Project Mentor
Dr. Henry Smilowitz
Department of Cell Biology
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The overall focus of our lab has been experimental cancer therapeutics. Current Projects: 1. Our lab has been collaborating with a small biotech company that has developed novel heavy atom nanoparticles (NPs). We have recently shown that the well tolerated BaTiO3 NPs significantly enhance megavoltage radiation therapy (RT) of both tumor cells growing in vitro and in vivo tumors growing subcutaneously on the thighs of mice after intravenous injection 24 hrs prior to RT. Going forward we want to improve NP-mediated radio-enhancement by a. increasing the specific NP loading of tumors and altering their distribution in the tumors by using a variety of techniques including specific targeting, pre-irradiation, hyperthermia, ultrasound, combining intratumoral and intravenous routes of administration, b. by combination therapies including radiosensitization, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, c. Comparing proton and photon irradiation. 2. Our lab is collaborating with a laboratory at UCONN Storrs on the use of a novel NP for therapeutic RNA delivery to tumors. An initial publication on this has recently appeared in ACS Nano. Please refer to Dr. Smilowitz's Cell Biology Blurb for research interests and publications since 2000. |
| Project Direction | ~Half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy (RT). The effectiveness of RT is limited by normal tissue toxicity. A method that specifically and safely enhances RT efficacy would improve patient outcomes and prolong life. There are many different clinically relevant strategies to amplify BaTiO3-mediated RT enhancement--some of which are outlined above. These studies that merge basic science and clinical translation are open ended and on-going. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Dr. Smilowitz will directly supervise, mentor and train an HRP student. Training will also be provided by current students and CORE directors. Dr. Smilowitz will be present in the lab throughout the summer and will directly interact with the student and provide feed back on a daily basis. Progress will be assessed by discussions in the lab that will include research plan, data presentation by the student and trouble shooting, discussions of papers in the literature, discussions of future experiments. |
| Student Qualifications | There are no specific qualifications that are required. The being said, rising seniors who wish to continue research and honors thesis in the following fall and spring have high priority. However I have had rising juniors and sophomores in my lab. A high grade point average--especially int he sciences is desirable. Prior lab experience is desirable but not required. Students seeking careers in medicine and/or medical research have high priority. Personal qualities such as passion, dedication/motivation, honesty, kindness are sought. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 18 to July 24, 2026 Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am through 5pm, I expect the student to be present for the entire 10 weeks. I expect some degree of flexibility for the rare occasion where weekend or evening work is needed. |
| 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/HRP26-34. The application deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.
This application requires a Resume or CV, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript, GPA and Science GPA, Statement of Research Interests, Statement of Career Interests, and References.