Mentor Areas
In the short term, we aim to assess the feasibility of interfering with RNA-regulatory elements that impact protein translation. We want to evaluate the potential of applying this approach across all genes both in the context of human disease, as well as in synthetic/biotechnology applications.
It is not necessary that any of the preceding paragraph make sense to you. If you think MIGHT be interested in molecular biology bench work - get in touch! We have tasks appropriate to entry-level, and we will train you on the job.
If you feel compelled to read something ahead of time, you could start here:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_RNA(link is external)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_cloning(link is external)
Description:
We are a collaborative (and fun) team of computational and bench scientists. We seek undergraduate colleagues to join our efforts in constructing and validating libraries of plasmid constructs that will be used in cell culture reporter assays, and in novel high-throughput cellular screens.
Initial involvement of our new team member(s) will be in molecular cloning, restriction enzyme analysis, and plasmid preparation. Evidence of reliability as well as proficiency in these basic skills will open up opportunities for deeper involvement and independence. Later phases of the project will involve cell culture, dual luciferase reporter assays, next generation sequencing and analysis, and protein analysis (ELISA, Western blot).
In person benchwork is required, and a commitment to a consistent weekly schedule of work hours is expected (within reason).
Undergrads will be trained by, and will initially work under the close supervision of a Senior Research Associate (post-postdoctoral researcher), and will meet with the principal investigators on a regular basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Requirements: Commitment and dependability (show up when you say you will), accountability (everybody makes mistakes - fess up your mess up), willingness to learn, openness to constructive feedback, good communication skills, excellent record-keeping skills, rigorous adherence to the Wil Wheaton rule.
Desirable but not essential: Basic lab skills (pipetting, making dilutions, running gels).
Desirable: Comfort with basic math and/or experience with Excel or equivalent.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.