Mentor Areas
Our research focuses on developing next-generation medical diagnostics that can address the issue of subtlety and heterogeneity when identifying disease biomarkers. We develop microfluidic platforms and molecular tools that enable biomarker discovery and detection through high throughput, ultra-high sensitive, and multiplexed profiling of various biomarkers (e.g. nucleic acids/proteins in cells, extracellular vesicles). Our vision is to transform the field of medicine by enabling early detection and ultimate treatment of many life-threatening diseases such as cancer and neurological diseases and to provide personalized diagnostics for the best possible patient outcome.
Description:
We aim to develop a novel single extracellular vesicle (EV) detection platform. The project requires use of various techniques across diverse fields of science, ranging from traditional cell culture and microfabrication to molecular assay development and imaging. Moreover, we will apply the ultra-sensitive detection method to better understand neurological disorders for molecular biomarker discovery and to monitor tumor immune microenvironment for cancer treatment.
Candidates are expected to function and communicate effectively as members of highly collaborative research teams, and mentor trainees. Key responsibility includes designing and executing experimental plans to achieve the objectives of the project.
Preferred Qualifications
Technical Skills & Experience (Desired but not required):
- Understanding of extracellular vesicles and blood-based biomarkers
- Microfabrication
- Cell culture experience
- Analytical assays (flow cytometry, ELISA, immuno-detection, qPCR, etc.)
- Light/fluorescence microscopic techniques and image processing & analysis
- Molecular techniques, including various ‘omics’ approaches
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Jina Ko Lab
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
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.