Project Mentor
Dr. Yi Wu
Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The input of signal transduction is not limited to chemical cues. The mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment, such as rigidity, are also sensed by the cells and lead to both transient cellular dynamics and persistent gene regulation. The phenomenon is called mechanotransduction which attracts great interest in research in recent years yet remains poorly understood. The project will use a novel fluorescent reporter and live-cell imaging to investigate how cells convert the mechanical cues to chemical signaling in space and time. |
| Project Direction | Mechanotransduction plays an essential role in stem cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and diseases such as fibrosis and cancer. The project will leverage novel imaging tools to gain new insights into these important processes. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will work with either a senior graduate student in the lab or the PI myself, depending on the project and the techniques to be learned. We have weekly lab meetings where the student is expected to present literature background, experimental results, and to discuss the research plans in front of lab members. In addition, we have weekly individual or group meetings to discuss the project and learning in-depth. |
| Student Qualifications | Although no specific skills are required (we can teach you those), some prior experience of working with DNA plasmids, cultured cells, or microscopy will be most helpful. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm (flexible) |
| 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/HRP22-33. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.
This application requires a resume or CV and a brief statement of research interests. References should be available upon request.