Project Mentor
Dr. Alix Deymier
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | We are interested in understanding the effects of a high acid diet on the musculoskeletal system. We have developed a mouse model of diet-induced acidosis and are now interesting in examining how acid exposure affected the mouse rotator cuff. The selected student will learn to perform Raman spectroscopy, microCT, and mechanical testing on mouse shoulders to determine how acidic diet changed the structure, composition, and mechanics of the tissue. |
| Project Direction | Once we have an understanding of the structure-function relationship in the shoulder after an acidic diet, we are interested in understanding what mechanisms cause these changes. This means investigating the cellular responses in all of the different tissues of the rotator cuff and eventually studying how the mice recover from these diets. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Students will be assigned a graduate student mentor in the lab. The student mentor will help the undergraduate student with day to day activities. The PI will meet with the student and their mentor every week to track progress and make sure that things are staying on track. Student progress will be evaluated at midpoint of the program by the mentor and the PI. These evaluations will be discussed and changes will be made to enhance the experience in the 2nd half. At the end of the program, the student will present at lab meeting to bring everyone in the lab up to date on their work. |
| Student Qualifications | Having a basic understanding of bone structure will be useful, but is not necessary. All other skills will be taught. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 24 to July 30, 2021 Schedule: M-F, 8am-5pm |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2021, Spring 2022 |
| 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/HRP21-10. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2021.
This application requires a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, a brief statement of career interests, and contact information for references.