Project Mentor

Dr. Archana Sanjay
Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The ongoing work in my laboratory focuses on characterizing skeletal stem/progenitor cells. We have developed several transgenic mouse lines. The summer research project will be to assist in characterizing these mouse lines using a variety of techniques including: frozen sectioning of bones, staining and imaging sections, gene expression by qRTPCR, and cell cultures.
Project Direction	We have discovered a novel link between Lgr6, an adult stem marker and Wnt pathway mediator, and bone regeneration. We hypothesize that Lgr6 may define a population of progenitor cells with high regenerative potential. The long-term goal of the project is to understand signaling mechanisms that regulate differentiation of osteoblast (bone producing cells) during normal and pathological conditions (e.g., diabetes, aging). Overall, these studies will contribute to the development of new therapies for fracture healing.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student researcher will be supervised by me. The student researcher will be working closely with the graduate students in my lab and day-to-day supervision will be done by the graduate students. Every day morning the trainee will meet with the supervisor and graduate student to go over the tasks for the day. The group will also meet weekly for lab meetings (Friday 9am thru 11am). The expectation is that lab members will present the data, troubleshoot problems, and discuss experimental design. Sometimes the group will discuss recently published work – the graduate student will be presenting the paper. Progress will be monitored weekly during the lab meeting. At the end of the 10 weeks, the expectation is that the trainee will give an informal presentation to the lab members. The PI will provide verbal feedback.
Student Qualifications	A background in basic biology, including coursework in genetics, cell biology, and/or molecular biology is highly desirable; a strong interest in research, ability to work independently is a strong plus.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2023 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm
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/HRP23-32. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, and a brief statement of research interests.