Project Mentor

Dr. Leslie Caromile
Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The overall objective of this study is to develop a well-defined 3D bioprinted in vitro/in vivo model that mimics the molecular, cellular, and metabolic interplay occurring in the bone-tumor microenvironment of metastatic prostate cancer and confirm that it is responsive to targeted and non-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
Project Direction	The rationale for undertaking the proposed research is that developing a reproducible predictive PC tumor-bone-vasculature model will accelerate therapeutic development for PC and minimize clinical failures.
Mentorship and Supervision	All mentees are different people with different experiences, goals, dreams, and fears, and I am very mindful of that. There are several concepts that I instill in all my mentees, including mutual respect, honesty, scientific methodology, and communication skills, to name a few. However, to have a successful mentor-mentee relationship, it is imperative to create an environment that is respectful, inclusive, and equitable, so mentees are comfortable discussing their strengths and weaknesses and how/when to successfully use those qualities. I am very supportive of my mentee’s ambitions and always prepared to help them navigate the program’s expectations, formulate an original research project, practice academic writing skills, network at conferences, and advocate for them when they decide to join the workforce. As a mentor, I am generally flexible, meaning that I will mentor mentees in professional and general, non-work-related areas. However, I do know my limits. Therefore, I always suggest that my mentees have more than one mentor as one can gain a more valuable outlook by triangulating advice from multiple individuals. They can take bits and pieces of what each has to offer and decide for themselves which words of wisdom feel right for them at certain points in their career.
Student Qualifications	Rising junior or senior interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. Must have taken one of the following courses: cell biology, biochemistry.
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/HRP23-6. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.

This application requires a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.