URCAD XXV Goes Online this Spring
25 Years of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement!
Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) is celebrating its 25th anniversary!
Due to the COVID-related campus closure, URCAD XXV will be held online again this spring. You will be able to view presentations, watch films, see video of dance and music performances, view artwork, and interact with presenters, during the asynchronous event.
Last April, 251 students presented their research and creative work, and thousands of visitors logged on the URCAD online via an interactive platform called VoiceThread. Nothing can compare to being together to be able to celebrate all of the research, scholarship, and creative work of our talented UMBC undergraduate students. Experiencing the live dance performances, being able to talk face to face with students about their research, or being able to take a ride on a kinetic sculpture are things that are meant to be experienced in person, and the energy of hosting URCAD on campus is irreplaceable. But last year’s online event provided a unique experience for visitors to explore the presentations and to interact with presenters in really meaningful ways. The online format also expanded URCAD to a global event- visitors logged on from as far away as Korea and the U.K.
Mark your calendars for the week of April 19-23, 2021 for URCAD XXV Online!
Applications for presenters will open in January.
Alumni Keynote Speaker:
Klaudine Wakasa Makokha, Trade Commissioner of Clean Technologies, Government of Canada.
The Georgia Institute of Technology invites the participation in one of the nation’s premier diversity graduate recruiting programs. This two-day event is designed to attract outstanding talent, historically underrepresented in STEM-DB*; and encourage them to pursue graduate studies. Focus 2021 is the 29th annual event and will be held through an immersive virtual experience on January 15-16, 2021! All students are welcome to apply.
Focus provides an opportunity to:
- Learn about Georgia Tech's graduate degree programs
- Gain insight into available financial resources
- Visit academic units, studios, and research laboratories
- Obtain assistance with the graduate school application process
- Meet 1-1 with graduate coordinators and faculty
- Meet 1-1 with alumni currently serving in industry, research, and academia
- Network with over 300 peers of like-minded interests from across the globe.
Georgia Tech’s Colleges of Computing, Design, Engineering, Business, Sciences, and Liberal Arts are actively seeking scholars to participate in Focus 2021. Visit the website www.focus.gatech.edu. Preference is to invite juniors and seniors with high academic standing. Participation is limited. Materials, platform access, vouchers, giveaways, and an opportunity for awards and recognition will be provided for participating scholars. Please read the information under Focus 2021 Overview and Details on the website for complete details.
Prospective Focus scholars may apply through November 15, 2020. Please share the invitation to apply with your student networks http://focus.gatech.edu/2021-focus-invitation-apply.
See the FOCUS 25-year celebration video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY_2xLGIvsI&feature=emb_title
]]>
The Georgia Institute of Technology invites the participation in one of the nation’s premier diversity graduate recruiting programs. This two-day event is designed to attract outstanding talent,...
http://focus.gatech.edu/
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/97299/guest@my.umbc.edu/d45df36d312d617f0c3a1cbfd0851f54/api/pixel
LSAMP @ UMBC
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/lsamp
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xsmall.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/original.jpg?1506039980
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xxlarge.png?1506039980
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xlarge.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/large.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/medium.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/small.png?1506039980
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xsmall.png?1506039980
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xxsmall.png?1506039980
LSAMP @ UMBC
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/xxlarge.jpg?1604951174
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/xlarge.jpg?1604951174
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/large.jpg?1604951174
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/medium.jpg?1604951174
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/small.jpg?1604951174
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/xsmall.jpg?1604951174
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/097/299/2a0389e6da479e5a5f580d36d7231f26/xxsmall.jpg?1604951174
0
0
true
Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:46:46 -0500
Undergraduate Researcher of the Week: Susan Afolabi
The roles of Ferritin in cell migration
Susan Alfolabi is a senior Biology major, with a minor in Chemistry. She is an LSAMP participant, and a URA Scholar.
Title of your research project: Characterizing the effects of ferritin on ovarian cell migration in Drosophila melanogaster.
Describe your project:
My research focuses on the roles of Ferritin in cell migration of migratory cells known as border cells in drosophila melanogaster. Ferritin helps to store iron in a non-toxic form in cells and my project focuses on investigating how the ferritin protein complex affects cell migration as well as exploring what transcription factor binding sites are present within the ferritin genes locus to understand how it may be regulated in fruit flies.
Who is your mentor(s) for your project?
My mentor is Dr. Michelle Starz-Gaiano from the Biological sciences department. I found my mentor while I was taking her class (cell biology) and I chose to work with her because I was fascinated and interested in cell and developmental biology processes and I believed I would be able to learn a lot by working in her lab which I am.
How did you become interested in this project?
I became interested in this project because I was curious about cell migration and underlying biological processes that regulate it, and the role of ferritin was unique and fascinating to me and to learn about in cell migration.
What has been the hardest part of your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher?
The most unexpected thing about being a researcher would be being able to think and work independently. The hardest part of my research would be being able to interpret and expand on results that were not expected and also to be able to improve the way I come up with questions to explore.
What has been the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part is when everything comes together nicely and I understand how it relates to the bigger picture. There is a sense of accomplishment that motivates me to take on more tasks with my project.
How will you disseminate your research?
I will be presenting at URCAD in April. I will also be presenting at the USM conference as well as ABRCMS this year.
What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Be open, passionate, and actively involved in your project. Also if you have difficulties finding a mentor, keep trying, and stay open to opportunities.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to become a biomedical scientist.
The BioMolecular Science Gateway (BMS) at Michigan State University is hosting a Zoom Introduction to the program on October 26th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
This introduction will give you information about the BMS and Michigan State University and how to apply to the Program. They will also provide information about summer research opportunities and post-baccalaureate programs on campus. You will be able to interact with and ask questions from students currently enrolled in our PhD programs. Everyone who registers will receive an admissions fee waiver.
The BMS is an admissions and first year program that recruits PhD candidates for six units on campus. These units include four departments; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, and two interdisciplinary programs; Genetics and Genome Sciences and Cell and Molecular Biology. The BMS is a large, diverse, and collaborative group of scientists, educators, and support staff with numerous opportunities for prospective students.
Please click on the link below to register for the events:
https://biomolecular.natsci.msu.edu/events/bms-gateway-public-forum-registration/
]]>
The BioMolecular Science Gateway (BMS) at Michigan State University is hosting a Zoom Introduction to the program on October 26th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. This introduction will give you information...
https://biomolecular.natsci.msu.edu/events/bms-gateway-public-forum-registration/
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96719/guest@my.umbc.edu/9d388e220475bdf037bd3c5ec59e1ba9/api/pixel
LSAMP @ UMBC
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/lsamp
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xsmall.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/original.jpg?1506039980
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xxlarge.png?1506039980
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xlarge.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/large.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/medium.png?1506039980
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/small.png?1506039980
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xsmall.png?1506039980
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/406/bbb96d7adad8c94da269ae0494bb2ec2/xxsmall.png?1506039980
LSAMP @ UMBC
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/xxlarge.jpg?1603026888
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/xlarge.jpg?1603026888
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/large.jpg?1603026888
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/medium.jpg?1603026888
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/small.jpg?1603026888
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/xsmall.jpg?1603026888
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/719/b0e3f6340a69c1688f33b14872fe7eee/xxsmall.jpg?1603026888
0
0
true
Sun, 18 Oct 2020 09:18:41 -0400
Sun, 18 Oct 2020 09:19:08 -0400
Goldwater Application Writing Workshop
This Friday!
Are you planning to apply to the Goldwater Scholarship for STEM researchers?
Come learn about how to be nominated, and what makes a competitive application and details on how to write it.
This Friday, October 16, 2020
12-12:50pm
Webex link below
Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Prestigious Scholarships and the Meyerhoff Scholars Program.
To be eligible for nomination for a Goldwater Scholarship, a student must:
1. Be a full-time1 matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution of higher education during the 2020-2021 academic year,
2. Intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering,2
3. Have a college grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale 3, and
4. Be a U.S. citizen from the 50 states or the District of Columbia; a U.S. national for those students nominated by institutions in Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; or a permanent resident. A permanent resident must submit a photocopy of their Permanent Resident Card, also known as the Green Card.
AMOUNT OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
Each Goldwater Scholar annually receives an amount equal to the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, books, and room and board minus the amount of support provided for by other sources, up to a maximum of $7.500. Scholars who receive the award as sophomores can expect to receive support for a maximum of two years (4 semesters) or until graduation, if sooner. Scholars who receive the award as juniors can expect to receive support for a maximum of one year (2 semesters) or until graduation, if sooner.
For more information about the Goldwater Scholarship:
https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org
Questions? email Dr. April Householder at aprilh@umbc.edu
ID: 1203842595
Password: MkmmRPJx
Don't miss the opportunity to join us at an upcoming Virtual Open House to learn how UMBC can help you achieve your career goals. Explore program options, discover potential new career paths, and find out why UMBC is the perfect place to expand your education. RSVP today! |
|
|
Main Campus Open House Saturday, October 17 9 - 10 a.m. Virtual WebEx Meeting |
|
Shady Grove Open House Wednesday, October 14 6 - 7 p.m. Virtual WebEx Meeting |
|
|
What's next in your career? Are you after a big promotion? Or perhaps you just want to keep your skills up-to-date. Either way, a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate from UMBC can help! In the video below, UMBC staff, students, and alumni outline how our graduate programs prepare students to excel in the workforce. |
|
|
Come hear about how to become a research-entrepreneur, and how to commercialize and patent your research.
Guest Speakers:
Vivian Armor
Director, Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship
Wendy Martin
Director, Office of Technology Development
Friday, October 2, 2020
12-12:50pm
Via Webex:
ID: 1200452403
Password: 2ffJ6pCb
This meeting is open to the UMBC community.
Sponsored by the Undergraduate Research Awards program.
For more information contact:
]]>
Did you know that Gatorade was invented by researchers at the University of Florida as a way to hydrate the Gators football team?? Come hear about how to become a research-entrepreneur, and how...
http://ur.umbc.edu
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96180/guest@my.umbc.edu/ec701e52b61266d53dce01c80c71bcf3/api/pixel
Undergraduate Research
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057
Undergraduate Research
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/xxlarge.jpg?1601426333
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/xlarge.jpg?1601426333
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/large.jpg?1601426333
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/medium.jpg?1601426333
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/small.jpg?1601426333
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/xsmall.jpg?1601426333
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/180/b2fedcd622d9e09cf0e3ac7343f82b2f/xxsmall.jpg?1601426333
1
0
true
Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:39:29 -0400
Undergraduate Researcher of the Week: Gretta Zinski
How does gender and socialization affect the way we move?
Gretta Zinski is a junior majoring in Dance, with an Information Systems minor, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor with a Web Development Certification. She is President of the Dance Council of Majors, and a URA Scholar.
Research Title: "The Obedient Body: Investigating Trained and Culturally Informed Movement Biases"
Describe your project: As we grow up we learn how to behave and what to believe in. This may vary from one person to another simply depending on how we are raised. My question is, in what ways do an individual's upbringing influence the way they move or dance? For example, as a woman, I have been taught to be unoffensive which could translate to my natural tendency to move with fluidity as opposed to moving through fixed shapes (A.K.A. aggressive movement).
To take it a step further, are there identifiable patterns of movement among similar demographic groups of people that could speak to a larger social phenomenon or ideal? This movement research is intended to discover if our biases, in this case our learned ideas and beliefs, inform the way we move as dancers and behave as human beings in society.
Who is your mentor for your project? Ann Sofie Clemmensen, assistant professor of dance, is my mentor for this project. As a mentor she has been an encouraging figure who supports and ideas and assists me in shaping realistic and achievable goals in this project and otherwise.
How did you become interested in this project? While taking GWST 210: "Intro to Critical Sexuality Studies" I learned about sociologist Michelle Foucault's theory of the Docile Body and how, in reality, that conditioned body is highly gendered. The text I read focused on the physical behaviors each of us act out every day and how this is different depending on how we may have been raised or socialized as men and women. Soon after reading this text I attended the American College Dance Associations 2020 regional conference at the University of Maryland, College Park where I met a UMD dance professor, Crystal Davis, who has done research into how our biases affect our choices within dance. Serendipitously, these events came together to connect and inform what has become my own independent research into how biases, or other social conditioning, inform our movement choices.
What has been the hardest part about your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? One of the most difficult obstacles has been finding literature about movement research, dance research or otherwise related texts. There is not much dance literature available so adapting to this space where answers are not as readily available has been different. This has also been what I have learned. Of course, entering the research I knew I would be looking for answers to questions that may or may not have been asked before. Though the realization that the answers to my questions have not in fact been written down and are going to be found through my own investigation was unexpected.
What has been the most rewarding part? Learning to trust myself.
How will you disseminate your research? This year I will create a dance work, most likely a creative dance film, to share through a live stream. I plan to share the work and present my observations independently through social media, through the Dance Department, as well as share recordings during the 2021 virtual URCAD event.
What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? Be forgiving with yourself and take advantage of having a productive relationship with your mentor. They believe in you and they are there to help! If you have a question, go out and find the answer.
What are your career goals? After graduating, I will pursue a professional career in dance performance. This will most likely include more opportunities for conducting movement research and engaging in activism through dance.
]]>
Gretta Zinski is a junior majoring in Dance, with an Information Systems minor, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor with a Web Development Certification. She is President of the Dance...
http://ur.umbc.edu
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96093/guest@my.umbc.edu/66d4437bff38570d1a7722b513beca1c/api/pixel
Undergraduate Research
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057
Undergraduate Research
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/xxlarge.jpg?1601256167
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/xlarge.jpg?1601256167
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/large.jpg?1601256167
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/medium.jpg?1601256167
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/small.jpg?1601256167
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/xsmall.jpg?1601256167
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/096/093/b337ef45d49c207b1b21ac467d508c36/xxsmall.jpg?1601256167
3
0
true
Sun, 27 Sep 2020 21:31:32 -0400
Sun, 27 Sep 2020 21:37:28 -0400
Undergraduate Researcher of the Week: Noor Shaikh
Worms! They grow and de-grow!
Noor Shaikh is a junior Biological Sciences major and a URA Scholar.
Title of your research project: A mechanistic understanding of planarian shape regulation during growth and degrowth behaviors
Describe your project: Planarian worms have the extraordinary ability to grow when fed and degrow when starved over more than one order of magnitude in lengths, during which they maintain their body and organ proportions. The goal of this project is to characterize the genes controlling the maintenance of worm proportions and shape during these growth and degrowth behaviors. The specific aims include the recording and analysis of body proportions and shapes during growth and degrowth and the acquisition of gene expression patterns during these processes with in situ hybridization assays.
Who is your mentor(s) for your project? My mentor is Dr. Daniel Lobo in the department of biological sciences at UMBC. I am working under Dr. Lobo's supervision and have been given leadership role to maintain the lab colony of planarian worms and to independently carry out previous pilot-studies of growth and degrowth experiments. I will work together with my mentor’s guidance towards obtaining the final product for my project.
How did you become interested in this project? I had come across my mentor's lab website and was interested in learning more about the planarian worms ability to regenerate. I am excited to use this project as a way to work with and identify the genes responsible for body shape maintenance in this model organism. Also, this project can shed light into how biological growth and shape is regulated and pave the way for novel biomedical applications to human developmental diseases and cancer.
What has been the hardest part about your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? Planarians can reproduce asexually by fissioning transversally, resulting in each fragment regenerating a new complete worm. One challenge we encountered in the growth and degrowth pilot studies on the planarian worms were that they fissioned after being isolated in the well plates, so this resulted in an error in our calculations of the body proportions. To solve this problem we placed more than one worm in the well plate because population density modulates fission behavior.
What has been the most rewarding part? The most rewarding part has been the knowledge I have gained and the opportunities to present my research. I was able to present in the 22nd annual Summer Undergraduate Research Fest (SURF) and now with the URA award I will present my further findings at URCAD, in April.
How will you disseminate your research? I plan on sharing the results of my work through an URCAD presentation, professional conferences, and a journal paper.
What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? My advice to anyone interested in research, is to reach out early to various professors on campus whose work they find interesting. There is always a way to get involved in research that interests you.
What are your career goals? After graduating from UMBC, I plan to earn a PharmD and masters to further pursue a career in research.
]]>
Noor Shaikh is a junior Biological Sciences major and a URA Scholar. Title of your research project: A mechanistic understanding of planarian shape regulation during growth and degrowth...
http://ur.umbc.edu
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95923/guest@my.umbc.edu/386a0e545d90b4e41f3e0ed8642d009b/api/pixel
Undergraduate Research
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057
Undergraduate Research
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/xxlarge.jpg?1600616950
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/xlarge.jpg?1600616950
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/large.jpg?1600616950
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/medium.jpg?1600616950
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/small.jpg?1600616950
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/xsmall.jpg?1600616950
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/923/9201437fc99f6ba177acb698e6627e92/xxsmall.jpg?1600616950
6
0
true
Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:02:19 -0400
Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:04:10 -0400
Goldwater Scholarship Info Session
For STEM majors- 9/21
Come to the information session about how to apply to become a Goldwater Scholar!
Monday, September 21, 2020
12-1pm
via WEBEX
ID: 1205355977
Password: rxHHb6Be
AMOUNT OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarships of up to $7,500 a year are provided to help cover costs associated with tuition, mandatory fees, books, room and board. A sophomore who receives a Goldwater Scholarship will receive up to $7,500 in each of his/her junior and senior years. A junior who receives a Goldwater Scholarship will receive up to $7,500 in his/her senior year.
To be eligible for nomination for a Goldwater Scholarship, a student must:
1. Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution of higher education during the 2020-2021 academic year,
2. Intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering,*
3. Have a college grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, and
4. Be a U.S. citizen from the 50 states or the District of Columbia; a U.S. national for those students nominated by institutions in Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; or a permanent resident. A permanent resident nominated for the scholarship must include a letter stating his/her intent to become a U.S. citizen. A photocopy of the nominee’s Permanent Resident Card, also known as the Alien Registration Card or Green Card, must also be submitted.
There will be a follow-up workshop on October 16, for writing a winning application for Goldwater.
Internal deadline for UMBC students to apply: November 30, 2020.
Presenter: April Householder, Director of Prestigious Scholarships
For more info, contact aprilh@umbc.edu
