Project Mentor
Dr. Tannin Schmidt
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Lubricin is a protein present in synovial fluid that maintains cartilage and joint health through its lubricating and anti-inflammatory properties. Our lab recently discovered lubricin also plays a role in bone health, in its ability to inhibit inflammatory bone loss. This research project aims to expand on this discovery and understand how lubricin helps prevent bone loss, by evaluating its ability to interact with other regulating molecules and cell activity in bone remodeling and homeostasis. The project will employ in vitro biophysical, biomechanical, and biochemical assays to achieve this goal. |
| Project Direction | The broader research direction of this project is to develop and evaluate lubricin as a potential treatment for osteoporosis. Our lab has unique access to recombinant human lubricin that is currently being evaluated clinically for other diseases as well. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will interact in the lab with a senior PhD student on a daily basis. My office is always open, and directly adjacent to the lab, therefore I interact with all my students on a daily basis as well. We have weekly lab meetings for progress updates and feedback, as well as impromptu individual meetings as required. |
| Student Qualifications | No specific qualifications required, simply an interest in biomedical engineering as well as musculoskeletal research. |
| 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 | 9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP22-25. 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.