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Qianbing Mou

Quanbing Mou

Assistant Professor Norman Hackerman-Welch Young Investigator Kenneth S. Pitzer-Schlumberger Junior Faculty Chair

Chemistry

CONTACT

quanbing.mou@rice.edu

WEBSITE(S)| Mou Lab

SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: The Mou Lab develops chemical biology tools to study nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in biological systems, with applications in biosensing, molecular imaging, and disease-relevant detection. SURF students will join a beginner-friendly, highly mentored project designed for first-year undergraduates with little to no prior research experience. Example project areas include: (1) building a simple fluorescence-based DNA/RNA biosensor and generating calibration curves, (2) learning the fundamentals of CRISPR/Cas12a diagnostics using safe model DNA targets and optimizing basic assay conditions, and (3) developing core RNA-handling skills (RNase-free technique, buffer preparation, and quantitative readouts by fluorescence and/or gels).

Students will receive structured training in lab safety, pipetting, solution preparation, experimental controls, data analysis (Excel), and scientific record keeping. By the end of the summer, students will have collected and interpreted a small dataset and will summarize their work in a short report or poster-style figure.

Potential skills gained: Basic laboratory safety and good lab notebook practices Micropipetting and accurate solution preparation (buffers, dilutions, standards) Molecular biology basics: DNA/RNA handling, contamination control (RNase-free technique) Setting up biochemical assays with proper controls (positive, negative, NTC) Fluorescence measurements (plate reader or fluorimeter) and/or gel electrophoresis basics (as appropriate) Data analysis in Excel: calibration curves, simple kinetics/time-course plots, reproducibility assessment Scientific communication: preparing figures and a short report or poster-style summary

Required qualifications or skills:

  • Required skills: None. Projects are designed for first-year students with little to no research experience.
  • Recommended: Intro chemistry or biology is helpful but not required. Careful attention to detail, willingness to learn, and consistent attendance are the most important.
  • Majors: Open to students in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, or related majors. Motivated students from other STEM majors are also welcome.

Direct mentor: Post-doctorate, Graduate Student, Other Research Associate

Research Areas

The Mou Lab is dedicated to developing diverse chemical biology tools to explore RNA biology and enhance RNA-related technologies. We aim to create tools that elucidate the spatial information of biomacromolecules within various biological systems. Additionally, our lab is committed to advancing several areas, such as the development of chemical biology tools for mRNA-based therapies and the engineering of high-fidelity gene editing systems. Our goal is to integrate cutting-edge technologies with our tool development efforts to gain insights into complex biological processes and translate these technologies into applications for biosensing as well as disease detection and treatment.