STUDENTS AND TEACHERS AS RESEARCH SCIENTISTS
2016 MENTOR SELECTION LIST
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
1. Dr. Barry Burnette - http://www.confluencediscovery.com/cdtwp2/: Intracellular signaling and targeted inhibition of kinases involved
in cancer and inflammation. (1)
2. Dr. Thomas Y. Cho - http://biochem.slu.edu/faculty/cho/: Structural and cell biological investigation of inflammatory ligand-receptor
interaction mechanism in health and disease. (1)
3. Dr. Aimee Dunlap - http://www.cognitiononthewing.org/ : We study the evolution of information use (learning, memory, and decision
making) using bumblebees and fruit flies as model systems. We test how bumblebees incorporate different aspects of their environment, like floral
information and social information, to determine how they forage on flowers efficiently and track changes across the season. We use the same
economic theory to test predictions about decision making in fruit flies, within lifetimes and across generations. The focus in each system is how
animals balance multiple sources of information. (2)
4. Dr. Uthayashanker Ezekiel - http://www.slu.edu/biomedical-laboratory-science/faculty-and-staff/uthqyashanker-ezekiel:
My laboratory research focus is to identify phytochemicals, derived from plant sources, that have anti-cancer properties and subject them to systematic
study to define their effect on cancer cells. The proposed work focuses on elucidating: (1) effects of phytochemicals on colon cancer cell
proliferation; (2) molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals that inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation; and (3) effects of phytochemicals as they inhibit or
reverse mesenchymal transition of chemoresistant metastatic cells. (1)
5. Dr. Jonathan Fisher – http://www.slu.edu/department-of-biology-home/dr-jon-fisher:
The student will be involved in a bioinformatics project studying the genomes of wild grasses related to corn and sorghum. (1)
6. Dr. Blythe Janowiak - https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/janowiak-lab/:
1) Discovery of antibiotics produced by soil bacteria
2) Discovery of multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria from the soil 3) Discovery of bacteria that can be used to produce biofuels. (3)
7. Dr. Joseph Jez - http://pages.wustl.edu/jezlab:
We explore a variety of regulatory networks in plants and microbes. Experimentally, we
use a combination of biochemistry, protein engineering, x-ray crystallography, and cell biology to investigate the molecular basis of biological
processes. (1)
8. Dr. Elizabeth Kellogg – http://kellogglab.weebly.com/ or
http://www.danforthcenter.org/scientists-research/principal-investigators/elizabeth-kellogg:
1) Discovery of antibiotics produced
by soil bacteria 2) Discovery of multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria from the soil 3) Discovery of bacteria that can be used to produce biofuels. (3)
9. Dr. Sergey Korolev - http://biochem.slu.edu/faculty/korolev/Home.html: Structural and mechanistic studies of 1)
cancer-related proteins involved in DNA repair, and, 2) calcium-independent phospholipase implicated in neurodegeneration and cardiovascular
diseases. (1)
10. Dr. Robert Marquis - http://www.umsl.edu/~marquisr/LabWebPage/Home.html:
Ecological interactions between native and
invasive insect and plant species, including the two invasives, bush honeysuckle and the Asiatic oak weevil. We will be studying these interactions in
the lab and in forest sites nearby to the UMSL campus. (2)
11. Dr. Adriana Montaño http://www.slu.edu/medicine/pediatrics/divisions-and-faculty/medical-genetics/adriana-m-monta%C3%B1o-phd:
We are focused on the research of lysosomal storage disorders. We have been studying the basic biology of the Mucopolysaccharidoses in order to
develop novel treatments. In addition, we are conducting a pilot study to establish newborn screening of Mucopolysaccharidoses. (2)
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12. Dr. Wendy Olivas - http://openwetware.org/wiki/Olivas_Lab: The Olivas lab studies how members of the Puf family of eukaryotic
RNA-binding proteins stimulate the degradation of specific mRNAs, thus controlling protein production from those mRNAs. We use both the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae model system as well as human cell lines to perform experiments investigating the mechanisms by which Puf proteins
stimulate mRNA degradation and the pathways by which Puf protein activity is altered by varying environmental conditions. (1)
13. Dr. Laurie Shornick - http://www.slu.edu/department-of-biology-home/dr-laurie-shornick: Infants are very susceptible to
infection. My laboratory is interested in understanding the differences between the neonatal and adult immune response to respiratory viral infections.
(2)
14. Dr. James Umen - www.umenlab.org: Evolution of multicellularity and sex chromosomes in volvocine algae; cell size and cell cycle
control in Chlamydomonas; growth control and carbon partitioning in green algae. (1)
15. Dr. Xing Wang - www.arraybridge.com:
First, with the antibody array technology that we sell
(http://stores/arraybridge.com/mab-conformational-analysis/) we would like to have some data produced testing degradation samples of different
monoclonal antibodies. This would involve preparing degraded samples under different conditions (temp, pH oxidation, etc.) and comparing them in
the antibody array to native sample. Also preparing a totally denatured sample and spiking in varying amounts relative to total native to get an idea of
detection limits…i.e. can we detect when 1%, 0.1% or some other amount of the sample has been denatured. Second, with the PEP technology, a
functional proteomics technology (http://stores.arraybridge.com/pep-for-functional-proteomics/) that can be used for basic research as well as the
discovery of functional biomarkers for cancer diagnostics applications, quite a bit of work needs to be done to improve the technology assay
reproducibility. This would involve taking a mixture of 4-5 known enzymes for which we have reliable assays and running them through the procedure
to see if we can recover active protein and if so, how much. (2)
16. Dr. Xuemin (Sam) Wang - hhttp://www.danforthcenter.org/scientists-research/principal-investigators/Sam-Wang:
Biotechnology, biochemistry, stress response, lipid metabolism in plants. (1)
17. Dr. Wenyan Xiao - http://www.slu.edu/department-of-biology-home/dr-wenyan-xiao: Genetics and plant biology. His laboratory
studies the mechanisms underlying DNA methylation and demethylation in regulating imprinting and reproduction in plants. (1)
CHEMISTRY
18. Dr. Eike Bauer - www.eike-bauer.net: Our research is directed towards the development of new catalyst systems based on ruthenium and
iron. The catalysts speed up chemical reactions and may find applications in pharmaceutical production. (2)
19. Dr. Dana Baum - http://www.slu.edu/~dbaum1/ :
We are interested in using DNA as a catalyst in a variety of applications. DNA is known for its coding role in cells, but DNA also has properties that
make it a useful tool outside of the cell. Possible projects involve using DNA as a catalyst in biofuel cells and using DNA in sensors for pollutants in the
environment. (1)
20. Dr. Janet Braddock-Wilking - http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/braddockwilking.html: Our research interests involve the
synthesis, characterization, and reactivity studies of luminescent heavier Group 14 analogs of metalloles, metallafluorenes, and metallafluoresceins.
These molecules are of interest for their unusual optoelectronic properties and potential applications as components for organic light emitting diode
devises (OLEDs), and as chemical and biological sensors. (1)
21. Dr. Benjamin Bythell - http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/bythell.html :
My research is half computational chemistry and half mass spectrometry. I am interested in molecular shape, structure and ways to determine this by
smashing ions into pieces then looking at the fragments. (1)
22. Dr. Peter Gaspar – http://www.chemistry.wustl.edu: We are interested in the mechanisms of chemical reactions and the synthesis of
unusual and interesting molecules and ions. (2)
23. Dr. Bruce Hamper - http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/Hamper.html: The Hamper lab investigates continuous flow chemistry
for the preparation of biologically relevant target molecules. Chemical reactions in continuous flow processes are inherently more efficient than batch
processes, and lead to advantages based on green chemistry principles. Monoliths and functionalized polymeric beads incorporating specifically
designed organic molecules will be prepared and evaluated for catalysis of reactions and selective absorption of solute molecules in flow devices.
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Using ion chromatography, we have applied selective resins for analysis/treatment of environmental samples, biological fluids, potable water and
evaluation of articles of antiquity. (1)
24.
Dr. Istvan Kiss - http://www.slu.edu/~izkiss/: Chemical Brain: Complex dynamics of networks of electrochemical reactions. Overall
goal in our group is the development of a nanoscale chemical computing device that can process information, incorporates battery and sensors to
perform higher level functions such as memory and adaptation. To achieve this goal we investigate collective dynamics (e.g., synchronization and
chaos) of networks of current generating chemical reactions with electrochemical cells. (2)
25.
Dr. Richard Mabbs -
Using mass spectrometry, ultrahigh vacuum equipment and pulsed lasers, we image photoelectrons to probe molecular electronic structure. STARS
participants will experience state of the art physical chemistry research techniques and develop simple qualitative models to explain experimental
results. These will serve to provide better understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry. Participants will also explore methods of incorporating
this material into pedagogical tools aimed at illustrating and clarifying essential basic concepts of quantum chemistry. (1)
26. Dr. James O’Brien and Dr. Leah O’Brien - High Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy conducted in Absorption by Intracavity Laser
Spectroscopy (ILS) and in Emission by Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS). Diatomic Free Radicals such as Platinum Fluoride, Germanium
Hydride and Copper Dimers are created for spectral observations in RF and DC plasma discharges. Such species can be important in catalysis or in
the semiconductor industry. Over the past several summers, STARS students engaged in such work have been co-authors of papers that are
published in top journals such as the Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy. In summer 2016, Hollow Cathode plasmas will be used to generate the
absorbing or emitting species; Dye and Ti:Sapphire lasers will be used for ILS studies and we anticipate using a state of the art Bruker 125M FTS
instrument to obtain both absorption and emission spectra. (2)
27. Dr. Bryce Sadtler - http://www.chemistry.wustl.edu/faculty/sadtler: We are using chemical methods to synthesize nanoscale
materials for new types of solar cells and catalysts. (1)
28.
Dr. Vijay Sharma - http://sharmalab.wustl.edu/index.html: My research interests are at the interface of radiopharmaceutical
chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biology, to discover and develop molecular probes, for addressing important biological questions across multiple
disciplines. Specific emphasis is towards the design of small organic molecules, peptides, and metalloprobes, including their radiolabeled
counterparts for diagnosis of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and coronary artery disease (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging), tumor imaging, to
understand protein-protein interactions via imaging of reporter gene expression in vivo, and to investigate biological mechanism(s), using agents
designed and developed within the group for rapidly emerging fields of molecular imaging. (2)
29.
Dr. Keith Stine - http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/stine.html: The project will involve the use of electrochemical methods to
create gold nanostructures for potential use as chemical or biological sensors for the detection of disease-related molecules. (1)
30. Dr. Chung Wong - www.umsl.edu/~wongch:
31.
Computer-aided drug discovery. Pathogen detection by whole-genome sequencing. (3)
Dr. Grigoriy Yablonsky - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigoriy_Yablonsky: Mathematical methods in chemistry, catalysis,
modeling, history of science. (1)
ENGINEERING / EARTH & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE / COMPUTER SCIENCE
32. Dr. Ramesh Agarwal - http://www.mems.wustl.edu: Energy and Environment – Carbon Dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage. (2)
33. Dr. Jeffrey Catalano - http://aqgeochem.wustl.edu/: Two projects this year (1 student each): 1) Wetland are the major natural source
of the greenhouse gas methane, which is produced exclusively by microorganisms. These methanogens require trace metals like nickel, zinc, and
cobalt for their enzymes to function. We are investigating whether a low abundance of these metals in wetlands limits how much methane is produced.
2) Arsenic is a common natural contaminant of groundwater that is used for drinking water supplies. Binding of arsenic to the surfaces of minerals
naturally filters this contaminant from water. We are investigating the mechanisms through which different minerals take up arsenic from water in order
to better predict where arsenic contamination will occur. (2)
34.
Dr. Young-Shin Jun - http://encl.engineering.wustl.edu/: The Jun group aims at improving our understanding of the fate and
transport of contaminants and nanoparticles, providing more environmentally sustainable CO2 sequestration strategies, and elucidating
physicochemical reaction mechanisms occurring during water reuse through managed aquifer recharge and reverse osmosis membrane processes to
secure potable water. (1)
35.
Dr. Henry Kang – www.cs.umsl.edu/~kang/:
Computer graphics and computer game development. (3)
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36.
Dr. Mark McQuilling - This project will involve experimental testing of compressible fluid flows in a newly-commissioned, polysonic wind
tunnel at SLU. As part of a team including undergraduate and graduate students, opportunities for involvement include running the facility, acquiring
experimental data, and learning how to describe the flow physics which may or may not include various shock wave structures. Measurements may
include optical techniques (using cameras, lasers, etc.), and expected responsibilities may include some evening shift work in order to run the facility
optimally throughout the summer. USA citizenship is required. (4)
37. Dr. Adam Pearson - Current research is focused on identifying the extent of lead deposition from the December 2015 flood. We are also
looking into the extent and grain size dependence of lead transported from the Big River into the Meramec River. Activities will involve field data
collection and laboratory analysis. (1)
38.
Dr. Scott Sell - http://parks.slu.edu/research/centers-labs-facilities/tissue-engineering/ : The focus of our lab is the fabrication
and evaluation of tissue engineering scaffolds capable of replicating both the form and function of the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Through the
creation of idealized tissue engineering structures, we hope to harness the body’s own reparative potential and accelerate regeneration. We are
primarily interested in utilization of the electrospinning process to create nanofibrous polymeric structures that can be applied to a wide range of
applications. Of principal interest to our laboratory is the fabrication of scaffolds capable of promoting wound healing and the filling of large tissue
defects, as well as orthopedic applications such as bone and ligament repair. (2)
39.
Dr. Jonathan Silva - http://silvalab.bme.wustl.edu:
We want to understand how nano-scale changes to protein function cause
sudden cardiac death. (1)
40.
Dr. Srikanth Singamaneni - http://softnano.wustl.edu/Pages/default.aspx: The research project involves the design, synthesis
and assembly of metal nanoparticles for ultrasensitive biodetection and bioimaging applications. (1)
41.
Dr. Michael Swartwout - https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/swartwout/home/ : Design, testing and flight operations of small
spacecraft. Space mission failures. (2)
42.
Dr. Abuduwasiti Wulamu - www.spatialstem.weebly.com: This summer we will be working on 1) understanding regional crop
responses to climate change induced water and ozone stress, and 2) monitoring and predicting toxic algae outbreaks in surface waters in Missouri. We
use hyperspectral imaging systems deployed on drones and satellites and field based investigations to carry out the research.
43. Dr. Silviya Zustiak - http://www.slu.edu/~szustiak/: Role of 3D environment in the evaluation of anticancer drug sensitivity. This
project utilizes biomaterial scaffolds for determining cell-matrix interactions as related to drug toxicity in 3D hydrogels. (2)
MEDICINE / PSYCHOLOGY / ALLIED HEALTH
44.
Dr. Samuel Achilefu - orl.wustl.edu: His lab wants to find a cure for cancer by developing new strategies to detect cancer cells in the body
with high accuracy and then kill them selectively and efficiently without harming healthy tissue. We utilize a multidisciplinary platform that includes
chemistry, biology, biochemistry, nanotechnology, and bioengineering to address challenging problems in cancer research. Highly motivated students
will find this lab particularly rewarding as they can work at the interface of science and medicine. (2)
45.
Dr. Michael Anch - https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/neurolab/home:
Our lab focuses on the basic brain mechanisms of the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). As is well known, PD patients have a variety of behavioral
problems, including sleep, motor, cognitive and autonomic dysfunction. Our lab will focus on the neurological substrate underlying these symptoms
this summer. This will involve rat handling, working with pathogenic proteins, and histological examination (working with brain tissue) (4).
46. Dr. David Balota – http://psychnet.wustl.edu/coglab/:
Current research in the lab is interested in how memory processes are affected
by attentional systems. Of particular interest is how these relationships change in healthy aging. (1)
47. Dr. Mikhail Berezin - www.berezinlab.wustl.edu/index.php?id=18:
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. (1)
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48. Dr. Bettina Casad - http://www.umsl.edu/~casadbj/:
My research program examines stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination from both the target’s and perceiver’s perspectives. Current projects
investigate the mechanisms linking experiences of stigma to psychological well-being, cognitive performance, educational and career achievements,
and physical health. Projects implement multiple measures including self-report implicit, non-verbal, behavioral, physiological measures (blood
pressure, heart rate variability, impedance cardiography, facial EMG), and EEG. (3)
49. Dr. Patricia Cavazos-Rehg - healthbehaviorcenter.wustl.edu/who-we-are/patricia-cavazos-ph-d/:
Research interests include using various social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) to examine substance use and mental health issues,
including new or emerging methods of substance use (e.g. vaping, dabbing), depression and self-harm. (3)
50.
Dr. Li-Shiun Chen - http://healthbehaviorcenter.wustl.edu/: The goal of this genetically-informed, randomized, smoking cessation
trial is to identify the most appropriate smoking cessation treatments for smokers based on genetic information. (1)
51.
Dr. Zhou-Feng Chen - http://csi.wustl.edu/ : We study the neural basis of itch sensation in mice. (2)
52.
Dr. Rita Heuertz - http://www.slu.edu/biomedical-laboratory-science/faculty-and-staff/rita-m-heuertz: Bacterial biofilms are
important medically due to their ever-increasing presence in chronic infections and medical implant patients. A research focus of my lab is to identify
plant-derived compounds (phytochemicals) that have anti-biofilm properties and ascertain mechanism by which the inhibition occurs. Also of interest
are developments of biofilm assays. (1)
53. Dr. Mark Knuepfer - http://www.medschool.slu.edu/pharmphys/index.php?page=mark-m-knuepfer-ph-d:
We study the role
of the renal nerves in causing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. We study the effects of renal nerve activation in rats. (2)
54. Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer - http://www.slu.edu/nutrition-and-dietetics-x103471:
My research focuses on healthy food in schools
including breakfast, lunch, and snack. I also study ways that schools are trying to be healthier such as offering healthy cooking classes or planting
school gardens. (1)
55.
Dr. Amit Mathur M.D. - http://research.peds.wustl.edu/faculty/mathur_amit : My area of research involves the study of brain
development and brain injury in premature and full-term newborn infants. I use a combination of bedside EEG monitoring, near infrared spectroscopy
and MRI scans to evaluate brain injury and development. (1)
56.
Dr. Sara McBride-Gagyi - http://orthopedics.slu.edu/index.php?page=sara-h-mcbride-ph-d:
Our lab researches surgical
procedures to regenerate amounts of bone too large for the body to do on its own. (1)
57. Dr. Steve Mumm – http://bmd.dom.wustl.edu: We study molecular genetics of rare inherited bone diseases, such as
hypophosphatasia, juvenile Paget’s disease, X-linked Hypophosphatemic rickets, and many others. The major goal is to identify specific gene
mutations in patients’ DNA as the cause of their bone disease. (1)
58.
Dr. Kamlesh Patel - http://plasticsurgery.wustl.edu/en/Faculty/PatelKamlesh: Pediatric and adult craniofacial. (1)
59.
Dr. Bobbi Pineda - I do research on infants born very preterm who are hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Areas of inquiry can
involve infant development, infant feeding, the neonatal intensive care unit environment, pain in the newborn or the effects of early therapy/enrichment.
Students have the opportunity to observe medical rounds in the NICU, learn about infant behavioral assessment, and engage in a project using existing
data. (3)
60.
Dr. Susy Stark - http://www.ot.wustl.edu/research/laboratories/participation-environment-and-performance-laboratory-225:
The research of the Participation, Environment and Performance Laboratory (PEPL) focuses on the unique contribution that the environment can make
toward improving the performance, participation and quality of life for persons living with functional limitations. Dr. Stark and her team study how the
environment accounts for the differences between what individuals are capable of doing and their actual participation in society. An exploration of the
physical environment as influencing behavior is the basis of research questions designed to explore the impact of the person/environment interface.
The lab studies older adults living in the community. The lab works with physicians and research scientists in the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease
Research Center, the Department of Emergency Medicine and the division of Geriatrics. They also collaborate with computer scientists, nurses and
psychologists. They have a strong network of community partners and many colleagues in the U.S. and internationally that collaborate on projects.
(1)
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61. Dr. Phyllis Stein - www.hrv.wustl.edu: Our laboratory analyzes information from heart rate patterns on long-term continuous
electrocardiograms, usually 24-hour ambulatory recordings or overnight sleep studies. These patterns can be quantified mathematically as heart rate
variability measures or analyzed graphically in different ways. What I have in mind for this summer is the performance of graphical heart rate pattern
analysis from a set of 24-hour recordings on people who do and do not have chronic multi-symptom illness (fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
syndrome). These recordings have already been analyzed enough so that heart rate patterns can be plotted using software that we already have. We
expect that heart rate patterns, especially during sleep, will be different who are healthy and those who are not. Thus, the student will be working on
finding and quantifying any differences in heart rate patterns between these two groups. The student will be using an existing dataset to create a
matched set of people to compare, matching cases and controls on both age and gender. (2)
62. Dr. Michael Tomasson - http://hematology.im.wustl.edu/people/faculty/Tomasson/Tomasson_Bio.html:
Cancer research
using many new technologies: genomics, imaging, nanotechnology.
_________________________________________________________________________
THE COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE MUST BE SUBMITTED AT ONE
AND MUST INCLUDE ALL ITEMS LISTED BELOW IN THIS ORDER:
TIME
1) $80.00 non-refundable, application fee - this check must be made out to UMSL and
clipped TO THE TOP - we are not able to accept credit cards.
2) 2016 application (not handwritten) available on the STARS website
3) signed PERMISSION AND BINDING COMMITMENT AND AGREEMENT
4) YOUR COMPLETE
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
5) scores of all standardized tests taken (PSAT, SAT, PACT, ACT, etc.)
6) your one-page essay
7) financial aid application (only include if you are requesting financial aid)
8) Recommendation Letter: You must follow the instructions on the STARS Recommendation form on
the last page of your application. Your application will not be processed before receiving this
information from your science teacher, counselor or principal.
The complete application packet must be postmarked between March 2 and Wednesday, March 25.
MAIL TO:
STARS PROGRAM
239 RESEARCH BUILDING
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI -ST. LOUIS
ONE UNIVERSITY BLVD.
ST. LOUIS, MO 63121 -4400
IF QUESTIONS, CONTACT
MARESK@UMSL.EDU
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