HRP SU24-10: Research Opportunity with Dr. Breno Diniz

Project Mentor

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The research project in our lab is focused on the analyses of cell-free nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (cf-nDNA or cf-mDNA)in plasma samples. Our goal is to understand the dynamics of cf-nDNA and cf-mDNA in psychiatric disorders and different diseases of aging. We are also focusing on the analyses of cf-DNA from cultured PBMCs and related in-silico analyses.
Project Direction	This is one of the ongoing projects in our laboratory that will continue over the next few years. Therefore, the student will have the opportunity to actively participate in the projects and related experiments for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Mentorship and Supervision	The mentoring and supervision plan will include: 1) weekly 1-0-1 meetings with the PI to discuss the development of the project and analyses that the student will be undertaking 2) weekly laboratory meetings 3) Weekly mandatory reading of papers in the literature that are relevant to the conduction of the student’s project 4) Progress will be monitored by the rate of development of the project, the student’s commitment to the lab work, and the level of knowledge gained by the student. 5) Feedback will be given weekly to the student progress in the 1-0-1 meetings.
Student Qualifications	Basic pre-requisites: the student must have taken genetic, molecular biology, or computational biology classes. Optional qualifications: prior experience with laboratory work; computational / statistical analyses skills.
Summer Schedule Options	Monday-Friday 9am through 6pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Academic Year Time Commitment	6-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-10. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.

This application requires a Cover Letter, Resume or CV, Unofficial Transcript, Statement of Qualifications, Statement of Research Interests, and Statement of Career Interests. References should be available upon request.