Project Mentor
Dr. Zhichao Fan
Department of Immunology
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | This project will work on small molecular drug screening to identify potential drugs to inhibit neutrophil recruitment during inflammatory diseases. We have accomplished a drug screening and found several hits for further exploration. The summer student will work with a graduate student on this project to confirm the effects of hits on inhibiting neutrophil integrin activation and adhesion. In vivo experiments on mice might be performed to demonstrate physiological relevance. |
| Project Direction | We expect to finish the major experiments during the summer, but further help in data analysis may be required in the academic year. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will have a 30-min meeting with the PI every week to discuss his/her progression and difficulties. The student will work with the graduate student closely to learn experimental techniques, data analysis, and result discussion. The student will also be able to discuss his/her future career plan with the PI and the graduate student. Lab meetings will be held once per month (2-3 times during the summer), which allows the student to learn more about other lab members’ research. The student will need to practice his/her summer-end talk in one lab meeting to improve his/her presentation skills. |
| Student Qualifications | Highly enthusiastic about biomedical research. Good communication skills with PI and peers. Good literature reading capacity and self-learning. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2023 Schedule: To be arranged within schedule parameters of M-F, 9am-6pm |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2023, Spring 2024 |
| 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/HRP23-13. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.
This application requires a resume or CV, GPA, science GPA, and a brief statement of career interests.