Project Mentor

Dr. Sivapriya Kailasan Vanaja
Department of Immunology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The primary focus of our research is to determine the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens modulate host innate immune responses. Since innate immune responses play a crucial role in the clearance of infectious agents, it is natural that pathogens have developed strategies to inhibit the same. Our research aims to identify bacterial mechanisms that activate or inhibit innate immune activation. The summer research opportunity will focus on identifying virulence factors of two enteric pathogens, Enterohemorrhagic E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, that can activate or suppress a major innate immune pathway, the inflammasomes. The research strategy will involve working with bacterial mutants that lack specific virulence factors and determining their mode of action in innate immune cells such as macrophages.
Project Direction	Once a virulence factor that is capable of modulating inflammasome responses is identified during the summer, this project will continue into the academic year with a focus on identifying the molecular mechanism of inflammasome modulation by that particular virulence factor. This will include determining the exact step in the innate immune pathway that is being regulated, identifying the cell types where the regulation is occurring, and examining whether the virulence factor directly binds to innate immune components to modulate with their function.
Mentorship and Supervision	A post doctoral fellow in the lab and I will provide initial training to the student and show how each experiment is performed. I will meet with the student at least twice a week to assess progress and provide feedback.
Student Qualifications	Background in molecular biology, microbiology, and/or immunology through course work is preferred.
Summer Schedule Options	Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm will be preferred
Project Continuation	Fall 2024
Academic Year Time Commitment	6-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	No

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-16. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.

This application requires a Resume or CV, Cover Letter, GPA, Science GPA, and Statement of Qualific.