Project Mentor

Dr. Mina Mina 
Division of Pediatric Dentistry

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The goal of all research project in my laboratory is improving the natural healing process of dentin ad pulp in the tooth. Reparative dentin that is formed by the nature healing process of tooth is similar (but not identical) to physiological dentin that is formed during tooth development. Unlike the Physiological dentin, reparative dentin is only a thin layer of poorly organized mineralized bridge secreted by odontoblast-like cells exhibiting impaired differentiation. However, the underlying mechanisms for the impaired differentiation of odontoblasts during reparative dentinogensis are not fully understood. The summer research project will include examining the inhibitory role of RUNX2, a transcription factor with a well-established stage-specific role in odontoblast differentiation in reparative dentinogensis.
Project Direction	Molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating reparative dentin has been the focus of research efforts in my labaratory for the past 15 years. The overall goal of these effort is to gain insight into the negative and positive roles of various reagents on reparative dentinogensis. We hope that these efforts will have a positive impact on the emerging field of dental-pulp regeneration and payed the way for dentin regeneration.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will be working and conducting experiments with the direct supervision of the research instructor in my laboratory. Three of us will meet weekly to go over the goals of each set of experiments, the results and the outcome and future steps. I have an open door policy for my students. If necessary student can meet with me daily,
Student Qualifications	Hard working and ethical individual with background in Heath sciences course work (eg: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, animal science) interested in area of regenerative medicine and dentistry.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm
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/HRP22-21. 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.