Project Mentor

Dr. Changchun Liu
Department of Biomedical Engineering

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Nucleic acid-based molecular detection plays a critical role in rapid diagnostics and prompt treatment of infectious diseases. In this summer project, we will design, fabricate and test microfluidic diagnostic device and portable detection system for point of care diagnostics. The device and system will be fabricated by 3D 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 diagnostic device and portable detection system. On the one hand, we can develop simple molecular diagnostic devices for disease detection. One the other hand, we can design and fabricate a portable detection system for actuating the diagnostic device and reading signals.
Mentorship and Supervision	The summer students will first work with my lab members (e.g., postdoc researchers, PhD students) to learn how to develop microfluidic diagnostic device and portable detection system. When they are familiar with these devices, they will be encouraged to independently design and fabricate their diagnostic device and system by 3D printing technology. Then, my lab members will assist them to test their developed device and system. The summer students will be invited to join 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 technology is not required, but the demonstrated experience in one of the following fields (e.g., mechanical design (e.g., Solidworks), 3D printing, bio-instrumentation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), analytical chemistry) is desired
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 26 to July 31, 2020 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2020, Spring 2021
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/HRP20-13. The application deadline is Monday, February 3, 2020.

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.