Project Mentor

Dr. Michael Blinov
Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	I have a variety of computational projects described at https://health.uconn.edu/blinov-lab/projects/, and can accommodate students with an interest in applications of computers and mathematics to biology in many directions: reading publications and coding biological mechanisms, using software to model, web development, algorithms coding, visualization using graphical tools, etc.
Project Direction	Mathematical modeling in biology provides a powerful framework for understanding and predicting complex biological systems. It allows researchers to simulate and analyze intricate biological processes, helping uncover hidden patterns and relationships that might be challenging to grasp intuitively. We’re working on methods, software and visualization of modeling, also dealing with specific biological systems ranging from cell cycle to disease modeling.
Mentorship and Supervision	Mid-June we have a three-day Virtual Cell workshop students participate in, it serves as a jump-start for the project (research still starts May 20th). We usually organize a weekly summer students seminar, where each student talks for 10- 15 minutes about their progress for the week, with other students and faculty asking questions. Coding will be supervised by lab programmers and students. Progress will be measured in the amount of code written/text extracted/cartoons drawn/models designed – very visual and easy to track. Most of the work will be put on GitHub.
Student Qualifications	I’m doing purely computational research. I can offer projects in coding (Javascript, Python, HTML/CSS, Ruby, Java, PROLOG), modeling with GUI tools (http://vcell.org), web development (GitHub pages), visualization (using graphical tools from http://sbgn.org). Students will learn a lot about computational project management, e.g. master GitHub. The basics of chemical kinetics (species, reactions, mass-action) is a plus. Interested students should contact me and discuss their interests.
Summer Schedule Options	Flexible. Usually, I expect students to start 6-8 hours a day working in my lab for the first week. As the project is computer-based, the schedule becomes more flexible with the possibility to work from home during the following weeks.
Project Continuation	Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Academic Year Time Commitment	3-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-3. 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, Statement of Career Interests. References should be available upon request.