Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program

Brief Description: biological and biomedical sciences; 9-week program; $4,275 stipend; housing included; sophomore; juniors; non-graduating seniors; professional development activities; panels; faculty talks; journal club; weekend activities 

Program Dates: June - August 2022

Deadline: February 1, 2022

Link: https://medicine.yale.edu/biomedsurf/

Topics: biological and biomedical sciences; cell biology; genetics; developmental biology; neuroscience; biochemistry; computational biology; immunology; microbiology; among others

Yale Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Brief Description: natural sciences; humanities or social sciences; 8-10-week program; $3,000 stipend; $1,000 food allowance; housing included; sophomore; juniors; non-graduating seniors; professional development activities

Deadline: February 1, 2022

Link: https://gsas.yale.edu/diversity/prospective-students/summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship-surf

Topics: natural sciences; humanities; social sciences; chemistry; biology; physics; mathematics; social sciences; psychology; among others

* Program encourages local community college and undergraduate students in Connecticut 

Yale Wu Tsai Neuroscience Institute Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program

Brief Description: neuroscience research with Yale Wu Tsai Institute faculty; 10-week program; $4,300 stipend; housing included; sophomore; juniors; non-graduating seniors; professional development activities; panels

Program Dates: May 30 - August 5, 2022

Deadline: February 1, 2022

Link: https://wti.yale.edu/programs/undergraduate

Topics: neuroscience, neurobiology, neuroimaging, artificial intelligence, machine learning, structure integration, among others

NSF REU Summer Internship Program at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis MO

Application Deadline: February 4, 2022

Program Dates: May 23, 2022 – August 5, 2022.  Pending the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, some or all positions may be virtual.

Stipend: $8,255

We are pleased to announce that the application for the 2022 Summer REU Internship Program at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is now available. 

Students in the program have really appreciated the exposure they get to research outside of academia and the opportunities for interaction with scientists at all levels of experience and from a variety of countries.  We feel strongly that our program is an excellent steppingstone to a future career in research or research support fields. 

Eligibility: Our internships are available to undergraduate students who will not have graduated by May 23, 2022.

For more information at to apply:

https://www.danforthcenter.org/our-work/education-outreach/undergraduate-program/internship-program/

Questions? Contact reuinternship@danforthcenter.org

Ajeetha Arudchandran

Dr. Feeser

BIOL 141H

14 October 2021

Graduate Student Interview Article

Bioinformatics is a growing and interdisciplinary STEM field that combines biology, math, and computer science. It is a unique branch of science where algorithms and software tools are utilized to aid in various scientific discoveries. Archana Hari, a bioinformatics Ph.D. student, has been utilizing bioinformatics approaches in the Lobo lab at UMBC.

As an undergraduate student in India, Hari majored in bioinformatics due to her curiosity about how computers can contribute to scientific research. However, sometimes she felt that she was not doing well in her computer programming classes. But an important piece of advice Hari shared was, “if you find yourself not doing particularly well in any of the courses that seem to be important for your research, don't let that stop you,” as she continued to discuss how she is currently applying her knowledge about computer science well in her lab. After her undergraduate schooling years, Hari came to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. to pursue her master’s degree in systems medicine. Around this time, she became interested in using specific genomic patient data and using bioinformatics methods to find therapeutics, known as personalized medicine. When applying for her Ph.D., she thought about if she wanted to continue down the path with patient data or change to microbiological data. She ultimately joined Dr. Lobo’s lab, which focuses on microbial data.

At the Lobo lab, all you need are computers. Hari stated that she is currently working on developing mathematical models made of differential equations to accurately understand how bacteria can break down complex sugars and how one is able to optimize the production of a compound. The application of these models is the aim that it can be applied to any organism of choice. For example, she shared how if a bacterium can produce an antibiotic, in order to obtain the optimized yield, the model can be used to see which enzyme should be overproduced. This data is then sent to laboratories to test for accuracy.

One of the perks of bioinformatics research is that compared to time-sensitive experiments where some researchers may have to work overtime to check on the progress of the experiment, creating mathematical models on a computer can be done anytime. Even though time flexibility allows Hari to be able to balance her life, she admitted that as an early researcher, she neglected her mental health and prioritized research. Now, Hari realizes the importance of taking time for herself. In her free time, Hari enjoys reading, watching anime, and drawing, and all these activities are necessary to recharge her for the work waiting at the lab.

While being a researcher is certainly a challenge, Hari has excelled. She is proof that even if the road to discover your career is not straightforward, and even if the research may seem too overwhelming, passion will keep you going.

Questions?

BIOL 141H student: Ajeetha Arudchandran (aarudch1@umbc.edu)

Graduate Student: Archana Hari (archh1@umbc.edu)

Julia Sunnarborg

Dr. Feeser

BIOL 141H

14 October 2021

Alyson Blount, a second-year PhD student in the Sutton Lab at UMBC, is researching a receptor in the brain that could lead to the development of new, less addictive opioids. Her project focuses on the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). It is an alternative receptor to the mu opioid receptor, which responds to opioids that are currently prescribed to treat pain. Blount’s research investigates the two pathways activated when an opioid binds to the KOR: a G-protein pathway and a β-arrestin pathway.

Blount came to UMBC after learning about the school through a family friend and joined the Sutton Lab after enjoying her rotation there. She became interested in research and neuroscience after working as a research assistant at Randolph Macon College, where she received her B.A. in Biological Science and Behavioral Neuroscience. There, she worked in a lab which focused on behavior, testing the ability of mice to detect a particular scent in decreasing concentrations. At UMBC, she has decided to focus on studying biology at the molecular level.

The G-protein and β-arrestin pathways connected to the KOR appear to be associated with different physiological effects. The G-protein pathway is associated with analgesic and anti-itch effects of the opioid binding, while the β-arrestin pathway is associated with aversive and psychotic effects. These two pathways were originally believed to be independent of each other; however, new research has suggested that they may not be. Blount is investigating the relationship between the two pathways.

If Blount’s project concludes that the two pathways are independent, it would help drug manufacturers formulate new opioids that only target the G-protein pathway of the KOR. In this case, restricting the KOR response to only the G-protein pathway would restrict the response to the positive effects of the opioid. Blount notes that the KOR has been shown to lack the addictive properties associated with the mu opioid receptor and the opioids that bind there. The opioids that could potentially be developed would be much more beneficial to patients than those currently available for prescription.

After graduation, Blount plans to either continue research and go into the academic field or work in the scientific industry. Her advice for prospective PhD students: “You don’t have to be a genius to enter the science field.” Blount encourages looking for opportunities for research experience for anyone who finds themselves interested in the field and urges them to apply to graduate programs.

Questions?

BIOL 141H student: Julia Sunnarborg (vr01696@umbc.edu)

Graduate Student: Alyson Blount (ablount1@umbc.edu)