Project Mentor
Dr. Alix Deymier
Department of Biomedical engineering
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | This study will focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which acid infiltrates bone and how it affects the bone porosity. We have shown that acid exposure seems to preferentially affect the bone exterior versus the bone interior. Therefore we will be using high resolution microCT, fluorescent dye kinetics and other imaging techniques to try and understand how acid gets into bone and what those consequences are. |
| Project Direction | Acidic diets have been shown to decrease bone density, decrease bone volume, and increase bone fracture risk. We have shown that acid exposure seems to control much of the secondary effects associated with acidic diets. Therefore this work will serve to explain how acidic diets reap such havoc on bones. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Our lab uses a multi-level mentorship plan. The student will be assigned a graduate mentor. The student will meet weekly with the graduate mentor and biweekly with the PI. On alternating weeks the students will participate in lab meetings with all of the students. The student will present their data and any challenges that they face at these meetings. Lab notebooks and data will also be collected on the shared lab drive. The student will be expected to present at the UCHC BME Research Day. |
| Student Qualifications | The student must be passionate about research. The primary requirement is that they show motivation and dedication. Secondly, the student should be comfortable performing animal research specifically mice research. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5:00pm |
| 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/HRP22-9. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.
This application requires a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.