Project Mentor

Dr. Breno Diniz
Department of Psychiatry and Center on Aging

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	This research project aims to investigate the role of immunosenescence in aging and depressive symptoms in older adults. More specifically, we are investigating if older adults with depression have changes in inflammatory markers and immune cells phenotypes that are commonly observed during the pathological or accelerated biological aging processes. We also investigate if these immunological abnormalities are related to health outcomes in older adults with depression. In this project, we evaluate the inflammatory markers in the plasma using state-of-art multiplexing analyses. Immune cell phenotyping will be done using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
Project Direction	This research project is part of a broader NIMH-funded study to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of depression in older adults. This cohort study is planned to continue between 2022 and 2024 and with many subsequent analyses and opportunities for other investigations related to depression in older adults.
Mentorship and Supervision	The successful candidate will be fully integrated into our laboratory research activities. He will participate and be directly supervised by the laboratory senior personnel (e.g., post-docs and senior laboratory manager). He will participate in the regular laboratory meetings to discuss ongoing studies and laboratory procedures. He will also have a weekly one-to-one meeting with the Faculty to discuss his research activities, plans, and career development. Moreover, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to join other scientific activities in the UConn Center on Aging and the Department of Psychiatry.
Student Qualifications	Completion or in progress basic biology courses, interest in pursuing research or academic career in the biomedical field. Prior experience with wet lab research or activities is an asset.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-6:00pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2022, Spring 2023
Academic Year Time Commitment	3 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP22-10. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.