Project Mentor
Dr. Srdjan Antic
Department of Neuroscience
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the loss of synaptic function is suspected before accumulation of characteristic amyloid plaques in cerebral cortex, and long before a patient presents with symptoms. In this project, we wanted to quantify the changes in synaptic function that occurs in AD model mice. Identifying these changes, will help towards development of earlier therapeutic interventions and diagnosis. Experiments include optical imaging of brain slices with synaptic stimulation paradigms, histological treatments of fixed brain slices for measuring accumulation of amyloid plaques, and fluorescent and confocal microscopy. Note that students will not work with live animals or have any contact with live animals. |
| Project Direction | The AD study in the Antic Lab is funded by NIH and Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. The summer student will be involved in experiments, data analysis, creation of reports for the funding agencies, and preparation of publications. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The PI (Srdjan Antic) will explain the project and discuss hypothesis, experiments, and data analysis with the student. Every Monday, the PI will meet with the student and discuss the research activities in which student was involved the previous week (PI’s feedback). |
| Student Qualifications | We seek students with basic data management skills (Excel spreadsheet), a healthy sense of right and wrong, a normal dose of curiosity, and a professional demeanor. Students should be capable of following laboratory procedures after being provided detailed explanation; ongoing guidance will be available. These procedures may include data analysis using software, data tabulation and data plotting using Excel, perhaps preparation of solutions, and some optical recordings. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 24 to July 30, 2021 Schedule: M-F, 8am-7pm (flexible) |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2021, Spring 2022 |
| 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/HRP21-3. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2021.
This application requires a cover letter and resume or CV.