Project 1: Brain-derived extracellular vesicles as therapeutic vehicles for neonatal brain injury

Project Description: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, characterized by a reduction of blood flow to the brain in the perinatal or neonatal period. Brain repair after an ischemic event requires highly coordinated communication cells via unique biological nanoparticles called extracellular vesicles (EVs). In this project, the student will have an opportunity to isolate and characterize EVs from whole brain tissue. The student will also run studies to investigate the therapeutic effects of EVs when applied to inflammatory brain models both on in vitro cell culture and on ex vivo brain slices. The therapeutic efficacy of EVs will be evaluated using microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and PCR techniques to measure cell death and inflammatory gene expression. The student will gain experience in molecular biology tools, microscopy, and learn engineering fundamentals. 

Project  Techniques: EV isolation, cell and brain slice culturing, bicinchoninic acid assay, ultraviolet spectroscopy, modeling inflammation in cell culture and tissue culture, confocal microscopy, qPCR, immunohistochemistry  

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Project 2 Title: Sustainable, scalable bacterial cellulose nanoparticle for drug delivery to the brain

Project Description: Sustainable nanomedicine is an emerging interdisciplinary field where biodegradable and biocompatible materials are of interest for therapeutic outcomes, specifically drug delivery to the brain. Sustainable formulation practices and the use of eco-friendly materials can make these therapeutics easily scalable and reproducible for commercial manufacturing. Bacterial cellulose nanoparticles (BCNPs) address these issues and have the potential to be a therapeutic to deliver drugs to the brain. In this project, the student will have the opportunity to prepare bacterial cellulose nanoparticles, experiment with drug loading techniques and assays, and apply therapeutics to ex vivo brain slice models. The student will investigate therapeutic effects and foundational information on BCNPs using confocal microscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and high performance liquid chromatography characterization and analysis techniques.

Project Techniques: experimental design, bacterial cellulose nanoparticle preparation, drug loading and analysis, bicinchoninic acid assay, ex vivo brain slice culturing, confocal microscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, high performance liquid chromatography

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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 (1 academic year) to work 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!