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Christopher Beck. Biology.
Phone: 404-712-9012
Email: cbeck@biology.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Fall
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: Students would examine the effects of sex ratio on variation in spermatophore production by males and reproductive behavior in males and females in insects.
Additional Project Information: Effects of age on mate choice decisions. Energy allocation during tadpole development.
Student Requirements: background in ecology, evolution, or animal behavior is helpful, but not essential
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab: behavioral assays, automated behavioral data collection, statistical analysis
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Paul Doetsch. Biochemistry.
Phone: 404-727-0409
Email: medpwd@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Project would address some aspects of the interconnections between DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance systems in the management of DNA damage using a simple eukaryotic model system (yeast) in order to understand this process in higher organisms (i.e. humans) and its relationship to the development of cancer. Techniques would include genetic, biochmical and molecular biological experimental strategies.
Additional Project Information: We are also using the yeast model system and its genetic and biochemical dissectability to elucidate the mechanisms of action of anticancer drugs and to use isogenic strains of yeast as a potential rapid, inexpensive drug screening tool.
Student Requirements: General science background in biology or chemistry. Undergraduate genetics would be very useful but not absolute requirement.. Undergraduate biochemistry would be useful but not required.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Evert BA, Salmon TB, Song B, Liu JJ, Siede W, Doetsch PW. (2004) Spontaneous DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Elicits Phenotypic Properties Similar to Cancer Cells. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 22585-22594.
(2) Beljanski V, Marzilli L, Doetsch PW. (2004) DNA Damage Processing Pathways Involved in the Eukaryotic Cellular Response to Anticancer DNA Crosslinking Agents. Mol. Pharm. 65:1496-1506
(3) Doudican NA, Song B, Shadel GS, Doetsch PW. (2005) Oxidative DNA Damage Causes Mitochondrial Genetic Instability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mol. Cell Biol. 25: 5196-5204.
(4) Salmon TB, Evert BA, Song B, Doetsch PW. (2004) Biological Consequences of Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nucleic Acids Res. 32: 3712-3723.
(5) O'Rourke T, Doudican NA, Zhang H, Eaton JS, Doetsch PW, Shadel GS. (2005) Differential Involvement of the Related DNA Helicases Piflp and Rrm3p in mt DNA Point Mutagenesis and Stability. Gene 354: 86-92.
Techniques used in this lab: Yeast genetic manipulatiions including strain construction, mutagenesis and recombination assays, and biochemical techniques such as protein purificatiion and Western blot analysis. Cell biological techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and cell sorting and analysis are also likely to be used.
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Donna Maney. NBB/Psychology.
Phone: office: 7-7470
Email: dmaney@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Study #1: We are interested in the neurogenomics of social behavior, and are currently working with a model in which variation in aggression and parenting behavior segregates with a structural rearrangement of chromosome 2. In collaboration with researchers in Human Genetics, we are in the process of mapping this rearrangement and identifying candidate genes we believe contribute toward aggression and parenting behavior. This project involves quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization to quantify expression of candidate genes.
Additional Project Information: Study #2: We are interested behavioral neuroendocrinology, particularly how hormones mediate plasticity in the brain. One of the best ways to study brain plasticity is to look at seasonal animals, such as hamsters or songbirds, which change their behavior and brain morphology dramatically according to season and hormone levels. In the spring, when estrogen levels are high, females respond to male courtship cues by initiating courtship--but when estrogen levels are low in the fall, they don't. We are interested in how estrogen acts in the brain to cause such a big change in behavior. We are working with female songbirds that are treated with either estrogen or placebo and quantifying their behavioral and neuronal responses to auditory cues.
Student Requirements: If doing a wet lab project, completion of a chemistry lab is required (knowledge of pH, molarity, experience with balances and glasswashing). If doing image analysis only, then experience with programs such as Excel and Photoshop is helpful.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Maney, D. L. (2008). Endocrine and genomic architecture of life history trade-offs in an avian model of social behavior. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 157, 275-282.
(2) Maney, D. L., Goode, C. T., Lake, J. I., Lange, H. L., and OBrien, S. (2007). Rapid neuroendocrine responses to auditory courtship signals. Endocrinology 148: 5614-5623.
(3) LeBlanc, M. M., Goode, C. T., MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A., and Maney, D. L. (2007). Estradiol modulates brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups and projections to the auditory forebrain in a female songbird. Brain Research 1171: 93-103.
(4) Maney, D. L., Cho, E., and Goode, C. T. (2006). Estrogen dependent selectivity of genomic responses to birdsong. European Journal of Neuroscience 23:1523-1529.
(5) Maney, D. L., Erwin, K. L., and Goode, C. T. (2005). Neuroendocrine correlates of behavioral polymorphism in white-throated sparrows. Hormones & Behavior 48:196-206.
Techniques used in this lab: Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, autoradiography, real-time PCR, image analysis, behavioral quantification.
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Jaap de Roode. Biology.
Phone: 4047272340
Email: jderood@emory.edu
Institution: Emory University
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Our lab works on the evolution and ecology of parasites, using parasites of monarch butterflies and rodent malaria as model systems. Projects will involve carrying out experiments with parasites of monarch butterflies, and include maintenance of larvae, adult butterflies and larval food plants.
Student Requirements: No particular experience is required, as long as the student has a keen interest in the research we do, and is meticulous and careful; we maintain sterile techniques to which the student has to conform.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) De Roode, J. C., Pansini, R., Cheesman, S.J., Helinski, M.E.H., Huijben, S. Wargo, A.R., Bell, A.S., Chan, B.H.K., Walliker, D. & Read, A.F. 2005. Virulence and competitive ability in genetically diverse malaria infections. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 102, 7624-7628.
(2) " De Roode, J.C., Gold, L.R. & Altizer, S.A. (2007) Virulence determinants in a natural butterfly-parasite system. Parasitology 134(5): 657-668.
(3) " De Roode, J.C., Pedersen, A.B., Hunter, M.D. & Altizer, S. (2008) Host plant species affects virulence in monarch butterfly parasites. Journal of Animal Ecology 77, 120-126.
Techniques used in this lab:
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EUGENE DEMCHUK. Division of Toxicology.
Phone: 770-488-3327
Email: edemchuk@cdc.gov
Institution: CDC/ATSDR
Location: Off-campus (personal vehicle required, carpool possible but not guaranteed)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly common developmental disability in industrial nations. ASD is thought to result from gene-environment interactions. Despite research progress in identifying candidate genes associated with ASD, no clear etiology or causative marker has been found. If and when a genetic predisposition is identified, the next research question will be: What environmental trigger is responsible for the development or manifestation of the clinical phenotype? To address this question we develop a rapid-screening computational toxicology methodology which can be applied to large numbers of environmental pollutants (ligands) and a known or suspected biological target for autism. Starting with a model database of hypothesized chemical triggers and a set of critical-pathway genes, we screen the chemicals against known genetic variants using state-of-the-art molecular docking techniques. Top scored gene/chemical combinations potentially offer an educated choice for further in-depth analysis of gene-environment interactions using laboratory and/or epidemiological methods.
Additional Project Information: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Computational Toxicology and Method Development Laboratory implements the full range of methods in support of ATSDR mission to protect human populations from exposure to environmental contaminants. These include benchmark dose, chemical-specific adjustment factor, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), genetic-susceptibility- and meta-analysis modeling, and modeling the toxicity of chemical mixtures. Computational toxicology methods are used as an integrated systematic approach in the development of ATSDR Minimal Risk Levels to be used as health guidance values to protect populations exposed to toxic chemicals at hazardous waste sites. These methods are also used in the development of ATSDR Toxicological Profiles, to support environmental health consultations and prioritization of environmental chemical hazards, when experimental information is insufficient, and to improve study design, when filling the priority data needs as mandated by the Congress. Also, the Laboratory is engaged in the development of response strategies to new emerging chemical threats. We develop methods for assessing toxicological effects of potentially hazardous chemicals from their chemical structure alone. A need for analysis of this type is especially imminent during the times of emergencies, whether it is an accidental chemical release, major natural disaster, or terrorist threat in all situations when time is a critical element of public health response.
Student Requirements: chemistry, toxicology and/or physiology, statistics, biochemistry, basic understanding of principles in physics, basic math
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Demchuk, E.; Ruiz, P.; Wilson, J.D.; Scinicariello, F.; Pohl, H.R.; Fay, M.; Mumtaz, M.; Hansen, H.; De Rosa, C.T. Computational toxicology methods in public health practice . Toxicol. Mech. Method. 2008, 18, 119135.
(2) Snyder, J.A.; Demchuk, E.; McCanlies E.C.; Schuler, C.R.; Kreiss, K.; Frye, B.; Ensey, J.; Stanton, M.; Weston, A. Impact of negatively charged patches on the surface of MHC class II antigen-presenting proteins on risk of chronic beryllium disease . J. R. Soc. Int. 2008, 5, 749758.
(3) Demchuk, E.; Albin, B.C.; Fay, M.; Garrett, R.M.; Hansen, H. Structure-activity analysis of chemical health guidance values . Toxicologist (Suppl. to Toxicol. Sci.) 2006, 90, 186.
(4) Demchuk, E.; Yucesoy, B.; Johnson, V.J.; Weston, A.; Germolec, D.; De Rosa, C.T.; Luster, M.I. A statistical model to assess genetic susceptibility as a risk factor in multifactorial diseases: Lessons from occupational asthma . Environ. Health Persp. 2007, 115, 231234.
(5) Hnizdo, V.; Darian, E.; Fedorowicz, A.; Demchuk, E.; Li, S.; Singh, H. Nearest-neighbor nonparametric method for estimating the configurational entropy of complex molecules . J. Comp. Chem. 2007, 28, 655668.
Techniques used in this lab: Students may learn various computational toxicology techniques, including benchmark dose modeling, chemical-specific adjustment factor modeling, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, (quantitative) structure-activity relationship -- (Q)SAR modeling, genetic-susceptibility- and meta-analysis modeling, modeling the toxicity of chemical mixtures and chemical-chemical interactions, molecular docking, protein homology structure modeling, and other.
Additional Comments: A brief description of the ATSDR Computational Toxicology lab can be found at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/dtem/programs/comptox/index.html
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Uriel Kitron. Environmental Studies.
Phone: 404-727-4253
Email: ukitron@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 4
Project Description: Opportunities exist for students to work under the umbrella of an extensive West Nile virus (WNV) and mosquito ecology research project in the greater Atlanta area. Student projects can focus on the role of bird hosts, mosquito vectors, and/or local environmental conditions impacting mosquito biology and WNV disease transmission around Atlanta. The primary field tasks that students will be trained to perform involve the trapping and processing birds and mosquitoes as well as the collection of water samples from potential mosquito breeding sites. Students will also gain laboratory experience, including processing avian blood samples, identifying and processing captured mosquitoes, and analyzing chemical determinants of water quality. Additionally, students will participate in bi-weekly paper discussion seminars aiming to encourage inquiry and further understanding of topics related to vector-borne disease epidemiology.
Student Requirements: Although no prior experience is necessary, we are looking for reliable, committed, and hard-working students who have the ability and willingness to conduct independent fieldwork, as well as work as part of a team. Students with an interest in learning about bird and mosquito ecology as well as various sampling methods will be preferred.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Chaves, L.F., et al., Combined sewage overflow enhances oviposition of Culex quinquefasciatus in urban areas. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2009. 46: p. 220-226.
(2) Calhoun, L.M., et al., Combined Sewage Overflows (CSO) are major urban breeding sites for Culex quinquefasciatus in Atlanta, Georgia. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2007. 77(3): p. 478-484.
(3) Hamer, G.L., et al., Rapid amplification of West Nile virus: The role of hatch-year birds. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2008. 8(1): p. 57-67.
(4) Loss, S.R., et al., Avian host community structure and prevalence of West Nile virus in Chicago, Illinois. Oecologia, 2009. 159: p. 415-424.
(5) Gibbs, S.E.J., et al., West Nile virus antibodies in avian species of Georgia, USA: 20002004. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2006. 6(1): p. 57-72.
Techniques used in this lab: In the field, students will be trained to trap and process birds and mosquitoes and collect water samples from potential mosquito breeding sites. In the lab, students will proces avian blood samples, identify and process captured mosquitoes, and analyze chemical determinants of water quality.
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Thomas Gillespie. Environmental Studies.
Phone: 404-727-7926
Email: thomas.gillespie@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 4
Project Description: Research opportunities are available for interested undergraduates as part of a larger study focusing on interactions among anthropogenic environmental change; biodiversity; and the ecology and emergence of pathogens of people, wildlife, and domestic animals from Africa and Latin America. The research projects would involve microscopic analysis of samples from wildlife populations for gastrointestinal pathogens and statistical analysis of the results.
Student Requirements: We are looking for Freshman and Sophomores who may be willing to continue research into the school year. We are looking for hard-working and committed students interested in the fields of conservation science, wildlife medicine, and public health.
Although no prior experience is necessary, we are looking for reliable, committed, and hard-working students who have the ability and willingness to conduct semi-independent labwork, as well as work as part of a team.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Gillespie, T.R., C.L Nunn, and F.H. Leendertz. (2008) Integrative approaches to the study of primate infectious disease: implications for biodiversity conservation and global health. Yearbook of Physical Anthropology. 51:53-69.
(2) Gillespie, T.R. (2006) Non-invasive assessment of gastro-intestinal parasite infections in free-ranging primates. International Journal of Primatology 27:1129-1143.
(3) Kowalewski, M., J.S. Salzer, J.C. Deutsch, M. Rano, M.S. Kuhlenschmidt, and T.R. Gillespie. (In Press) Black and Gold Howler Monkeys (Alouatta caraya) as Sentinels of Ecosystem Health: Patterns of Zoonotic Protozoa Infection Relative to Degree of HumanPrimate Contact. American Journal of Primatology (Speical Issue: Is Primate Conservation Essential to Ecosystem Conservation?)
(4) Gillespie, T.R., D. Morgan, J.C. Deutsch, M.S. Kuhlenschmidt, J.S. Salzer, K. Cameron, T Reed, and C. Sanz. ( In Press) A legacy of low impact logging does not elevate prevalence of potentially pathogenic protozoa in free-ranging chimpanzees and lowland gorillas in the Republic of Congo. EcoHealth.
Techniques used in this lab: Students would learn classical and/or immuno-fluorescent techniques for the detection and identification of gastrointestinal pathogens. In addition students will be trained in the categorization and identification of various pathogens. Students will learn basic microscopy skills, tools for statistical data analysis, and basic laboratory procedures.
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