Field of Study:
Cancer Biology
Department:
Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Rank of Student:
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Desired Majors:
Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Molecular Genetics, or related fields in biological sciences.
Hours per Week:
20
Compensation Type:
Academic Credit,
Voluntary Experience
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Laura Kresty, Ph.D. (laura.kresty@osumc.edu); Yun Zhang, Ph.D. (yun.zhang@osumc.edu)
Private
Public
Project Description
The primary research goal of our lab is to understand the complex mechanisms underlying cancers of the esophagus and lung with the goal of developing more efficacious interventions for cancer prevention, interception, and treatment. Broadly, laboratory interests include inhibiting cancer progression through natural products and pharmacologic agents by understanding how host-related (e.g., sex, age, obesity, genetics, microbiome) and environmental factors (e.g., diet, chemical exposures, tobacco use) mediate cancer development and responses to therapy. Ongoing projects in the lab currently include: (1) identification of therapeutic resistance mechanisms in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), (2) identification of environmental factors linked with progression from Barrett’s Esophagus to EAC, (3) targeting gene isoforms for EAC intervention and treatment.
Students joining the lab will be trained to perform cell culture and conduct various experiments, such as molecular biology techniques, fluorescence- and luminescence-based assays, ELISA, and Western blot. Trainees will also participate in experimental design, data analysis, and weekly lab meetings. Students will first join the lab as volunteers and will have the option to sign up for academic credit in the following semesters. The students are expected to adhere to lab safety rules and show enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and curiosity, as well as commitment to projects. Students will have the opportunity to work independently following training and are encouraged to attend local/national conferences and pursue a research thesis.
Students joining the lab will be trained to perform cell culture and conduct various experiments, such as molecular biology techniques, fluorescence- and luminescence-based assays, ELISA, and Western blot. Trainees will also participate in experimental design, data analysis, and weekly lab meetings. Students will first join the lab as volunteers and will have the option to sign up for academic credit in the following semesters. The students are expected to adhere to lab safety rules and show enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and curiosity, as well as commitment to projects. Students will have the opportunity to work independently following training and are encouraged to attend local/national conferences and pursue a research thesis.
Required Applicant Information
A brief paragraph summarizing prior research experience (if any) and why our lab would be a good fit, along with a CV or resume.
Required or Desired Skills
Previous experience with benchwork (via coursework or prior research experience), such as liquid handling, mass measurement, solution preparation, and strict adherence to lab safety, is required. In addition, the students should have basic knowledge of general-chemistry-level calculations, such as calculating molarity and dilution. Prior knowledge of statistics is desired but not required.
Faculty Member Lead:
Laura Kresty, Ph.D.
Starting Semester:
Autumn,
Spring,
Summer
Length of Project (in semesters):
8