Project Mentor

Dr. Steven Chou
Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Assembly of the short actin filaments on the cytoplasmic side of human red blood cells. Aim 1—isolation of the short actin filaments in human red blood cells. Aim 2—cleavage of the cytoskeleton of human red blood cells by the SerA6 protease from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
Project Direction	The student will isolate the cytoskeleton network from human red blood cells and express SerA6 protease from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in insect cells. Later, the student will use SerA6 to digest spectrins, which bind tightly to the short actin filaments.
Mentorship and Supervision	Myself will mentor the research of the undergraduate student, and guide the student through all the processes. I will report regularly to HRP program officer about the progress of the research.
Student Qualifications	Interests in human research. No blood phobia.
Summer Schedule Options	flexible, usually Monday-Friday 10am through 6pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Academic Year Time Commitment	6 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-6. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.

This application requires a Resume or CV, Minimum GPA of 3.6, Statement of Qualifications, Statement of Research Interests, and Statement of Career Interests.