Fundamentals of Undergraduate Research Program (FUTURE)
Would you like the opportunity to work with a mentor on a small project to see if research might be something you are interested in pursuing?
The Fundamentals of Undergraduate Research Program (FUTURE) is an exciting opportunity for first- and second-year BOLD scholars, BOLD society members, and Lattice scholars to gain practical research experience in engineering by linking undergraduate students with a graduate student mentor. Get hands-on experience as an undergrad working in a research lab alongside your mentor. You'll work on a research project 3–5 hours per week and participate in a 15-week seminar course on research practices. You'll also develop your own research hypothesis and work through the research process, culminating with a poster presentation at the end of the semester.
Applicants must maintain "Satisfactory Academic Progress" as specified by the Financial Aid Office.
Details for Undergraduate Students
- Work with a graduate mentor for 3–5 hours per week.
- Gain exposure and learn the fundamentals of working in a lab environment, testing a hypothesis, and analyzing data.
- Participate in a 15-week seminar course for one credit (graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).
- Make a poster about your experience and present it at the end of the semester.
Details for Graduate Student Mentors
- Work with an undergraduate student for 3–5 hours per week.
- Gain leadership and mentoring experience, attend a workshop on mentoring, and learn how to productively integrate an undergraduate student into a lab environment. List this on your CV under teaching and mentoring experience!
- Gain an extra set of hands to help further your research.
- Help your mentee design a poster to present at the end of the semester.
- Lab is responsible for the cost of the poster (typically, around $75).
Check your email for the program application.
Aerospace Engineering Sciences
Project Description
This project will investigate the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) data from commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. GNSS RO is a remote sensing technique that measures how GNSS signals are delayed and bent as they pass through the atmosphere, providing key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. These measurements are valuable for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and space weather studies. Recently, private companies such as GeoOptics, Spire Global, and PlanetiQ have launched small satellite constellations to provide large volumes of RO data, but their quality and coverage must be carefully assessed. The student will evaluate RO data from commercial satellites by analyzing geographic and temporal coverage, assessing data quality indicators such as signal-to-noise ratio and bending angle error, and performing collocated profile comparisons with ground-based and satellite observations.
Special requirements:
- The student is expected to have basic programming skills, (particularly in MATLAB-but not limited to), to read and process RO data files for analysis.
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Hye Yeon Chang, PhD Student
ATLAS
Project Description
We will expand AdaCAD, ”an open-source parametric weaving design tool,” by adding a module for multilayer woven structures. This feature will let designers and engineers rapidly prototype complex textiles for smart wearables, soft robotics, and environmental design. The project combines software development, digital Jacquard sampling on a TC2 loom, and early user testing to validate functionality and usability. The undergraduate researcher will help design algorithms and UI for multilayer pattern generation; produce physical samples to verify structural behavior; document and triage bugs; and prototype simple hardware fixtures for demos. By the end of the semester, we aim to (1) release a working multilayer feature in AdaCAD, (2) provide documentation and woven samples, and (3) a short report summarizing next steps. This work lowers barriers to complex weaving across disciplines and lays groundwork for future simulation simulation and analysis of multilayer textiles.
Special requirements:
- Prior computer programming and art/design experience preferred.
Website: https://unstable.design/projects/adacad/
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Deanna Gelosi, PhD Student
Project Description
We will expand Uniquely Shaped Spaces, ”a computational shelving tool,” by adding fabrication modules for expansive physical outcomes: (1) mold export for CNC-able bent-lamination curves; (2) translation of laser-cut layouts into CNC-ready DXF/toolpaths; (3) CNC joinery options (mortise-and-tenon variants, dogbones, tabs); plus additive workflows via clay 3D printing. The project blends software with hands-on validation on laser cutter, CNC router, and/or clay 3D printer. The undergraduate will design algorithms and UI, implement exporters, fabricate proofs to check fit/tolerances/assembly, and prototype fixtures/molds for demos. By semester's end we aim to release working modules, publish documentation and fabricated exemplars, and deliver a short report on next steps—lowering barriers to fabrication-aware shelving and installations.
Special requirements:
- Prior computer programming and digital fabrication experience preferred.
Desired majors: Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design
Contact
Deanna Gelosi, PhD Student
Project Description
This project explores how design, biotechnology, and storytelling can be combined to imagine new forms of multi-species collaboration in times of ecological loss. Based at the Living Matter Lab in the ATLAS Institute, the work centers on speculative wearable prototypes made from biomaterials, living organisms, and responsive technologies. Drawing on synthetic biology and storytelling, the research sits within biodesign, human-computer interaction, and critical studies. The undergraduate researcher will contribute through hands-on lab work (preparing biomaterials and microorganism cultures), fabrication and prototyping of garments, testing biological/technological elements, documenting processes, and supporting dissemination. No prior biology experience is required; just curiosity and willingness to learn. The student will gain experience in interdisciplinary research, biodesign, and how projects move from exploration to publication and exhibition.
Special requirements:
- Familiarity with fabrication technologies (laser cutting, 3D printing, etc.) is preferred but not required.
- No prior biology lab experience is necessary; just curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
- The student must complete biosafety training before starting lab work.
- Because experimental and fabrication processes take time, it is preferred that the student be available in blocks of 2+ hours, though scheduling will remain flexible.
- Mentorship will be provided through weekly meetings with a PhD researcher (Viola Arduini), with opportunities for both independent and collaborative work. The student will also participate in the lab community, gaining exposure to diverse research approaches.
Website: https://www.colorado.edu/atlas/living-matter-lab
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Chemical & Biological Engineering
Project Description
Colloids are pervasive throughout everyday life; they are leveraged in areas ranging from food science to environmental remediation, and show promise in enabling areas such as microrobotics and smart materials. This project will develop micron-scale particles that change shape in response to temperature changes to better understand the design and control of colloidal non-equilibrium systems. This research role would be focused on the fabrication of the particles. Photolithography will be used for fabrication, and the student will learn how to design photolithography patterns, fabricate particles, and characterize the particle shape at various temperatures to observe the thermal responsiveness. Students will learn chemistry lab techniques, be introduced to polymer synthesis and engineering material fabrication, and characterization techniques. There is an opportunity to extend the project scope and explore the behavior of the particles with the project mentor if time/interest allows.
Special requirements:
- Student should have some background in chemistry (general chemistry 1&2, organic chemistry preferred). Project will most closely align with chemical engineering and chemical & biological engineering majors.
Desired majors: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Katharina Fransen, Post-Doc
Project Description
The student will utilize a flow channel with custom 3D printed inserts to achieve specified channel geometries. The goal of the work is to determine critical nondimensional parameters for trapping particles. By working with different cavities and a variety of particle sizes, the student will investigate the influence of well cavity geometry and particle size on trapping behavior. Comparison of these results in conjunction with other ongoing experiments involving droplets will explore the impact of particle deformability. In addition, the student will perform numerical simulations for validation of particle behavior. This project provides the student with experience in numerical simulations, video analysis, and fluid dynamics research. Applications of this work are for microfluidic separations for cells and microparticles with special interest toward cell isolation for microscopy applications.
Special requirements:
- It would be best if the student could work in 2 hour time blocks for this project.
Desired majors: Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering Physics
Contact
Henry Lutz, PhD Student
Project Description
Microplastics are environmental toxins with detrimental effects on human health. New studies report the accumulation of microplastics in human brain tissue, with higher concentrations in dementia patients. This discovery reveals a knowledge gap: understanding how microplastics interact with brain cells and potentially contribute to neurodegenerative phenotypes will inform novel approaches to the design of next-generation neurodegenerative therapeutics. Previous work demonstrated that microplastics can activate microglia, innate phagocytic immune cells in the brain whose chronic activation contributes to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Consequently, an understanding of microplastic-induced neurotoxicity should address interactions with microglia surface receptors. Herein, we will leverage physics-based simulations, namely coarse-grained molecular dynamics, to explore changes in dynamics of microglia surface receptors in response to microplastic chemistry and morphology.
Special requirements:
- Student should have experience working with computational tools. Student should ideally be familiar with microglia biology, and have an interest in interdisciplinary science, especially in biomedical engineering disciplines.
Desired majors: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering
Contact
Emma Aldrich, PhD Student
Project Description
There are multiple parts of the project an undergad can excel in. The process starts with fabricating ribbons from thin films, where the student will learn how to spin coat, and using a photo lithography machine. Here the student can learn about the types of polymers used for spin coating, and the chemistry involved in photo crosslinking. They will be able to design different patterns on a software and see it transfer onto the thin film and record the micro ribbion hydrogels shape morph into helices due to increasing temperature. The next steps of the project involving characterizing how the ribbons entangle and their resulting properties. This involves confocal imaging, and using coding software to track individual ribbons as they go from a flat state to helical state. Their is also rheology involved where the student will learn about different types of rheology experiments and how to analyze the data. These studies will support structure-function analyses of entangled structures.
Special requirements:
- Just looking for someone excited to participate in research!
Desired majors: Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Alex Favela, PhD Student
Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering
Project Description
We are designing a pneumatic rainfall system with seismic shaking in a centrifuge facility at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), aimed at simulating the response of geotechnical infrastructure under simultaneous or consecutive rainfall–seismic extremes. This system for the first time enables physical studies of coupled changes in pore water pressure and ground deformation in variably saturated soils. We employ atomized spray nozzles fed by dual gas–water lines and mounted on an adjustable frame attached to the centrifuge platform. The adopted pneumatic design, including the selected nozzle type and connection configuration, enables simulation of rainfall with controlled rainfall intensities, and uniform coverage. The system is also designed to accommodate simultaneous or consecutive seismic shaking events of up to 0.5 g at 70 g of centrifugal acceleration. The student will get involved in analysis, design, visualization, construction, control, and testing of the system.
Special requirements:
- Ideally, the student is enrolled in civil or mechanical engineering, with some background on sensor design/calibration, coding, as well as soil mechanics. This is not a requirement, however.
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Amir Sayari, PhD Student
Project Description
This project will focus on investigating how different water providers across Colorado implement their water pricing under different rate structures to balance maintenance and supply costs, water conservation, and affordability & accessibility. The student will be responsible for compiling information about these rate structures, organizing the collected data, and synthesizing the information. The student will have opportunities to see how their research contributes to a larger research project investigating the elasticity of water usage in relation to changes in these rate structures.
Special requirements:
- The student should have interest in water resource management, conservation, or a related topic.
- Experience with Excel and/or Google Sheets is recommended.
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Jade Foley-Pike, Master's Student
Computer Science
Project Description
I am interested in fine-tuning or training robot Vision-Language-Action models to generate force/torque motions conditioned on the multimodal context of a requested task. The student's role in this project would be supportive and entail:
- research paper reading, synthesis, and discussion
- hands-on programming and control of our UR5 robot arm
- data collection via robot operation
- data processing, data analysis
Special requirements:
- Preferably experience with or taken Linear Algebra, some programming
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics,Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
William Xie, PhD Student
Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering
Project Description
Ultrafast pulsed lasers are critical to a wide range of interesting applications, including atomic clocks, spectroscopy, and exoplanet detection. These pulses regularly have durations on the scale of femtoseconds (for scale, a femtosecond is to a second what a second is to 32 million years!). For this project, we would work together to build an instrument called an autocorrelator that is able to measure how short the pulses we have in our lab actually are. In practice, this will entail learning basic optics lab skills such as optical alignment and fiber coupling. We will first work together to build an autocorrelator, and then afterwards, we will work to engineer it to make it space-efficient and portable to all of the projects around the lab.
Special requirements:
- We will work together in the lab for 1 or 2 chunks of time for the week--so you will need to have a couple of blocks of time free for lab work!
- Also a desire to learn optics lab skills--but no need for prior experience.
Website: https://www.colorado.edu/lab/diddams/
Desired majors: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Molly Kate Kreider, PhD Student
Project Description
This project gives students the opportunity to design and prototype a handheld cell culture incubator with tunable electromagnetic (EMF) shielding and real-time fluorescence monitoring. The incubator will sustain controlled temperature, humidity, and gas conditions while integrating shielding to protect cells from unwanted interference and allow controlled EMF exposure. A built-in fluorescence microscope will enable continuous monitoring of cellular assays. Students will be directly involved in the design, fabrication, and testing of key subsystems, including the environmental control and life support module, EMF shielding system, and optical monitoring interface. Along the way, they will gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, electronics integration, optics, and bioengineering, while contributing to the development of a functional biomedical device and learn more about cell culture requirements, fluorescence-based assays, and the role of EMF in biological systems.
Special requirements:
- Students might be required to be presence at East Campus lab for a maximum of 3 continuous hours depend on the project phase they are on, such as during fabrication and testing.
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Nhat Dang, PhD Student
Project Description
Our research group is developing a new power amplifier for radio frequency communications that will improve energy efficiency while still meeting FCC spectrum requirements. As part of this research, we are developing a new testbench based on an industry standard RF System on Chip (RFSoC). The undergraduate's primary role will be to set up the AMD Zynq UltraScale RFSoC Evaluation Kit for integration in the testbench, for example demonstrating basic loopback capabilities and working with the supported software tools to generate real-world 5G signals. You will also get exposed to concepts in hardware design and communications systems.
This project is a good fit for a student who is interested in embedded systems and learning more about RF applications! We plan to publish a paper based on this work and including the undergraduate researcher, and your experience with the RFSoC will translate to future internships and jobs.
Special requirements:
- FPGA background a big plus
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Contact
Brennah Satterfield, PhD Student
Environmental Engineering
Project Description
Modified oligonucleotides (mONs) are short chains of DNA or RNA that can act as pesticides or pharmaceuticals through gene-silencing mechanisms. While mONs show promise in these applications, they may exhibit toxic effects in the environment. Therapeutic mONs enter the environment through excretion into wastewater, but their fate in wastewater is understudied. Students who participate in this project will participate in batch culture experiments to observe the degradation of different mONs in various wastewaters, including sewer biofilms, activated sludge, and stream sediment in receiving surface waters. Students will learn how to perform quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses to quantify the concentration of mONs in different samples. The results from these experiments will elucidate how mONs move through wastewater and natural systems and will set the stage for downstream research on the risk associated with mONs in different environmental matrices.
Special requirements:
- Intro to Biology/Molecular Biology and some lab experience preferred but not required.
- Student must be able to work in blocks of at least 3 hours.
- The 3-5 hours per week will all be spent in the lab, with limited exceptions.
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Vanessa Maybruck, PhD Student
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Project Description
This research project will involve learning the basics of vat polymerization 3D printing in order to create nano-scale materials with complex or bio-inspired geometries such as lattices for a variety of applications including energy storage and sustainability. Students will learn how to design structures with CAD, operate a 3D printer, and perform post-processing steps such as calcination as well as characterize the material's thermal and mechanical properties.
Special requirements:
- Students must be available to work in two hour blocks. Prior wet lab and CAD experience is preferred but not required.
Website:https://www.colorado.edu/mechanical/max-saccone
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Creative Technology & Design, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Reegan Ketzenberger, Post-Doc
Project Description
Students will conduct high-fidelity computational multiphysics simulations of the human cardiovascular system using the CU Research Computing Center's high-performance computing center. These simulations model blood flow dynamics and drug transport mechanisms under varying anatomical conditions. The project goals are to analyze data to investigate how variations in cardiovascular geometry affect the efficacy and distribution of therapeutic agents in stroke patients with varying disease locations. Students will be introduced to key workflows such as submitting jobs to the HPC system, monitoring simulations, data extraction, and postprocessing. Students will learn foundational research data management practices for large datasets. The mentor will guide students on basic concepts in computational fluid dynamics, high-performance computing, and biomedical modeling.
Special requirements:
- None.
Desired majors: Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Nick Rovito, PhD Student
Project Description
This project focuses on the development of tissue-engineered vascular grafts using electrospinning and co-electrospraying techniques. The aim is to design and test multilayer scaffolds composed of biodegradable polymers with tailored surface properties to improve blood compatibility and cell integration. The undergraduate student will assist with surface modification and testing, including endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation studies, as well as blood-material interaction assays (platelet adhesion and plasma clotting). Opportunities will also include learning mechanical testing methods for vascular grafts and contributing to in vivo preparation studies. This project offers hands-on training in biomaterials fabrication, cell culture, and biocompatibility testing, providing valuable research experience at the intersection of materials science and biomedical engineering.
Special requirements:
- Availability in two-hour blocks for lab work.
- Eagerness to work independently after initial training.
- Confidence to make decisions and troubleshoot experiments under guidance.
Desired majors: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Aurora Battistella, PhD Student
Project Description
This project focuses on developing electrospun coaxial vascular grafts incorporating thiol-norbornene (thiol-ene) photo-click hydrogels. Thiol-ene hydrogels are light-crosslinked, biocompatible, and tunable materials that can deliver bioactive cues and support cell growth. By integrating them into electrospun coaxial fibers, we aim to create vascular grafts that mimic native tissue structure while enabling controlled release and remodeling. The student will learn electrospinning techniques to fabricate coaxial scaffolds, assist in hydrogel synthesis and photopolymerization, and perform material characterization (mechanical, swelling, degradation). They will also participate in cell culture studies to evaluate graft biocompatibility. Under close mentorship, the student will gain hands-on training in biomaterials design, electrospinning, and cell–material interactions, contributing to a platform with potential applications in regenerative vascular medicine.
Special requirements:
- The student should have completed at least one introductory course in biology, chemistry, or materials science.
- Prior lab coursework (e.g., general chemistry or cell biology) is preferred but not required.
- Comfort with basic lab skills such as pipetting, solution preparation, and safe handling of chemicals is important.
- Because the project involves electrospinning and hydrogel synthesis, the student should be willing to learn techniques that require attention to detail and careful safety practices.
- Availability in at least two 2-3 hour blocks per week is required to accommodate experimental setup and analysis.
- An interest in biomaterials, tissue engineering, or regenerative medicine will help the student engage fully with the project.
- No prior research experience is necessary; training and close mentorship will be provided.
Desired majors: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Thy Nguyen, PhD Student
Project Description
The objective of this study is to further characterize the skills and competencies required for successful stakeholder engagement. Our study is guided by the following research questions: What stakeholder engagement strategies do experienced engineering professionals use in their work? What skills and competencies are required for professionals to successfully use these strategies?
We're answering these questions by interviewing industry engineers who solve environmental problems. Our discoveries during this study will equip students with critical skills to engage with stakeholders and integrate stakeholder perspectives into designs. This allows for broad consumer impact through the creation of more contextually appropriate products and processes.
Your role: After I conduct interviews with industry engineers, you will work with me to thematically analyze the interviews and characterize traits/skills that support successful stakeholder engagement.
Special requirements:
No course requirements! However, any knowledge of qualitative research would be amazing. A huge part of your role will involve reading interview transcripts or literature and drawing conclusions about it (we'll do this together!). Also, there may be an opportunity to expand this work to include piloting a lesson plan that will teach students about successful stakeholder engagement. More specifically, we'd take what we learn from our interviews with industry engineers and turn it into some sort of lesson plan or workshop in which students will learn more about how to successfully engage stakeholders in their projects and beyond. So, if you have an interest in engineering education, this could be the project for you!
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Emma Balevic, PhD Student
Project Description
This study is an ethnographic and phenomenological study looking to the potential transformations of engineering students as they took part in an immersive humanitarian design experience. The data has already been collected for this project (interviews, field notes, and observations!). The student would help with the analysis of this data, combing though transcripts looking for themes, contributing to background lit review, and coding (inductive/deductive, not computer sci.) other qualitative data!
Special requirements:
- Must be interested in qualitative research/integration of social science into engineering!
- Does not need any pre-req class or any experience in qualitative methods, as long as they are excited about the research!
Desired majors: Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Olivia Wilburn, PhD Student
Project Description
This project is initially focused on developing a robust method for visualizing extracellular matrix proteins in murine tissues. Our engineered mouse lines are able to incorporate a non-canonical amino acid into synthesized proteins, thereby tagging any proteins synthesized by the mouse during the treatment window. We are working to visualize these proteins via confocal microscopy using immunohistochemistry techniques. After the methodology is well-established, the project will move forward to identify the specific extracellular matrix proteins that are synthesized by mesenchymal progenitors during post-injury tissue regeneration in the murine Achilles muscle-tendon unit. If time and interest permit, a possible extension would be developing computer-aided image processing techniques to analyze the collected images.
Special requirements:
- Interest in the project is the most important pre-requisite!
- Since this project will involve working with mouse tissues, a comfort with this is also a plus (no need for any experience, but being comfortable observing or helping with tissue dissections would be ideal).
Desired majors: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Computer Science, Integrated Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Melissa Davis, Post-Doc