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lab</title></head><body>
<div>UROP position available in Joel Voldman Lab. Please
contact Laralynne Przybyla (<a
href="mailto:lprzybyl@mit.edu">lprzybyl@mit.edu</a>) if you are
interested.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Title: Characterization and quantification of embryonic stem cell
morphology during differentiation processes<br>
</div>
<div>Description: We in the Voldman lab are broadly interested in how
the external microenvironment of embryonic stem cells affects their
properties and characteristics, in terms of both retaining their
self-renewal potential and beginning a program of differentiation.
However, the tools available to monitor these processes in live cells
in real time are often inadequate or uninformative. We are looking for
a summer UROP student to investigate the relationship between cell
morphology and the underlying cell phenotype as embryonic stem cells
begin differentiation programs towards different lineages. This
project has several possible directions, depending on the interests of
the student. One aspect will include developing a method by which to
better access and quantify the information encoded in morphological
aspects of cells and cell colonies (e.g., cell size, nucleus size,
cell/colony shape, colony edge properties, etc.). These
parameters can then be correlated with other important phenotypic
characteristics, including mRNA expression, protein expression, and
downstream differentiation potential. In addition, cells with atypical
morphological characteristics within a heterogenous population can be
further analyzed and identified.<br>
</div>
<div>Prerequisites: Candidate should be have some familiarity with
molecular and cell biology techniques (7.02 or equiv. lab experience)
and have an understanding of the underlying concepts (biology beyond
7.01). Preference will be given to candidates with prior wet-lab
experience, specifically with cell culture and microscopy.<br>
</div>
<div>Contact: Interested students should email their resume/cv to
Laralynne Przybyla (<a
href="mailto:lprzybyl@mit.edu">lprzybyl@mit.edu</a>) and include in
the body of the email a short statement describing their particular
interest in this project. There is the possibility to extend
this project longer term.</div>
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