture, molecular biology, and multi-OMICS technology. The students will have the opportunity to learn big data analysis and wet bench techniques, depending on their interests.
Project Direction	The student will contribute to our ongoing research on developing microbiome-based therapeutics for multiple sclerosis. We will use different strategy to identify gut bacteria with anti- or pro-inflammatory property, with the goal to develop next generation probiotics.
Mentorship and Supervision	A senior person in my lab will mentor students on wet bench work including animal handling and molecular biology. I will train the students with bioinformatics. We have many datasets for students to get hands on data analysis training.
Student Qualifications	Have basic knowledge about biology (if interested in wet lab) OR bioinformatics (if interested in dry lab). Students interested in microbiome research are encouraged to work on related projects.
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/HRP19-31. The application deadline is Monday, February 4, 2019.

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