Project Mentor

Dr. Mallika Ghosh 
Center for Vascular Biology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Cell-cell fusion is a highly specialized process mediated by fusion regulatory proteins involved in a variety of diverse cellular function. CD13, a transmembrane protein that we study in my lab, controls many events including adhesion, migration, membrane organization and endocytosis that are all critical in cell-cell fusion. We hypothesize that CD13 is a negative regulator of cell-cell fusion during osteoclastogenesis and macrophage giant cell formation, and thus is a novel target for therapeutic intervention in pathological conditions mediated by defects in cell-cell fusion such as osteoporosis and implant failure.
Project Direction	During the summer, the student will learn about the project, read literature related to the project and research techniques such as cell culture, cell based assay, imaging and microscopy and eventually how to perform implant surgery in mice. During the academic year, since the student will be spending limited time in the lab, I will advice to focus on goals that can be achieved during that time. For example, the student can analyze data that was gathered during the summer research, focus on immunostaining and microscopy of sections that was obtained during the summer research and writing manuscripts and presenting research at conferences.
Mentorship and Supervision	First, we will critically read and discuss papers together. Then, I will encourage the student to read and discuss the paper with me. I will ensure that the student is trained by mentor/ lab member on a particular procedure. I will guide the student on how to write lab protocols, and lab notebooks, work together and help understand protocols and how to follow one.  I will teach the student how to modify a protocol when existing ones do not work. Student will have the opportunity to practice presentations with me first, get feedback and then present for lab/ center. The student will receive a template for making the poster and work closely with me to create the poster and practice with me before the presentation. There are several opportunities available for undergraduate students to apply for fellowships and being a member of the AHA, ASCB, NAVBO and AAI, I will help the student apply for opportunities. I will provide the student with papers regarding tunneling nanotubes (TNT) and related data performed by a previous graduate student and help complete the work for a potential publication.
Student Qualifications	Coursework in Biological sciences and Chemistry will be helpful. Specific skills will be taught during summer research.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5:00pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2022, Spring 2023
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/HRP22-12. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.

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