We are recruiting undergraduate researchers for 1 position in the lab. The description of the position is below.
Project: Engineering a tissue model of age-related cognitive decline to the explore mechanisms that underlie development of pathological aging
This project work focuses on engineering a tissue model of age-related cognitive decline to the explore mechanisms that underly development of pathological aging. In a broader sense, we are interested how aging mechanistically renders the brain more susceptible to sustained injury or irreversible disease, as well as the trajectories of these pathologies within the brain. Similar to how clinicians use diffusion MRI-based imaging to detect early onset age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, I map diffusion characteristics in 2D brain tissue cultures to study extracellular/structural mechanisms of neurodegeneration. It is critical to benchmark diffusion studies with verified biomarkers of cognitive decline and associated neurodegeneration; however, this remains a relatively undeveloped space in tissue models of brain disease. With background materials provided for how neurodegeneration is typically benchmarked in other model types, you will aim to propose and engineer biomarker quantification in tissue models following full training on culturing and characterization techniques.
All projects in the Nance Lab are paired with a graduate student research mentor. Please make sure you have read our expectations for undergraduates on our website or written below:
https://www.nancelab.com/available-positions-1Please submit applications by Wednesday January 26 for priority review.
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You do not need prior research experience or experience in our lab's research areas of interest (unless specifically noted) to join the Nance lab. Participating in research can give you an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you are learning in the classroom to important clinical challenges. Research is challenging by definition; most of what you will be doing has never been done before. As such, we are looking for students who are self-starters, independent, and willing to explore uncharted territory, and who are willing to embrace failing (in a safe space!). Research opportunities are available on a volunteer or credit basis. Undergraduate researchers in our lab have a strong track record of obtaining scholarship and funding support, and Prof. Nance is highly supportive of your application to funding opportunities.
Our general expectations for undergraduate researchers include:
Dedicating a minimum of three quarters to volunteer in the lab. During the academic year, classes are your top priority. These are challenging projects and three quarters will give you the time to dive in and make significant contributions to research. We prefer at least one summer of commitment if that is an option for you.
During the academic quarters, spending 5-10 hours per week working on research (including weekly meetings). We know that classes, work, and other extracurricular activities keep your schedule busy. Ask yourself if you have time to responsibly dedicate to pursuing research.
Participating in weekly lab meetings (when your class schedule allows) and monthly working group meetings. You should come prepared to the working group meetings with slides or other handouts to share your progress, discuss challenges, and help your peers with their research.
Helping with outreach activities. We ask for volunteers from the lab to help with tours and share their experiences with events focused on engaging K-12 students.
Keeping clear documentation and an electronic or hard copy lab notebook, depending on your research area. Others will likely be building upon and learning from your work in the future. Thus it is important that everyone keeps clear notes (including comments in any computer code) so that you can easily share what you have done.
Defining clear goals and outcomes. We aim for everyone to produce a final report, abstract, or other publication based upon their project. We will work with you to help define these goals for your specific project and career goals!
