Project Mentor

Dr. Henry Smilowitz 
Department of Cell Biology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Our laboratory, in combination with a small biotech company, pioneered the use of non-toxic high-Z nanoparticles, currently iodine nanoparticles, INPs, to powerfully enhance radiation therapy of tumors (INP-RT)–with an emphasis on the treatment of both primary and metastatic brain tumors and melanoma. Research projects this summer will include the use of orthotopic patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of primary and metastatic brain tumors as well as subcutaneous melanoma to study the efficacy of the INPs in mouse tumors that approximate the tumors in patients. Research projects on nanoparticle (NP) tumor loading (MicroCT, NP microdistribution (Confocal fluorescence microscopy), NP efficacy (in vivo radiation therapy), and synergy with other therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Project Direction	Overall our pre-clinical projects are both therapy and basic science based. While efforts are underway to bring INP-RT to the clinic, basic research is needed to 1. improve INP-RT by exploring the use of tumor targeting and combination therapies, and 2. determine the efficacy of INP-RT using tumor models that approximate human tumors as much as possible e.g. PDX models. While projects will be designed to get stand alone summer data, they will be part of larger projects that will provide ample room for investigation over the senior year.
Mentorship and Supervision	Supervision will be done by Dr. Smilowitz and Dr. Ridwan, post doctoral fellow in the lab. It is anticipated that there will be two undergraduates in the lab during the summer as well. These students will have had some experience in the lab already and will be able to provide help as well.
Student Qualifications	While we prefer students who have completed their junior year (rising seniors) and students who have had some research experience, we will consider applications from all interested students. We prefer students with exceptional academic records, particularly in STEM. We require that students be very motivated to read and think about their projects and to work very hard in the short amount of time the summer affords.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm**Some flexibility for extra hours if a very large experiment runs into the evening or weekend.
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/HRP22-26. 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, a brief statement of career interests, and contact information for references.