Project Mentor
Dr. Caroline Dealy
Department of Orthodontics, Orthopedic Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondylosing Ankylosis are auto-immune diseases that affect the small joints of the hands and feet (RA) and the intervertebral "joints" of the spine (AS), causing severe pain and disability for patients. The mechanisms that underlie these diseases are poorly understood, hampering development of effective treatments. This summer project will characterize joint damage in paws and spines harvested from an unusual mouse model of dual RA/AS disease. Characterization will focus on histological examination of the paws and spines including expression of protein/gene markers of cellular differentiation or behavior (stem cells, apoptosis, proliferation, etc.), and micro-CT (computer tomography) scanning for features like bone loss or bone fusions. As half of the mice will have received a novel test treatment; this analysis will also test the hypothesis that the treatment blocks joint destruction. |
| Project Direction | The host laboratory is exploring disease mechanisms in several disabling conditions that affect the joints, including osteoarthritis, traumatic cartilage injury, and meniscal tears. Most of these studies use tissues from human patients or large animal disease models. By comparing and contrasting the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie these different joint conditions, the long term hope is to obtain new and clinically relevant insights that can be leveraged towards new future cures. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | My laboratory typically hosts a total group of 5-7 student researchers including graduate students, undergraduates, and medical or dental students over the summer. Typically a new undergraduate researcher is teamed with a graduate student for day-to-day technical guidance and near-peer support. The laboratory has a group in person meeting once a week where students share their research projects and we discuss a published paper. I typically meet with every student informally several times per week, and formally once per week, usually all in person. The student's progress in basic understanding of their project as well as their tangible effort contributed to it, will be evaluated during these informal and formal meetings, at which time feedback will also be provided. As I have hosted many undergraduate researchers over the years - with career goals ranging from graduate school, medical, dental or pharmacy school to teaching and biotech industry - I am able to provide mentoring and career advice in these areas as well. |
| Student Qualifications | Summer opportunity for rising sophomores or juniors only. Majors that would be the best fit are probably Biology, PNB, MCB, Allied Health, and Pathobiology. Strong interest is expected in the project topic and overall philosophy and goal. Committment to the entire HRP 360 hour summer program is required. A student with self-initiative, self-motivation, flexibilty, adaptability, excellent teamwork and communication skills will thrive in this summer project and future aspects of it going forward. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Typical day is M-F 9-5. |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2026, Spring 2027 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6,9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU26-7. The application deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.
This application requires a resume or CV, GPA and Science GPA, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.