Mentor Areas
Dr. Simmons' main research interests are focused on the causal mechanistic links between the intrauterine milieu and type II diabetes and obesity in the adult with a focus on epigenetics and mitochondria function; the mechanisms underlying in utero exposures to environmental chemicals and the link to the later development of diabetes and obesity; the mechanisms underlying preterm birth.
Description:
1) Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality, yet the underlying causes are unknown. The research in the Simmons lab is focused on elucidating the mechanisms contributing to preterm birth. There are a number of projects related to this research that students can participate in including defining the transcriptome of the placenta using cutting edge techniques such as RNAseq and ATACseq; determining the role of extracellular vesicles on early placenta and embryo development; understanding how mitochondria DNA induces inflammation resulting in preterm birth.
2) Dr. Simmons has shown that environmental exposures that occur during pregnancy result in the development of diabetes and obesity later in life. Experiments that the student can perform include isolating RNA and preparing samples for sequencing; cell culture; characterizing extracellular vesicles using flow cytometry.
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, it is helpful if the student has had a biology or biochemistry course.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
Junior, Senior
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.