Project Mentor
Dr. David Martinelli
Department of Neuroscience
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Two different projects are underway in the lab, and the student could potentially choose either. The first regards the biochemistry of synaptic adhesion proteins, and is described well on the lab website https://health.uconn.edu/synapse/ . The second project is not described on the lab website, but involves the same set of proteins/genes, which happen to also be expressed in oligodendrocytes, the cells that make brain myelin. The project centers on understanding how myelin gets made, with the long term goal of developing a new treatment for multiple sclerosis. |
| Project Direction | The biochemistry project will start with a heavy molecular emphasis, and eventually transition into applying the knowledge in an animal model. The oligodendrocyte project will start with an in vitro and cellular signaling emphasis, and will also proceed into animal models. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will be paired with a current PhD student or post-doc, and both will work closely together with the professor. Monitoring progress and feedback will be daily. |
| Student Qualifications | I am looking for a freshmen or sophomore willing to make a year-round commitment to a research project until graduation. The best courses to take are biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Neuroscience course would be helpful too. Obviously, a freshman hasn’t taken many courses at all; I understand that. Prior lab experience is preferred, but not required. If you make this commitment, I will teach you what you need to know. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 26 to July 31, 2020 Schedule: Flexible |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2020, Spring 2021 |
| 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/HRP20-17. The application deadline is Monday, February 3, 2020.
This application requires a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.