Mentor Areas
Since 1997 the Robertson Laboratory has been dedicated to the study of virus-host interactions with a preference for viruses associated with cancers. Primarily, we study the two human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV), and mechanisms of oncogenesis by these tumor viruses. In particular, we are using genetic, genomic, proteomic and biochemical approaches to identify viral pathways involved in these cellular events to develop mechanistic models for transformation by gammaherpesviruses.
Description:
The Robertson Lab continues to support undergraduate trainees who are interested in biomedical research during their tenure at Penn. Over the last 16 years we have supported many undergraduates who have gone on to careers in Medicine and Biomedical research by pursuing MD, PhD degrees. Our group investigates the mechanisms of oncogenesis by viral agents and the human microbiome. We focus on how these infectious agents drive the oncogenic process through initiation and progression of these cancers via targeted dysregulation of a number of cellular processes. We investigate these questions using a wide range of molecular biology tools which includes biochemistry, genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology and cell biology to determine the fundamental mechanisms by which these agents disrupt cellular processes. The majority of undergraduates who are focused, determined and have a curious mind as well as the will and drive to succeed have flourished in our lab, as seen by co-authorships on many publications by themselves or working with graduate students and post-doctoral trainees.
Some specific projects include understanding the role of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) oncoproteins in dysregulating cell cycle and tumor suppressors; Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) antigens which regulate genome replication and oncogenic activities which enhance cell survival and apoptosis. Ongoing work also involves identification of the Oncobiome associated with a range of different cancers and development of drugs that can target hematologic malignancies with the potential to go on to phase 1 trials in the near future. These studies will allow students to develop a vast array of technical cutting-edge skills that will position them for success in biomedicine.
Preferred Qualifications
The majority of undergraduates who are focused, determined and have a curious mind as well as the will and drive to succeed have flourished in our lab.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Publications
Details:
Preferred Student Year
Second-Year
Academic Term
Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
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
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.