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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: 1
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. This project involves quantitative real-time PCR, laser capture microdissection, 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 but not required.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Lake, J. I., Lange, H. S., OBrien, S., Sanford, S. E., and Maney, D. L. (2008). Activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis differs between behavioral phenotypes in female white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). General and Comparative Endocrinology, in press.
(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: Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, autoradiography, real-time PCR, image analysis, behavioral quantification.
Additional Comments: Please note that the deadline for a summer research internship has passed for 2009. I am interested in hearing from 2009-2010 applicants to the SIRE program, or from students interested in pursuing research for credit (Psychology, Biology, or NBB 499) during Spring 2009.
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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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Nicole Gerardo. Biology.
Phone: 727-0394
Email: nicole.gerardo@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: My lab uses an integrative approach to study the dynamics of microbial disease ecology and evolution. We use field surveys, molecular genetics, and laboratory experiments to understand the adaptive mechanisms by which hosts and microbes interact. Our goal is to gain a broader understanding of how host and parasite responses shape the evolution of disease by developing study systems in which we can manipulate species interactions in order to elucidate adaptive mechanisms and the genetics behind those mechanisms. To address such questions, we utilize insectmicrobe associations amenable to long-term laboratory maintenance and experimental manipulation. One of our main lines of research focuses on the interaction between aphids, their bacterial symbionts and pathogens that invade the aphid host. Aphids, small plant-feeding insects, contain several bacteria that shape their ecology. Some of these bacterial symbionts are known to protect aphids from parasitoid wasps and fungal pathogens. We currently know little about whether these bacteria protect aphids against other microbial invaders. One project in my lab for an undergraduate would be to test whether these bacterial symbionts protect aphids from bacterial pathogens. Experimental work could be coupled with molecular work (i.e., PCR, gel electrophoresis, quantitative PCR) to understand how the presence of these microbial invaders affects the number of symbiotic bacteria within the host.
Additional Project Information: Other research projects include:
1. screening milkweed aphids for bacterial symbionts and pathogens. This project would couple molecular analyses with classic microbiological techniques.
2. testing the pathogenicity of a diverse array of bacteria previously isolated from aphids for pathogenicity. This work would couple experiments with molecular analyses.
3. testing whether different aphid genotypes have different responses to the same fungal or bacteria pathogen. This work would couple experimental work, molecular analyses and microbiology.
Student Requirements: No previous experience or coursework is required. An interest in evolutionary biology and insects are a must. There will be opportunities to learn molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, real-time PCR) as well as opportunities to conduct experimental projects. Students must be motivated, willing to ask questions and able to pay attention to detail. Younger students who might be interested in working in the lab for several years are strongly encouraged to apply.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab:
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Gregg Orloff. none.
Phone: 404-727-0308
Email: gorloff@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: CancerQuest (http://www.cancerquest.org) is an award-winning cancer education project designed to educate and empower cancer patients, caregivers, students and the general public.
We produce content, videos, animations, games, posters and other educational tools.
Students, depending on their interest and skills, could be involved in all aspects of the program including researching, science writing, video creating and editing, graphics, programming, etc.
Student Requirements: Some Biology background and an interest in education/outreach. Computer skills are not necessary but the student must have the desire to learn new programs.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Breast Cancer: A Patient's Journey (DVD)
(2) COMPASS: Breast Cancer Edition (DVD)
(3) Gastrostomy Tubes (DVD)
Techniques used in this lab: Science writing, video editing, Flash, HTML (some), Web programming (if interested).
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