Project Mentor

Dr. Ji Yu
Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling (Department of Cell Biology)

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Misregulation of protein phosphorylation is linked to important human diseases, particularly cancer. The goal of the project is to develop a microscopy method to analyze the phosphoproteome in a spatially resolved manner. We achieve this by combining the naturally existing phosphor-sensitive library of SH2 domains with a protease based multiplexing imaging scheme. Furthermore, the project also aims to establish and validate an imaging analysis pipeline that allows rigorous yet intuitive interpretation and visualization of the high-dimensional imaging data.
Project Direction	Several sub-projects are available for one or multiple students to pursue during the summer program: (1) To establish a single-cell in situ lysis and capture technique in order to immobilize cellular materials on optical substrate for further analysis; (2) To compare and quantifying efficiency of the multiplexing pipeline with different protease designs; (3) To evaluate the effects of a gain-of-a-function mutation on SH2 probes, which we recently identified, on their imaging properties.
Mentorship and Supervision	– The student will meet with the PI individually at least twice a week to discuss research progress and planning – A postdoc will be assigned to train the student with respect to the lab technqiues involved in the project. The first two weeks of the program will be dedicated to training only. Afterwards, the student is expected to work independently, but with daily discussions with the postdoc to address potential questions. – The student is expected to give oral presentation once a month in a joint group meeting. – The student is expected to give a final seminar to the whole department at the end of the summer.
Student Qualifications	Undergraduate students pursuing a STEM major.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 26 to July 31, 2020 Schedule: Flexible (40 hours/week)
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/HRP20-30. The application deadline is Monday, February 3, 2020.

This application requires a resume or CV and a brief statement of career interests.