Project Mentor
Dr. Yi Wu
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Optogenetics has become a powerful tool in studying signaling transduction, thanks to its precise control at the speed of light and the spatial resolution of the diffraction limit. Specifically, the LOV domain (Wu et al., Nature 2009) can exert precise control over a signaling protein in its subcellular localization, protein-protein interaction, and allosteric regulation of enzymatic activity. We are looking for a motivated student to conduct protein engineering studies and learn with us how to control protein kinases or any other signaling proteins with light. |
| Project Direction | The summer project fits the overall research interest of the lab which is to develop imaging tools for signal transduction. The summer learning project will pave a foundation for the student to pursue his/her undergraduate thesis in the lab, should the project ideas prove fruitful. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will work with either a senior graduate student in the lab or the PI myself in the lab, depending on the project and the techniques to be learned. We have weekly lab meetings where the student is expected to present the project outline, experimental results, and to discuss the research plans in front of lab members. Also, we have weekly individual or group meetings to discuss in depth the project and learning with the student. |
| Student Qualifications | Although no specific skills are required (we can teach you those), some prior experience of working with DNA plasmids, cultured cells, or microscopy will be very helpful. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 24 to July 30, 2021 Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm (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/HRP21-30. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2021.
This application requires a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.