Field of Study:
Immunology / Biomedical Sciences (Epigenetics and Immunometabolism)
Department:
Microbial Infection and Immunity
Rank of Student:
Sophomores and Juniors. Exceptional first-year students in their second semester may be considered.
Desired Majors:
Biomedical Science (BMS) majors are especially encouraged to apply. Students in Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Human Nutrition, and related life science majors are also welcome.
Hours per Week:
12
Compensation Type:
Academic Credit
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Jerry Lio (jerry.lio@osumc.edu)
Private
Public
Project Description
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a required cofactor for TET enzymes, which oxidize 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and other derivatives, and so shape DNA methylation patterns. Our lab studies how the amount of vitamin C inside a single immune cell controls its epigenetic state and its fate decisions. We focus on B cell differentiation into plasma cells and on CD8 T cell memory. To do this, we build and use new tools to measure and manipulate vitamin C inside cells. These include a flow cytometry assay for ascorbate at single-cell resolution (SALSA), a genetically encoded vitamin C depletion system, and mice that lack the vitamin C transporter SVCT2 specifically in B cells.
The student will join an ongoing project and work directly with other lab members and the faculty. They will start with core techniques: isolating lymphocytes from mouse spleen and lymph nodes, tissue culture, multicolor flow cytometry, DNA isolation, recombinant DNA, etc. Students who stay for 3 or more semesters and show consistent effort will
have the opportunity to develop a project. Students are also expected to attend and present at lab meetings and conferences.
Our undergraduates have received university research fellowships, been selected as Pelotonia Undergraduate Scholars, and earned authorship on peer-reviewed publications. We actively mentor exceptional students in applying for research scholarships and fellowships.
The student will join an ongoing project and work directly with other lab members and the faculty. They will start with core techniques: isolating lymphocytes from mouse spleen and lymph nodes, tissue culture, multicolor flow cytometry, DNA isolation, recombinant DNA, etc. Students who stay for 3 or more semesters and show consistent effort will
have the opportunity to develop a project. Students are also expected to attend and present at lab meetings and conferences.
Our undergraduates have received university research fellowships, been selected as Pelotonia Undergraduate Scholars, and earned authorship on peer-reviewed publications. We actively mentor exceptional students in applying for research scholarships and fellowships.
Additional Information
This position is intended for students seeking sustained, hands-on research training, not short-term exposure. All new students begin with a 4- to 6-week training period with defined milestones, including completion of safety training, hands-on technique training, and demonstrated understanding of the experimental rationale. Continuation in the lab is based on progress during this period. Letters of recommendation are written only for students who have worked in the lab for at least 2 semesters and reflect their independent contribution and growth. Our lab is part of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, and students take part in lab meetings and journal discussions.
Undergraduates in our lab have received university research fellowships, been selected as Pelotonia Undergraduate Scholars, and earned authorship on peer-reviewed publications. These outcomes reflect multiple semesters of consistent work in the lab.
Undergraduates in our lab have received university research fellowships, been selected as Pelotonia Undergraduate Scholars, and earned authorship on peer-reviewed publications. These outcomes reflect multiple semesters of consistent work in the lab.
Required Applicant Information
Please name your PDF as LastName_FirstName_LioLab.pdf (for example, Smith_Jane_LioLab.pdf) and use the subject line “Lio Lab Undergraduate Application: LastName, FirstName.”
A one-page resume.
An unofficial transcript.
Your planned class schedule for the coming semester, with the time blocks you could spend in the lab.
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview, where they will be asked to discuss their written answers. Due to the high volume of applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
A one-page resume.
An unofficial transcript.
Your planned class schedule for the coming semester, with the time blocks you could spend in the lab.
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview, where they will be asked to discuss their written answers. Due to the high volume of applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Required or Desired Skills
Required: completion of introductory biology and general chemistry; reliable availability for at least 3 blocks of 3 or more hours per week; careful record-keeping; willingness to complete animal and laboratory safety training; willingness to participate in experiments that may require weekends. Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher,
Desired: strong performance in science coursework; coursework in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, or immunology; prior lab coursework or experience with pipetting, sterile technique, or cell culture; basic familiarity with Excel.
Desired: strong performance in science coursework; coursework in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, or immunology; prior lab coursework or experience with pipetting, sterile technique, or cell culture; basic familiarity with Excel.
Faculty Member Lead:
Jerry Lio, PhD
Starting Semester:
Spring
Length of Project (in semesters):
3