Project Mentor
Dr. Srdjan Antic
Department of Neuroscience
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Using acute brain slice preparations, electrophysiological approaches (synaptic stimulation, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings), and optical imaging techniques (calcium imaging, voltage imaging), we aim to determine whether synaptic transmission in disease-free control animals differs from that observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice that develop amyloid plaques characteristic of the disorder. - - Students involved in this project will gain experience with software for quantitative analysis of physiological optical imaging data, organization and presentation of experimental measurements, and basic histological techniques for detecting amyloid plaques in archived brain sections. - - Students who are interested will also have the opportunity to perform optical imaging of synaptically evoked depolarizations in brain slices in close collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher. Optical imaging experiments (calcium and voltage imaging) will frequently be complemented by patch-electrode recordings, providing an excellent opportunity for students to learn whole-cell patch-clamp techniques in acute (living) brain slices prepared from mouse neocortex or striatum. |
| Project Direction | This is a basic science research project aimed at elucidating the cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We employ a well-established animal model of AD, transgenic mice carrying disease-associated genes that drive the formation of amyloid plaques in the cerebral cortex. In parallel, we investigate factors regulating intrinsic membrane excitability and synaptic function. Observations from calcium and voltage imaging experiments will be followed up with higher-sensitivity patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings as appropriate. To probe molecular contributors, we will leverage institutional core facilities to perform metabolomic and proteomic analyses. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Each workday, a postdoctoral associate or the principal investigator will meet with the student to discuss plans and address ongoing issues for that day. Student progress will be monitored through written reports, one-on-one discussions, and presentations at laboratory meetings. Feedback will be provided primarily through verbal discussions, supplemented by two formal written evaluations: one at the program midpoint (5 weeks) and one at the conclusion of the research program (10 weeks). |
| Student Qualifications | We seek students with basic data management skills (e.g., Excel spreadsheets), a strong sense of integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a professional demeanor. Students should be able to follow laboratory procedures after receiving detailed instruction. Importantly, we provide continuous guidance and mentorship on a daily basis as needed. - - Training activities may include data analysis using specialized software, data tabulation, and data visualization using Excel. For students interested in hands-on experimental work, we also provide opportunities to participate in laboratory procedures such as preparation of physiological and drug solutions, perfusion of acute brain slices, placement of synaptic stimulation electrodes, and acquisition of optical recordings. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Students are expected to work a standard schedule (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), five days per week, in order to complete the 360 hours of research required by the HRP over the 10-week period. However, we offer flexibility in scheduling, and some tasks may be completed remotely from home. |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2026, Spring 2027 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | No |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU26-3. The application deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.
This application requires a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests. References should be available upon request.