With all water use categories increasing in Florida each year, efficient use of water resources will be essential to sustaining the current agriculture, industry, and quality of life. Florida is the largest agricultural water user in the humid region and has the second largest withdrawal of groundwater for public supply in the U.S. Although irrigation is practiced widely in Florida, there are recent advances in computer technology and water delivery systems that can make irrigation systems more efficient.

Requirements: Willingness to learn research techniques. Some travel from Gainesville will be necessary.

Time Commitment:

Acupuncture (AP) has been found to be effective for the treatment of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting as well as post-operative dental pain. Several recent randomized, controlled trials have provided strong evidence for beneficial AP effects on chronic low back pain and knee pain from osteoarthritis. For many other chronic pain conditions, including headaches, neck pain, and fibromyalgia pain, the evidence supporting AP’s efficacy is less convincing. Furthermore, AP seems to be ineffective in treating addiction, insomnia, obesity, asthma, or stroke deficits. AP’s effects on experimental pain appear to be mediated by analgesic brain mechanisms through the release of neurohumoral factors, some of which can be inhibited by the opioid antagonist naloxone. In contrast to placebo analgesia, AP related pain relief takes considerable time to develop and to resolve. Thus, some of the long-term effects of AP analgesia cannot be explained by placebo mechanisms. Furthermore, repetitive use of AP analgesia can result in tolerance as well as cross-tolerance with morphine. It appears that some forms of AP are more effective for providing analgesia than others. Particularly, electro-AP seems best to activate powerful opioid and non-opioid analgesic mechanisms.

Requirements: Most importantly, interest in human pain research. Biology background, familiarity with computers, and lab experience are helpful but not necessary.

Time Commitment: 2 x 3 hours per week, minimum

Our lab uses insects as models for basic physiological processes in human diseases. One current project explores how flies regulate blood sugar and fat loads in response to seasonal cycles. Flies enter a hibernation-like state during the winter; and like hibernating grizzly bears, over wintering flies accumulate greater fat stores than summer flies. We are studying the roles of two important endocrine signaling pathways in this process, insulin (yes, flies have an insulin signaling system!) and the glucagon-like adipokinetic hormone in this process.

Requirements: Student must be willing to work hard and learn new things. No experience necessary, but prior coursework in biology and chemistry a plus.

Time Commitment:

How an individual cell decides what type of cell it will become has been a fundamental problem in biology for decades. The improper specification of just a single cell can have catastrophic consequences for the developing embryo. In my laboratory we investigate the molecular pathways responsible for pattering the developing embryo using the mouse and chick model systems. Projects in the lab include:

1. Elucidate how digits form in the developing limb using both the mouse and chick model systems. Each digit is composed of a unique amount of bone and cartilage depending on its location within the hand-plate. The molecular factors involved in establishing the invariant digit pattern are not well understood.
2. Identifying the molecular pathways required for forming the intervertebral disks. An unfortunate consequence of aging is the eventual failure of tissues and organs, which leads to pain, loss of mobility and eventually to death. A tissue that commonly deteriorates in older vertebrates is the intervertebral disks (located between the vertebrae). Age-related changes in the intervertebral disks are thought to cause most cases of back pain. Presently there is no cure for disk degeneration.
3. The role of microRNAs in development. MicroRNAs are processed by the enzyme Dicer into their mature form. These genes are part of a novel mechanism involved in regulating gene expression. Using a conditional allele of Dicer we have constructed, we removed Dicer from a large number of tissues during mouse development. In these animals, numerous defects were observed demonstrating the important role microRNAs play in vertebrate development.
4. Student initiated projects on ANY topic using the mouse or chick model systems are also encouraged.

The projects in the lab involve extensive work with mice in the new mouse facility (Genetics /Cancer Buildings) and common molecular biology techniques. Students who can commit to working in the lab for AT LEAST 12 hours a week for a year or longer are encouraged to apply. By working in my laboratory students will be well positioned for further research in the fields of developmental biology and genetics.

Requirements: Students should have completed basic biology classes. A working knowledge of molecular biology and genetics would be very useful. Students are expected to be in the lab AT LEAST 12 hours a week for an entire academic year. These projects involve the extensive use of mice including harvesting embryos from pregnant moms.

Time Commitment:

Multiple projects examining protein structure and function in lipid membranes and extracellular matrices. Use of molecular biology or solid phase peptide synthesis for protein expression, biophysical characterization techniques, spectroscopy, computer modeling. Projects: 1) Ion channel function in heterogeneous membranes, 2) Mechanism of lung surfactant protein B, 3) Bone Sialoprotein and biomineralization, 4) Integrin association in membranes. Preference given to students in their second year at UF.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry and molecular; undergraduate organic chemistry or microbiology lab preferred.

Time Commitment: 2 years; 6-16 hrs/week

Our overall research focus is on the structure and function of the nuclear envelope. Recently, two important discoveries have enhanced interest in this field. The first was identification of multiple diseases associated with mutations in nuclear envelope constituents. The second was identification of two families of proteins that interact to form the LINC-complex.

We are one of several groups involved in the recent characterization of a structure that links the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, which we have termed the LINC-complex. This complex consists of interactions between inner nuclear membrane sun proteins and outer nuclear membrane nesprin proteins that translumenally connect these two membranes. However, it is the association of nesprins with cytoskeletal constituents and the interaction of sun proteins with A-type lamins and chromatin that has generated the most interest. This system appears to provide a direct two-way mechanical communication between the nuclear contents and the rest of the cell, and perturbation of this link may have deleterious effects on cellular physiology. We currently have multiple projects designed to reveal the function of novel nesprins as well as the role of the LINC-complex in cellular organization.

Mutations in LMNA, which encodes a type of nuclear intermediate filament called A-type lamins, are associated with multiple diseases. These diverse diseases include forms of lipodystrophy, muscular dystrophy, neuropathy and progeria. Thus far, the mechanism by which altered expression of A-type lamins leads to these variable phenotypes has yet to be established. We are investigating fundamental principles of lamin biology in an attempt to uncover the disease mechanisms relating to A-type lamins.

Requirements: Please provide current college transcripts. Background in molecular biology, microbiology or cell biology with laboratory experience preferred. Must be willing to work hard to generate meaningful data.

Time Commitment: >1 year, >10-15 hrs per week

We are analyzing molecular genetic variation in human populations located throughout the Horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula to test hypotheses concerning migrations across the Red Sea and the evolution of language and food production methods. This region of the world is known to be important for the emergence of anatomically modern humans, but it is also important for more recent evolution. We are interested in determining the origin and directionality of migrations across the Red Sea and the evolution of the Afro-Asiatic language family. Mitochondrial, X and Y, and autosomal genes and variants are assayed in order to address these questions. Specific regions of interest include Ethiopia, Eritrea, Oman and Yemen. Additional countries will be included as the project develops.

Requirements: Strong commitment to and adequate time for a research experience (at least 2 semesters commitment is desirable). Some basic lab experience is required and knowledge of PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis is a plus.

Time Commitment: At least 3 credit hours per semester

Taxanes are powerful drugs for breast cancer treatment; however, a large number of patients are resistant to this therapy for unknown reasons. Therefore it will be essential to develop prognostic tools and predictive markers to differentiate the patient population for appropriate chemotherapy selection.
This proposal aims to evaluate protein Daxx as a predictive marker for taxane response and is based on our observation that sensitivity to paclitaxel treatment, in breast cancer cell lines and mouse cells, correlates with the level of Daxx. Taxanes are reversibly binding to microtubules, thus activating transient prometaphase arrest followed by mitotic catastrophe. Our central hypothesis is that Daxx deficiency can determine resistance to paclitaxel-induced mitotic catastrophe in breast cancer patients by reversibly blocking cells in prometaphase upon treatment. Specifically, we will examine the function of Daxx as a paclitaxel sensitivity factor that can be used as a predictive marker in selection of breast cancer patients to receive taxane therapy (Aim I) and dissect the mechanism of this sensitivity elucidating the role of Daxx in mitotic progression (Aim II).

Requirements: basic cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology lab experience required

Time Commitment: at least 15 h/week

Utilization of in vitro hypoxic conditioning to facilitate the health and engraftment of neural stem/pronenitor cells in transplant model for spinal cord injury.

Requirements: In vitro cell culture, western blot, PCR, microscopy will be trained on site.

Time Commitment: 2-10 hours/week

This project entails random mutagenesis of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis followed by high content screening for phenotypes of interest. The bacteria will be isolated and the genotype determined by tiled microarray or 2nd generation sequencing.

Requirements: Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry major

Time Commitment: 15-20 hours/week

How important is size? Our lab combines techniques from a number of fields including ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology and biochemistry to determine how traits such as body size and nutritional status affect survival and reproduction in insects. Training could include a number of techniques including behavior, field collections, artificial selection, respirometry, molecular genetics/proteomics and analytical biochemistry.

Requirements: Student must be willing to work hard and learn new things. No experience necessary, but prior coursework in biology and chemistry a plus.

Time Commitment:

Molecular genetic aspects of microbial biofilm formation. Biofilms are adherent populations of microbes imbedded in a polymeric matrix and adhering to a surface. Biofilm diseases are highly prevalent in humans and eradication of biofilms is a major challenge. We are using a Functional Genomics approach to identify genes that are essential for the formation of pathogenic biofilms by bacteria. Using genome sequence information and DNA microarrays, we have identified a variety of genes of as-yet-unknown function that are essential for maturation of biofilms and tolerance of environmental stress. This project involves a combination of recombinant DNA methodology, biochemistry, physiology and microbiology to understand how bacteria form structurally complex biofilms and to identify new targets for combating infectious agents.

Requirements: Courses in microbiology and molecular genetics are desirable.

Time Commitment: 15-20h/week

The selected student will assist with various aspects of laboratory research related to bivalve physiology. Projects this year include 1)Completing physiological tolerance experiments in the lab, and 2) Measuring energy budgets of clams. We will provide the student with a variety of laboratory research experiences.

Requirements: Location: NW Gainesville, Millhopper Road (transportation required)

Time Commitment:

My laboratory is interested in the basic biology of parvovirus-brain-thyroid interactions. Parvoviruses are small DNA-containing viruses. We study two parvoviruses of human concern: 1) adeno-associated virus (AAV) which is not known to cause human disease, and 2) parvovirus B19 (B19) which causes multiple human disorders from benign to life-threatening conditions. There is some clinical evidence that B19 can infect the brain and thyroid and cause disease, but very little is known about this area. We are asking the questions of whether or not these viruses infect the brain and thyroid and at what point in development is the infection most likely to occur. We are also determining what factors enhance the ability of these viruses to infect brain and thyroid cells. Another area of interest in the lab is potential viral etiologies of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. We have a large number of post-mortem human brain tissues for studies. Our studies utilize the following techniques: cell culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), RT-PCR, nested PCR, flow cytometry, and RNA/DNA analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis. There are a variety of projects that could be undertaken by undergraduate students.

Requirements: This position requires that the applicant pay attention to small details, be very organized and neat.

Time Commitment: 20 hours per week

We are examining the histology of the Florida manatee for development of an internet atlas. In addition to performing microanatomical analysis of different organ systems, various histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures will be used to establish functional-structural correlates. The collected information will be placed on a website.

Requirements: Interests in veterinary medicine, medicine, marine biology, and/or zoology with appropriate foundation courses for pre-vet, pre-med, or zoology programs.

Time Commitment:

Assistance is needed to help recruit subjects, enroll subjects in the studies, obtain and analyze data, input data into spreadsheets, & laboratory maintenance. Students showing interest and aptitude can develop their own research project within the larger project. See more information on my home page.

Requirements: B or better in Organic Chemistry 2, knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Time Commitment:

We are currently investigating the cellular and molecular adaptations of marine and aquatic invertebrates to hypoxia, environmental toxins and other physiological stresses. The objectives of our research are to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms by which some marine invertebrates can tolerate, and even thrive, in extreme and seemingly toxic conditions. Students may learn a variety of techniques, including cell culture, microscopy, enzyme biochemistry and high-throughput screening.

Requirements: One year each of biology and chemistry with an A grade in all lectures and labs. Lower division status preferred. Students from minority groups that are under-represented in the sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

Time Commitment: 12 hours per week minimum

This project will involve using molecular genetic tools to characterize patterns of genetic diversity of microsporidia pathogens infecting fire ants.

Requirements: undergraduate major in biological sciences; preference will be given to students that have completed a course in either evolution or genetics

Time Commitment: full-time for 10 weeks; 10+hrs during academic yr

Looking for an interested and motivated individual to assist with field work in Charlotte Harbor, Fl, on a project in conjunction with Mote Marine Lab. Work would be for 2 weeks in each of October and November, as well as the first week of December. Work involves pulling seine nets in 3 tidally flushed mangrove creeks to capture and subsequently PIT tag juvenile common snook (Centropmous undecimalis). Work may continue in the spring.

Requirements: This work is very time consuming and the study area is 4 hours outside of Gainesville. Housing will be provided, but volunteer will need to be able to spend considerable time away from gainesville

Time Commitment:

Positions are open for Summer 2012, please apply.

Animals live in an uncertain world. To reduce uncertainty and to make good decisions, animals commonly look to, and learn from, the decisions of their neighbors. We are discovering that even non-social insects are able to learn from each other, both members of the same species, and of other species. Joining this project would involve working closely with a dynamic team of students and advanced researchers both in the laboratory and in natural areas.

Requirements: We have fun while we are working hard. Commitment and self-motivation are a must. We work as a team, so the successful applicant will be excited, helpful, and innovative. No specific coursework is needed. This position is intended for students wishing to experience the complete scientific process, from design, to analyses and presentation. Visit www.millerlab.net for more information. To apply, send Dr. Christine W. Miller, cwmiller@ufl.edu, a formal email with your resume, cover letter, and an unofficial transcript.

Time Commitment: 10 hrs/week fall&spring. Up to 30 hrs/wk summer.

Our laboratory investigates the influence of natural environmental variation and genetics on the processes of sexual selection. We are discovering that both attractiveness and mate preferences can be very context-specific. We study these broad issues using the leaf-footed bugs, excellent species for both field and laboratory study.

Requirements: Students must be hard working, dedicated, self-motivated, and ready for a challenge. In exchange, students in the lab experience the research process from design all the way through to analysis and presentation. We have fun while we work hard. No specific courses are required. Visit www.millerlab.net To apply, email Dr. Christine W. Miller a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript.

Time Commitment: 10 hrs/week fall&spring. Up to 30 hrs/week summer

We are starting a project on community genetics to examine whether plant genetics can predict the arthropod communities associated with the plants. The successful applicant will help on a variety of projects in the lab, but will eventually focus primarily on insect identification and field collections.

Requirements: The successful applicant will need to plan to take Principles of Entomology (in-class lecture course) and Insect Classification before Summer 2012. Enthusiasm and hard work are required. Students should be excited to join a dynamic team of researchers and learn the scientific process from design through to analysis and presentation.

Time Commitment: 10 hrs/week Fall and Spring, 30 hrs/week Summer

We are currently investigating in mammalian cells, specifically in muscle cells, cellular and subcellular mechanisms in response to aging, environmental toxins and other physiological stresses. A variety of mechanisms can be impacted and/or respond to stress, including cellular energy homeostasis and the cells’ housekeeping processes. The objectives of our research are to understand how cellular mechanisms involved in energy production and housekeeping are affected by aging and to investigate interventions by which cellular function can be preserved. Study objects include cells in culture as well as livestock animals. Students may learn a variety of techniques, including mitochondrial respirometry, cell culture, and protein biochemistry.

Requirements: One year each of biology and chemistry with an A grade in all lectures and labs. Lower division status preferred. Students from minority groups that are under-represented in the sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

Time Commitment: 12 hours per week minimum

Giant silk moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are among the largest, most charismatic, and well known of the North American Lepidoptera. Some populations are currently in decline, with a number of causes under debate. One recent explanation that is gaining support is the non-target effects of non-native species introduced for biological control. We will conduct field experiments to: 1) document the occurrence and extent of parasitism and mortality due to introduced biological control agents on native silk moth species, and 2) investigate differences in parasitism and mortality rates between urban, agricultural, and natural environments.

Requirements: No experience necessary, but knowledge of insect rearing and identification a plus.

Time Commitment: 10-20hrs/wk

The project involves the study of the role of communication, particularly mass media, in the political process. The research involves analyzing political television commercials,television and print news, and Internet from political campaigns. The project also conducts experiments on the effectiveness of political television ads and exposure to television and Internet news. Some aspects of the project deal with women candidates. Another aspect of the project involves the comparison of new technologies, such as the internet, with traditional media, such as television. Projects also involve similar research in international contexts, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Requirements: Knowledge of American political system helpful for U.S. projects; good organizational skills and computer skills also helpful.

Time Commitment: variable

This project involves conducting research for a forthcoming interview with a former US Attorney name Mary Beth Buchanan who prosecuted two high-profile obscenity cases. The interview will be the centerpiece of a law journal article.

Requirements: Using LexisNexis Academic database to gather newspaper and magazine articles about Buchanan and the two cases at issue; Proofing and editing drafts of the law journal article; Drafting questions for the interview with Buchanan; Suggesting interesting topics to address with her during the interview. Email: ccalvert@jou.ufl.edu

Time Commitment: Three to Five Hours a week/Flexible

Discourse, Content and Framing Analysis of Latin America Media

Requirements: Fluent Spanish or Portuguese

Time Commitment:

Modeling and animation of 3-dimensional objects; use of force-feedback mechanisms

Requirements: solid understanding of linear algebra and calculus; willingness to learn graphics tools; ability to program (in C or C++ or Matlab)

Time Commitment: High Initial Learning Curve; a good investment

This project will investigate techniques to utilize synthetic vision for control of autonomous robotics. Various approaches, such as optic flow and structure from motion, will be used to learn information about the position and attitude of the vehicle along with distance to objects. Commands can then be generated to maneuver the vehicle and plan a path around obstacles. The tools can be applied to aircraft and spacecraft along with automobiles and underwater vehicles.

Requirements: basic math and dynamics

Time Commitment:

The goal of the NRG is to develop state-of-the-art novel medical treatments by operating at the interface between basic neural engineering research and clinical care. This direction of research is motivated by the potential of direct neural interfaces for delivering therapy and restoring functionality to disabled individuals using engineering principles. The mechanism by which we can achieve these outcomes is through the sampling of large ensembles of cells from the cortex and deep brain structures, from which we have a window of opportunity to study the functional relationships of neural systems (motor system, limbic system). Experimental paradigms involving microelectrode array recordings in behaving animals and humans will be developed in conjunction with signal processing techniques for studying the unknown aspects of neural coding and functional neurophysiology. These signal processing techniques will then be implemented in portable, low-power, wireless hardware (electrodes, DSPs) that is feasible for a clinical implementation of a BMI. Ultimately, it will take the culmination of new functional neurophysiologic knowledge, clinical interaction, signal processing, and low-power, portable electronics to demonstrate the clinical utility for human subjects.

Requirements: Strong motivation to grow and develop independent research skills.

Time Commitment:

Undergraduate research in one of the projects of CHREC, the new NSF Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing (CHREC) at the University of Florida. CHREC is the only national research center currently in existence that is sanctioned by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by the University of Florida. More information on mission, projects, university sites, industry and government partners, facilities, etc. can be found at http://www.chrec.org.

Requirements: Strong skills in software and/or hardware design. ECE or CISE students preferred (other areas may be considered). Overall GPA above 3.0 (above 3.5 is preferred).

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/week

The student will be taught to fabricate microfluidic devices that consists of hairthin microfeatures. The fabrication process involves molding, milling, and lamination. After training, the student will be responsible for producing devices that are primarily used for chemical and biological applications. Some degrees of research may be performed depending on the student's interest.

Requirements: A student in mechanical engineering is perferred. A comittment of 8-10 hours/week is required. The student should be dependable, hard-working, and willing to learn.

Time Commitment: 8-10 hours/week for commitment of at least 1 year

The student will adopt biologically-inspired concepts for flight control. Specifically, research will consider morphing, or shape changing, to alter flight dynamics. Projects can consider identification of flight shapes, implementation of mechanisms to mimic those shapes, and computational modeling of the resulting flight dynamics. Research can consider birds, insects, bats, and dinosaur flights as pertaining to micro air vehicles.

Requirements: Student should have a good knowledge of at least one of the following : biology of skeletal and muscular systems, mechanical engineering of design and fabrication of servo mechanisms, or aerospace engineering of flight mechanics. The actual requirements will vary with the type of project to be studied.

Time Commitment: varies

Participate in the development of an open-source software platform for measuring skeletal motion from x-ray images. The software utilizes computer graphics techniques to measure the pose of 3D objects from one or more 2D X-ray images. Computer graphics, imaging processing, and numerical optimization are main parts of the project.

Requirements: Experience with C++, OpenGL, Python and/or other programming languages. Preferred knowledges/interests: computer graphics (OpenGL, etc), software framework/structure design, biomechanics.

Time Commitment: Depends upon specific project

The student will be taught to fabricate lab-on-a-chip devices that consist of hairthin microfeatures. The fabrication process involves molding, milling, and lamination. After training, the student will be responsible for producing devices that are primarily used for chemical and biological applications. Some degrees of research will be performed depending on the student's interest.

Requirements: A student in engineering major is preferred, though other majors will be considered. A commitment of 8-10 hours/week and two-semester-commitment is required. The summer semester may have 30-40 hours/week. Sophomores and juniors are preferred, though seniors will be considered. The position is ideal for those students who are interested in graduate studies in the future (not necessary at UF), with a desire to have a scientific publication. The student should be dependable, hard-working, and willing to learn. Check the web for more info: www.mae.ufl.edu/~hfan

Time Commitment: 8-10 hours/week

The research focuses on understanding of the damage mechanisms due to a variety of natural hazards such as wind, storm surges, and tsunamis windstorm hazard to determining the best design and construction practice. Students will be involved in developing information systems and data mining models to investigate the anatomy of windstorm damages.

Requirements: Information systems, Computer science and Engineering, Architecture, and Construction major; GPA >= 3.5 in major. Junior or Senior preferred.

Time Commitment:

Integrating BIM (Building Information Modeling) in AEC Education: This research project focuses on the role of the BIM technologies to advance students’ understanding of building structures and successful integration of the building design, the complex relationships between its components, and the construction processes. Students will learn the software and start develop real structural models to investigated practical approaches to integrating BIM in AEC education.

Requirements: Architecture, Engineering, or construction major; GPA >= 3.5 in major. Junior or Senior preferred

Time Commitment:

It is foreseen that fullerene (C60) and derivatized fullerenes induce a variety of biological effects, and are suspected to be released to the environment through industrial and municipal waste streams. During investigation of toxicological effects of fullerene (C60), discovery was made indicating certain fungal species, which serve as the universal recyclers, displayed the ability to mineralize polyhydroxylated fullerene derivatives. Through controlled research experimentation, we seek to quantify the ability of select fungal species to degrade fullerene and its water-soluble derivative, fullerenol. Experimentation work will include spectrophotometric determination of gaseous CO2 and aqueous fullerenol concentrations as well as biomass production. Additional investigation will include microscopic analysis of fungal cells.

Requirements: Training with FTIR and UV/Vis spectrophotometric and microscopic equipment will be provided; weekly laboratory and analytical sessions; summary report writing

Time Commitment: Flexible

This work is part of a larger project looking at how european countries deal with linguistic and cultural diversity, with a focus on immigrant students. The Honor's project would be a country case study of one country within the European Union.

Requirements: independent worker, good writing skill, interest in international perspectives

Time Commitment:

Co-investigator on this project is Ratree Wayland (Linguistics; ratree@ufl.edu). The aim of this project is to determine to what extent English speakers can learn to distinguish among lexical tones (found in languages such as Thai, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Yoruba and many others). Several training methods and subject populations will be compared. The (honors) student's focus will be on conducting behavioral experiments; however the student may be able to assist in running experiments using electrophysiology (funding pending).

Requirements: Preferably a background in Linguistics, CSD and/or Cognitive Psychology with an interest in speech perception and language learning. Previous experience with programming and human experimental research is an advantage, but not required.

Time Commitment:

As director of the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere, I have organized a speaker series in spring semester 2010 entitled "Tracking Citizens and Subjects: Evolving Technologies of Identity" at the University of Florida. This will be a set of interdisciplinary events, intended to start conversation about how identity tracking affects public policy. I am in search of a research assistant who will help facilitate the visits of four internationally known speakers to campus who will each discuss various facets of identity-tracking technologies. The subjects that will be addressed include the history of fingerprint analysis and its problems, the future of biometric technologies, national security and privacy issues of tracking techniques, and the CSI effect on jury trials in the United States.

Requirements: In addition to asking the student read works on the relevant topics of each talk, I will need the student be present at each of the talks and help facilitate the visits of the scholars as they come to campus. If the student would like to receive academic credit for participating in this project, I will ask that s/he complete a research essay on this topic.

Time Commitment: 1/13; 2/3; 3/3; 4/7 are the dates of Weds.lectures

This is a translational project involving the identification and characterization of potential anti-autophagy compounds by morphological and biochemical assays. Identification of potential compounds will be done by computer modeling. The characterization of these compounds will be done by fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting using established cancer cell lines.

Requirements: Intro Biology and Chemistry Courses

Time Commitment: 10 - 12 hours per week

This is a translational project involving the identification and characterization of potential pro-autophagy compounds by morphological and biochemical assays. Identification of potential compounds will be done by computer modeling. The characterization of these compounds will be done by fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting using established cancer cell lines.

Requirements: Intro Biology and Chemistry Courses

Time Commitment:

Using a mouse model of N-Acetyl Glucosaminidase deficiency, the effects of Gene therapy will be compared to therapy with immuno-modulatory agents on the progression of disease phenotype and markers of lysosomal storage and immune activation.

Requirements: Must be a hands on and inquisitive learner. Must be willing to perform non-surgical procedures on mice, such as injections and behavioral tests. Must be willing to perform organ harvests from dead mice.

Time Commitment: part or full time, 1-8 hours/day

Stem cell exchange during pregnancy will be assessed and related to stem cell transplantation, and administration of growth factors.

Requirements: Must be an active and inquisitive learner. Must be willing to perform injections and organ harvests on mice of varying age.

Time Commitment: part or full time

Primary human breast cancers will be xenografted into mice. Presence of serum and tumor associated biomarkers will be assessed by mass spectroscopy, and microarray studies will be performed. Presence of metastases will be determined histologically to determine patterns of spread.

Requirements: Must be an active and inquisitive learner. Must be willing to perform injections, assist with surgeries and perform organ harvests on mice.

Time Commitment: part or full time

Cull information from current and past residents' applications and compare with their performance in residency seeking features that correlate with success.
Start date is entirely flexible

Requirements: Microsoft Excel skills organization imagination

Time Commitment: flexible

Anesthesiology residents will perform the identical scenario on our full-scale simulator. Researcher will review videos of these sessions and identify specific features present or absent using a checklist. Video will be marked for each feature.
Start date is flexible

Requirements: computer skills observation skills

Time Commitment: variable

There are positions available for undergraduate students with a desire to be involved in a meaningful research experience. These projects emphasize independent, critical and creative thinking. The undergraduate research program is composed of three research teams. The Gator Team works with children who are HIV positive. There are patient support activities as well as nutritional and body composition data collection and analyses for clinical studies. The Carnitine Team studies the long-chain fatty acid carrier, carnitine, by working with animal models and analyzing data gathered in both human and animal studies. The KetoGator Team works with children participating in Ketogenic Therapy for seizures, which is a dietary alternative to anticonvulsant medications. There is an emphasis on patient support, data collection, and data analyses for clinical studies. Members of all three teams make up the InvestiGators. InvestiGators is a research-based honor society that provides students who are involved in intensive research a forum to practice good research procedure, share knowledge, and foster friendships (http://borum.ifas.ufl.edu/Investigators/ ). Undergraduate students with adequate commitment to the project have opportunities to be involved in either patient interaction and/or bench research. With time, there is a potential for leadership positions and personal thesis projects.

Requirements: Students willing to commit a minimum of 1 year to the project will be considered, but a longer tenure is needed to provide students with the opportunity to present research at national scientific meetings and to publish their research in leading peer reviewed scientific journals. Students will be treated as professional colleagues and be expected to perform in a mature and professional manner.

Time Commitment: 20 hours/week for 1 year

Active immunotherapy using antigen-loaded antigen presenting cells (APC) has now become the focus of many academic and industry-based research and development programs since they are highly effective in overcoming immune tolerance by priming potent T-cell immunity in models for cancer or viral disease. The primary drawback of using autologous APC vaccines in clinical trials is that this mode of vaccination is a customized form of cell therapy, necessitating APC generation from every individual patient. For example, preparing human dendritic cells (DC) from progenitor cells remains a complex and laborious task, thereby limiting the availability of cells for vaccination. Moreover, the time interval between the initial cell harvest and the ultimate availability of the vaccine significantly delays or even precludes immunization of patients with progressing tumors or with acute viral disease. Allogeneic vaccines may overcome some of these obstacles, but lack the appropriate HLA or costimulatory molecules to achieve optimal antigen presentation. Our recent evidence suggests that human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines can serve as a virtually unlimited source for generating antigen-loaded APC with either immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive capacity. We are working on bring this cutting edge stem cell technology from bench to the clinic.

Requirements: Basic Science Background

Time Commitment: