Project Mentor
Dr. James Li
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | We study how the brain develops and how abnormal development contributes to brain disorders. We are using a number of approaches, including single-cell genomics and epigenomics, molecular biology, and experiments in stem cells and animal models (mouse and chick), to study the generation of various neurons and the assembly of neural circuitry, particularly in the cerebellum. Our multidisciplinary study will provide students with ample opportunities to explore different research approaches and identify a project that aligns with the individual’s skill, interest, and career goal. |
| Project Direction | The main goal of the summary research is to help students learn necessary skillsets and identify a potential long-term project leading a research paper published in peer-reviewed journals. The potential skillsets include molecular cloning, histology, mouse genetics, brain dissection, imaging, image processing, genomic data analysis, literature survey, and trouble shooting. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | I will discuss with the student to develop a training plan consistent with student’s career goal. Students are mentored on a day-to-day basis by a PhD student or research associate in the lab. In weekly lab meetings, research progress and feedback will be discussed. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, symposia and workshops in the departments and UCHC campus. |
| Student Qualifications | I look for students with outstanding self-motivation, maturity, and work ethic. The student should have a strong interest in neuroscience, preferably with a long-term research program beyond the summer. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 24 to July 30, 2021* Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm *This opportunity cannot be pursued virtually and may be cancelled if there are pandemic-related restrictions on research for summer 2021.
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| 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/HRP21-17. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2021.
This application requires a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, a brief statement of research interests, a brief statement of career interests, and contact information for references.