Project Mentor
Dr. Joana Paulino
Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The Paulino laboratory focuses on virus-host protein interaction that leads to the widely different disease outcomes in Orthoflaviviruses. The summer intern will work on the expression and purification of proteins from Zika virus, Dengue virus, and Powassan virus. The research project encompasses: cloning of DNA fragments into expression plasmids, heterologous expression of viral proteins, and purification of soluble and membrane proteins. The intern will be trained in: chromatography techniques, western blots, and bacterial culture. |
| Project Direction | The proteins expressed and purified during the summer will be used in the structural characterization of virus-host protein complexes relevant to Orthoflavivirus infection. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Intern will receive hands-on training from the Principal Investigator (PI) and graduate students. The laboratory runs weekly group meetings where we discuss the data generated in the laboratory as well as scientific articles. The intern will meet on a weekly basis with the PI to discuss research progress. |
| Student Qualifications | The work in the Paulino laboratory requires a good foundation in biochemistry, therefore basic coursework in biochemistry is required. Coursework in chemistry (general, analytical, organic) is a plus. Advanced biochemistry coursework and laboratory will give the intern an advantage. We require basic pippeting skills and knowledge of how to make buffering solutions. Having experience with autoclaves, bacterial culture techniques (transformation, antibiotic selection, and large scale growth of bacterial culture is a plus). |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 18 to July 24, 2026 Schedule: M-F, 5-6 hours in laboratory daily. |
| 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/HRPSU26-28. The application deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, and references.