Project Mentor
Dr. Melissa Caimano
Department of Medicine
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The project would be related to understand how Lyme Disease spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) modulates gene transcription during its tick-mouse enzootic life cycle. Specifically, the project would involve identification of promoter elements that promote differential expression of virulence determinants required for survival in ticks or mice. The work will involve use of either fluorescent reporter constructs or DNA binding assays. |
| Project Direction | This work is part of our long standing interest in understanding how Lyme Disease spirochetes adapt to life within ticks and mice. The regulatory pathways and genes products used by Borrelia burgdorferi have broad relevance for bacterial pathogens, particularly for vector-borne diseases. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student would be supervised one-on-one by either the PI or a post-doctoral fellow that is highly familiar with the project. Ample time will be allotted for discussion of theory and background related to the proposed experiments. The student will be provided prior publication related to the project (broadly as well as specifically). Raw data will be discussed one-on-one with the student as it be acquired. Feedback will be given throughout the rotation. The student will be expected to participate in data interpretation followed by discussion. |
| Student Qualifications | Prior coursework in molecular biology and/or microbiology is highly desirable. Prior experience with basic molecular cloning or handling DNA would be helpful. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 8am-6:00pm (flexible) |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2022, Spring 2023 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6-9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP22-5. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.