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--></style><title>Fwd: UROP Postion at Whitehead: contact
mekhail@mit.edu</title></head><body>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Project Description: We are using
Green Fluorescent Protein fused to RNA binding proteins to track and
analyze RNA and micro-RNA within cells. We do this by
genetically engineering these fusion proteins, observing them under a
variety of microscopy techniques, (such as confocal and cellomics
scanner), and then using a micro-array to determine the identity of
the RNA and micro-RNA. Micro-RNA is a very recent discovery, and
is a cellular method of gene suppression. We will also be
experimenting with novel micro-array methods to combine with a custom
wireless sensor that is being designed. We are making a unique version
of a customized micro-array reader using wireless imaging technology
to allow sensors to be directly integrated into fluidic and in-vivo
environments for detection of biological phenomena. This project
will allow the integration of visual information with micro-array data
to explore the characteristics of microRNA, as well as the effect of
drugs etc on gene suppression. </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>What you will do: Take over the
genetic engineering of the GFP-RNA fusion proteins which is underway.
Learn to use confocal microscopy to track the in-vivo location
of the RNA and micro-RNA. Once the in-vivo characteristics are
established, micro-array experiments will be done to identify which
RNA and micro-RNAs are active. We will then use these micro-RNA
GFP fusions to investigate new ways to image micro-arrays with our
wireless sensor platform. </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Time Commitment:</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Fall 2004: Come in to learn
techniques (cloning, tissue culture, etc). Likely ~ 5
hrs/week.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>IAP 2005: Preferably last ½ of
IAP.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Spring 2005 - Spring 2006 (including
summer): Full UROP (i.e. ~ 10 hrs/week, more time is always
better). UROPS that stay over a long period (i.e. 1 year
generally get more out of it in terms of research, getting to know
your advisor, and being more productive than those staying for only a
semester), so I would prefer the intention to stay through spring
2006.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Experience:</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Lab experience or lab class would be good
to have. Prefer someone who has done biological work before, ie
cloning, tissue culture etc., but if you are motivated that is the
primary characteristic and the rest can be learned.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Please email me ASAP. If you want
to get some credit for this semester, we have to complete the
paperwork by Thursday. Please include a resume if you have one,
and a list of relevant classes and grades. Please contact me
with any questions at Mekhail@mit.edu</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>About myself:</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>I am an MD/Ph.D. student working on
wireless biological sensors in combination with genetic engineering
for detection of biological phenomena. You will be working at
the Whitehead Institute with me and Prof. Paul Matsudaira. You
will also have access to the MIT Bioimaging center at 500 Tech square.
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Thanks,</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Mekhail</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite> </blockquote>
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