SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: The brain is a complex organ, with multiple different parts that each of their own set of unique function(s). It can be challenging to build a device that can be implanted into the brain that allows for recording of enough neurons, while not damaging the brain as existing implants are more similar to a computer than they are biological systems. Instead, we can grow cell cultures of neurons and neuron supporting cells using 'in vitro platforms'. Our lab works on building complex 3D hydrogel-based in vitro platforms, that can mimic the environment of the healthy or diseased brain to allow for simultaneous quantification of disease progression on neuron electrophysiology. We are developing these platforms, and then using them to address questions of cancer-neuron interactions in glioma initiation, spread, and eventually screen for treatments.

Potential skills gained: cell culture, materials fabrication and characterization, immunohistochemistry, neurotechnology, neuroengineering, multielectrode arrays

Required qualifications or skills: Broadly engineering students or biology/neuroscience students who are interested in working on building new tools to answer biological questions; preference for students who are willing to stay during the semester for at least 1 year total (longer duration is always better!)

Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I., Graduate Student