Dr. Robert Colvin, Professor of Biological Sciences, is seeking an undergraduate research apprentice for a project on “Understanding the spread of protein aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease.”
Currently enrolled Ohio University undergraduates from all colleges are invited to apply for the Research Apprenticeship Program. Administered by the Honors Tutorial College and sponsored by several other units across campus, the program enables students to build skills in research and creative activity by supporting faculty projects. Selected students are paid $10 an hour and agree to work during the time period specified in the description.
Colvin’s apprenticeship is for 10 hours a week for the 2016-17 academic year.
How to Apply
Applications are due by March 18, 2016. To apply for apprenticeship(s), a student must e-mail Dr. Robert Colvin. Contact information is listed in the apprenticeship description. The email should explain the student’s qualifications and interest in the project (no more than three paragraphs) and have an attached resume. It is strongly recommended that students meet with an adviser in the Career and Leadership Development Center in Baker Center 533 to help them compose their letter and resume before applying. Late applications will not be accepted. Notification will occur by April 15, 2016. For more information about the application process, contact Laura Schaeffer, Director of Honors Enrichment Programs at schaeffe@ohio.edu or 593-2725. Students may apply for as many apprenticeships as they wish.
Project Description
A new method of co-culturing drosophila (fly) and rat primary neurons has been developed recently in my lab. This hybrid culture between fly and rat neurons is being used to study the transfer of aggregated proteins (tau protein) from diseased to healthy neurons. This is a cellular model of the process that underlies the progression and spread of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology in the human brain. Our goals will be to better understand the cellular mechanisms that underlie transfer of aggregated tau protein from a diseased to a healthy neuron. Using fly neurons allows us to use a wide array of genetic tools to probe the mechanism. Fly neurons will be donor cells. The rat neurons are used since these cells are already established as a cellular model of AD. Depending on what is discovered in initial experiments, the studies may progress to testing agents that would disrupt tau protein transfer. Identification of such agents would be preliminary to the development new therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD.
Under my guidance, the apprentice will be involved in independent hands-on experiences in the lab. In addition the apprenticeship will require reading and analysis of original literature. Also, the apprentice will analyze and interpret results they have obtained and present these data in group meetings. Finally, it is anticipated that these activities would lead to a Research Expo project and poster presentation.
This is a technically challenging project that requires the development of unique cell culture skills. Depending on the student’s previous experience, the learning portion can take a month or two. Thus. I am requesting a full academic year project to assure that the student will have time to complete the project and obtain meaningful results.
Student Contribution to Project
Under my guidance, the apprentice will be involved in independent hands-on experiences in the lab. In addition, the apprenticeship will require reading and analysis of original literature. From this knowledge base the apprentice will be expected to gradually develop the ability to design and critically analyze experimental protocols. During this time period, the apprentice will be trained in the necessary technical skills to complete the experiments. Also, the apprentice will learn how to analyze and interpret results they have obtained and will be expected to present these data to a group of student peers in group meetings. Finally, it is anticipated that these activities would lead to a Research Expo project and poster presentation. In this way the apprentice will gain experience in writing, discussion, and presentation of scientific results.
I will be mentoring the apprentice throughout the project, but it will be expected that the student gain confidence, maturity, and independence as the project matures.
Desired Qualifications for Apprentice
(e.g., course background, skills, computer expertise. interest etc.)
The apprentice is expected to have completed the core course sequence (including 300 level courses) in Biological Sciences and have typical computer and keyboarding skills (familiarity with Microsoft Office), seen with typical OHIO undergraduate students. The apprentice should be highly self-motivated and have a keen interest in experimental cell biology and neuroscience.
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