Project Mentor
Dr. Hideyuki Oguro
Department of Cell Biology
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The Oguro laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the development, self-renewal, mobilization, and malignant transformation of blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using mutant mouse models, patient samples, and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Potential projects involve studying gene expression modifications in mouse HSCs or human iPSCs to explore the roles of candidate genes in HSC biology. This includes tasks such as plasmid constructions, lentiviral and/or transposon gene delivery, CRISPR-activation/interference of gene expression, and flow cytometric analysis of cultured mouse HSCs or human iPSCs. |
| Project Direction | Blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow and sustain the entire blood/immune system throughout life. They are the functional units of bone marrow transplantation. One of the goals of the Oguro laboratory is to increase the availability of transplantable HSCs from two sources: adult HSCs mobilized from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood in vivo, and embryonic HSCs generated from human iPSCs in vitro. Another major focus of the laboratory is to investigate how the mechanisms that regulate normal HSC self-renewal are co-opted during hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Students may schedule one-on-one meetings with the PI every other week, and the PI is also available for discussion at any time as needed. Graduate students and technicians in the laboratory will provide hands-on training and day-to-day guidance. |
| Student Qualifications | Completed or in-progress coursework related to biology. Interest in stem cell biology or cancer biology. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 18 to July 24, 2026 Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am through 5pm (flexible). |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2026, Spring 2027 |
| 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/HRPSU26-27. The application deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, GPA and science GPA minimum, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.