Meet the PRAs – Ayushi Patel

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Meet Ayushi Patel ’23, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology and minoring in English.

Meet the PRAs - Ayushi Patel '23.What is the focus of your research?

My main research focus is based in genetics and science in general. Right now, I’m working with Drosophila melanogaster to understand how female meiosis and these additional B chromosomes are passed down through generations, and the implications this has, in the Hanlon Laboratory. I’ll be working on my senior honors thesis in the laboratory as well.

Previously, I worked with the Korey Stringer Institute to understand how high school heat policies affect the students within those schools, Dr. Kent Holsinger’s lab in EEB as a research assistant, and most recently at Hartford Hospital to analyze patients with overactive bladder and learn which treatments worked most effectively under Dr. Tulikangas.

Why did you get involved in research?

I initially got involved in research to check off a box for myself, and just to say that I was a part of a lab. I knew research would be interesting, but didn’t realize how much I would love it. Through the last three years, I realized there’s much more to research than meets the eye. At first, everything seemed to make no sense and I was overwhelmed. As I began to do research within my major, and tying the things I was doing every day to information I had learned in classes, the pieces came together. I learned that research is a unique way to make a connection to the things we learn in school and help broaden your understanding of complicated subjects. Now, I just can’t imagine not being involved in some type of research and trying to answer a large-picture question. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs – Paul Isaac

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Meet Paul Isaac ’23, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology and Diagnostic Genetic Sciences, and minoring in Bioinformatics.

Meet the Peer Research Ambassadors - Paul Isaac '23.What is the focus of your research?

Horseshoe crab blood contains proteins that have high affinity to bacteria and fungi. For this reason, the pharmaceutical industry has been bleeding these crabs to create a sterility test used on most biomedical devices and drugs. My research is focused on sequencing and analyzing the genome of the North Atlantic Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) to study the genes behind these clotting proteins to eventually create a synthetic version of this sterility test and eliminate the need for bleeding practices.

Why did you get involved in research?

Ever since I was diagnosed as being color-blind at age 6, I’ve been curious about genetics and how genetic technology and theory is applied. In high school, my biology teacher taught us about genetic engineering through a basic transfection experiment that made a bacteria fluorescent. In the moment I thought, “if we could add a gene to make bacteria glow, what if we could add a gene that could “fix” disorders or help other organisms?”. I googled the concept and was bombarded by a slew of literature by researchers working towards that same goal. Wanting to pursue and contribute to that ideal at UConn is what led me to design my first formal research project and my PI’s amazing personality and mentorship have helped me turn those projects into a passion to not be a bystander to progress, but to actively contribute to it through research. Continue reading →

Expectations vs. Reality

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An image of Jacobson Barn in a painterly style includes the following text: Student Research Blog. Expectations vs. Reality, by PRA Alyssa.By Alyssa Daniels, Peer Research Ambassador

College is wonderful! It is a place where students can grow, learn more about themselves, and pave their way to success. However, college life can be extremely stressful due to the amount of pressure placed on students today.

Sometimes it feels as though there is so much to get done in such a short amount of time. I personally felt completely overwhelmed when I started college. Classes, research, organizations, clubs, sports teams – there were so many things to do! UConn has so much to offer, but it can be easy to overdo it. This can leave students stressed as they try to manage crazy schedules while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a social life.

So, what should you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you have worked all day yet have accomplished nothing? Here’s my take. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs – Anabelle Bergstrom

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Meet Anabelle Bergstrom ’25, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Political Science and Philosophy.

Meet the Peer Research Ambassadors - Anabelle Bergstrom.What is the focus of your research?

Currently, the focus of my research is on gender in the military. During high school, I wrote a mock legal brief arguing in support of including women into the draft. For my Holster Scholar project, I examined how the experiences of ROTC cadets affect their career ambition. My interest in this topic stems from my family’s involvement in the military, specifically my grandfather. Growing up around veterans sparked my interest in military history which has positively impacted my research goals. My hope is that my research will help find solutions to gender disparities in ROTC and the military at large. I also hope to expand my research to other topics within political science as I continue my undergraduate career.

Why did you get involved in research?

I got involved in research because I love to learn. I really enjoy digging for more new information and bringing new ideas to the table. I want to be a part of the solutions to the problems in our government, society, and world. I want to be part of positive change which I believe is possible through the research I have accomplished and have yet to begin. There is so much to be discovered and analyzed. Research allows me to make my mark on the search of the impacts we have on each other as citizens of our country and world. I would encourage anyone with an idea to get involved in research, as you really have no idea how much it can impact your life. Continue reading →

• Research Assistant in REINVENT-PT Lab

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Opportunity Description

The REINVENT-PT lab (REhabilitation INnoVations & Emerging Novel Technologies in Physical Therapy, PI: Dr. Sudha Srinivasan) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is interested in understanding developmental trajectories of individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, etc. across the lifespan.

We are interested in studying how infants and children with developmental disabilities explore their physical and social environment compared to typically developing peers and the cascading effects of motor difficulties on a child’s social communication and cognitive development. We are also interested in assessing health-related outcomes in adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities, including their physical activity and physical fitness levels. Based on our understanding of the developmental trajectories of individuals with disabilities, our goal is to develop multisystem, engaging, evidence-based, behavioural interventions and assistive technologies to empower the lives of people with disabilities.

At present, the lab has 4 ongoing research projects – (1) exploring the utility and efficacy of using playful joystick-operated ride-on-toys to promote upper extremity function and spontaneous use in children with hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy both in a camp setting and as a home-based program. Specifically, we are also interested in comparing the efficacy of single versus dual joystick ride-on-toy navigation training in improving uni- and bimanual function in children with hemiplegic CP, (2) assessing the ability of healthy neurotypical children to drive joystick-operated ride-on-toys using their non-dominant side, (3) assessing physical activity and physical fitness levels in adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities compared to age-matched typically developing peers and understanding factors at the personal and environmental levels that influence physical activity engagement in young adults with disabilities, and (4) assessing the effects of a novel, icon-driven Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device on social communication and behavioral skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using a longitudinal study design.

We specifically need help with projects (1) and (2) listed above in terms of recruitment efforts, data collection, and data analyses.

Student Qualifications
We are looking for passionate, energetic, and empathetic undergraduate students interested in working on projects involving infants, children, and adults with disabilities. Students can pursue research at the lab for credit, for work study, and with the potential of converting a subset of the research into an honor’s thesis.

Students are required to commit to pursuing research in the lab for at least 2-3 semesters in order for the experience to be meaningful for students. Students are required to complete CITI training given that our research is with human subjects (details will be provided by the study PI). Students from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to psychology, physiology and neurobiology, biology, exercise science, communication sciences, allied health, and education are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Interested students should contact Dr. Sudha Srinivasan at sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu via email. Please attach your resume/CV and unofficial transcript to the email.

Mentor: Sudha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor
Department: Kinesiology (Physical Therapy)
Email: sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu
Timing: Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023
Campus: Storrs

• Research Assistant in Lab Exploring Outcomes After Pediatric Critical Illness

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Opportunity Description
Dr. Perry-Eaddy is focused on understanding outcomes in children after critical illness. Namely, she is interested in understanding the underlying biological mechanisms that may increase a child’s risk of poor recovery, such as hyper-inflammation. This position will include assisting in the start-up of a study of critically ill children who survive the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The student research assistant will aid in conducting literature reviews, analyzing literature, preparing grants, IRB submissions etc. Additionally the student will aid in the development of research data collection tools, as well as preparation of sample collection kits. The student will learn the essentials of launching a clinical research study. There may be opportunities for the student to have unique opportunities such as writing/publishing a manuscript or poster presentation, answering a research question with existing data, and applying for internal grant funding.

There is a potential opportunity to receive honors course credit, which would be discussed with student and major advisor in advance.

A list of potential tasks the student may perform include the following:
-Conduct literature searches
-Extract information from sources
-Organize and classify data
-Proofread and edit data collection forms in REDcap
-Test data collection forms prior to going live with clinical subjects
-Create sample collection kits
-Assist in maintaining REDcap database
-Look up and check references
-Tabulate and analyze data

Student Qualifications
Required:
-Be an undergraduate student in the Honors Program
-Be able to operate computer, phone, and/or other research equipment
-Have strong communication skills (verbal and written)
-Be able to maintain confidentiality

Preferred:
-While not required, students with interest in clinical and/or translational research are best suited for this position. Especially those enrolled in health-related programs (i.e. nursing, pre-med, allied health, pharmacy, etc.).
-Prior research experience, including literature reviews and/or completion of W-level coursework is strongly encouraged.
-Knowledge of REDcap database is preferred, though not required.

How to Apply
If interested, please submit your resume and cover letter to Dr. Perry-Eaddy (mallory.perry@uconn.edu), addressing your interest in pediatric critical care clinical and/or translational research, and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Mentor: Dr. Mallory Perry-Eaddy, Assistant Professor
Department: Nursing
Email: mallory.perry@uconn.edu
Timing: Ongoing
Campus: Storrs

Graduating PRA Spotlight: Mahima Mehta ’22

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PRA Grad Reflections - Mahima Mehta.Mahima Mehta ’22
Major: Molecular & Cell Biology; Minor: Spanish
2021-22 OUR Peer Research Ambassador

My Journey:

As the eldest daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college student, I knew my time in college was undoubtedly going to be different from what I’d seen portrayed in popular media. Now, when I reflect on my four years here at UConn, I don’t think I had the slightest idea that I would be graduating with so many wonderful experiences under my belt – let alone the abundance of research.

When I first met my BIOL 1108 TA,  Jessica Gutiérrez, I didn’t know much about research and what it entailed. My perception of it was just that it was something beyond my abilities. However, through a few conversations with her, I realized just how exciting research can be. More importantly, I learned that it was something someone like me could participate in. With her help, I joined Dr. Sarah Knutie’s lab and began studying host-parasite interactions in Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. As someone who was never particularly interested in birds or bugs, this was a new experience for me. I was fascinated by the questions being investigated in Dr. Knutie’s lab, but was afraid that as a pre-med student, I wouldn’t belong in the lab. I didn’t know the first thing about ecology. Thankfully, the biggest lesson I learned through research was the importance of being curious and asking questions. Through the countless opportunities to interact with graduate students and my peers, I was able to learn more about the other questions being investigated in the lab and just how much parasites impact our lives, as well as the value of my own input and ideas. Continue reading →

Graduating PRA Spotlight: Chloe Zampetti ’22

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PRA Grad Reflections - Chloe Zampetti.Chloe Zampetti ’22
Major: Natural Resources
2021-22 OUR Peer Research Ambassador

My Journey:

In a thank you card I recently wrote to my lab’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Jessica Brandt, I expressed how I didn’t think I was capable of the things I’ve now accomplished in my undergraduate career. As a freshman, I never considered research as an option for myself and now, it has characterized my time here at UConn. As a member of the UConn Ecotoxicology Lab, an IDEA Grant recipient, and a Peer Research Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research, I have grown so much as a student, researcher, and person. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and connections I’ve made, and I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned into my master’s degree where I’ll be continuing my research on mercury and selenium interactions at UConn for the next two years. Continue reading →

• Research Assistant in Transportation Engineering

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Opportunity Description

Dr. Monika Filipovska’s research group seeks research assistants for a few research projects focusing on advancements in transportation research, including intelligent transportation systems and IoT, mobility on demand, and modeling of autonomous vehicles. Depending on the student’s skills, they may work on tasks involving data cleaning and pre-processing, database management, use of GIS software for pre-analysis, running numerical experiments using programming software, or assistance with the use of driving simulation equipment and software.

Through this experience, students will learn about new advancements in the field of transportation engineering, including new mobility services and vehicle or infrastructure technologies. Students will have the opportunity strengthen their coding and data analysis skills, and learn new skills related to the use of traffic and driving simulation software. Students will be expected to participate in research meetings and work collaboratively with other undergraduate or graduate assistants. The students will have the opportunity to receive additional mentoring from graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and other research staff they may work with.

Depending on the progress and skills of specific students, and for how long they are available to work in the research group, students may have the opportunity to also contribute to data analysis and writing, and build their research, analytical and writing skills.

This is a paid opportunity, at the Class II assistant level ($13.15/hour to $14.35/hour) according to JobX classification.

Students may have the opportunity to continue working on related topics through independent study or directed research credits in the upcoming semesters if they are interested.

Student Qualifications
At minimum the applicants should have:
· Interest in research related to transportation systems
· Ability to follow direction
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Strong quantitative skills

Applicants should have some combination of the following:
· Proficiency in Excel
· Data cleaning, organizing, pre-processing, and formatting skills
· Programming using Python, MATLAB and/or R
· Strong background in statistical analysis, math, or computer science
· SQL server and database management experience
· Working knowledge or experience with ArcGIS Pro

Please note that each applicant need only have some of these skills. This list would be the combined set of skills of multiple hired students.

How to Apply
This opportunity is advertised via JobX with the Job ID 12861. Please submit your applications there. Applications should include: a short resume, a description of any experience related to this job, a brief summary of any unique skills, qualifications or interests relevant to this job.
Please also share your availability (summer / semester and hours), and what you hope to gain from this experience.

Mentor: Monika Filipovska, Assistant Professor
Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Email: monika.filipovska@uconn.edu
Timing: Summer 2022, Ongoing
Campus: Storrs

Graduating PRA Spotlight: Lauren Rudin ’22

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Lauren - PRA Grad Reflections.Lauren Rudin ’22
Major: Exercise Science; Minor: Biological Sciences
2021-22 OUR Peer Research Ambassador

My Journey:

I can’t say that four years ago I entered college with the intention of pursuing research. However, I can now say that my undergraduate and future careers have been shaped by my research experiences here at UConn.

When I first met my primary research mentor the summer before starting sophomore year, Dr. Molly Waring, PhD, I didn’t know how much her dedication towards her undergraduate students’ success would impact my professional life. Before entering her lab in the Department of Allied Health Sciences I had minimal research experience overall and none related to her field, but I had a strong interest in her passion to leverage social media to better the lives of pregnant and postpartum women and mothers. Continue reading →