[bioundgrd] UROP position in Joel Voldman lab

[Janice Chang]

UROP position available in Joel Voldman Lab.   Please contact 
Laralynne Przybyla (<mailto:lprzybyl at mit.edu>lprzybyl at mit.edu) if 
you are interested.

Title: Characterization and quantification of embryonic stem cell 
morphology during differentiation processes

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.

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.

Contact: Interested students should email their resume/cv to 
Laralynne Przybyla (<mailto:lprzybyl at mit.edu>lprzybyl at mit.edu) 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.
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