Project Mentor
Dr. Melanie Tran
Department of Nephrology
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Chronic kidney disease is associated with accelerated and premature ageing of the kidney, which is characterized by cellular senescence. Moreover, accelerated tubular cell senescence promotes the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. This research project aims to investigate signaling pathways that regulate cell senescence and renal fibrosis development. The student will gain experience in cell culture, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, Western blot, and mouse models of chronic kidney disease. |
| Project Direction | This research project will provide a greater understanding of the signaling pathways that regulate cell senescence and renal fibrosis development. We will use in vitro models using human and mouse kidney cells, as well as experimental mouse models of chronic kidney disease. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | I will train the student in the techniques required for the project, including cell culture, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RNA extraction, and RT-PCR. If there are animals involved, the student will be appropriately trained, including the handling of mice, and assist with collection of tissue samples. We will meet daily to plan out the day, discuss and review the latest results, and plan for future experiments. There will be regularly scheduled lab meetings where the student will present his/her work for discussion and feedback. |
| Student Qualifications | A background in biology and an interest in research is preferred. Some basic laboratory skills preferred, but not required. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2023 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2023 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | No |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP23-38. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.