Research Opportunities
Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching – Research Engagement (CELT-RE)
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Before contacting a research supervisor, we strongly recommend that you see Allen Thomas
the CELT office on the third floor of Richardson. You may email him at athomas@tulane.edu
to set up an appointment.
Table of Contents
School of Business……………………………………………………………………….
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School of Liberal Arts…………………………………………………..........................
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School of Medicine………………………………………………………………………..
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School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine……………………………….
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School of Science and Engineering………………………………………………....
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Tulane National Primate Research Center………………………………………
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1
Freeman School of Business Administration
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Emily Rosenzweig
Email: erosenzw@tulane.edu
Title: Social Psychology, especially consumer behavior
Description: My research on consumer behavior focuses most broadly on satisfaction and
dissatisfaction. One line of research I have looks at how purchases of material goods (like
clothes, or electronics) differ from purchases of experiential goods (a concert, or a meal out
at a restaurant). Existing research suggests that we derive more long-term satisfaction
from their experiential purchases than their material ones. I am currently exploring the flip
side of this -- what happens when we make purchases that we are not fully satisfied with?
How does the type of purchase we have made shape whether our dissatisfaction turns into
regret? And what type of regret do we feel over material versus experiential
purchases? Separate from material and experiential purchases, I am interested in different
types of consumer regret. For example, when people regret their purchases, they can either
wish they hadn't bought the item at all, or wish they had bought a different item instead. I
am interested in what predicts which of those two types of regret we experience, and what
the consequences of each type are. I have other work that examines regret more broadly.
Right now I am working on a project related to twitter, and how emotions are expressed
and perceived through that medium. I am finding that people who express regret over
social media are evaluated more harshly than those who do not, and I am running studies
to understand both why people react that way to expressions of regret, and why people feel
compelled to express it in the first place.
Start Date: 1/10/2014
End Date: None
Location: On campus
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School of Liberal Arts
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Courtney N. Baker
Email: cnbaker@tulane.edu
Title: Translating Evidence-Based Programs into Community Settings Serving Young
Children
Description: A substantial number of young children experience behavioral, emotional,
and social problems, though few receive appropriate intervention. These problems are
more prevalent in urban, low-income, chronically disadvantaged communities. Preschoolbased prevention and early intervention efforts have the potential to reach many of these
young children, are associated with long-lasting positive outcomes, and save considerable
costs. However, the effectiveness of such evidence-based programs when implemented in
real-world community settings has been modest. One probable culprit for this gap between
research and practice is inadequate treatment integrity. Treatment integrity is a multidimensional construct characterizing how much of an evidence-based program is provided,
how well it is provided, and how well it is received. Though clearly linked to outcomes,
treatment integrity has proven particularly difficult to optimize in community settings,
further contributing to health disparities. Using a community-based participatory research
approach, Dr. Baker’s overarching research program addresses this challenge by focusing
on three interrelated goals: 1) understanding developmental contexts to promote
intervention effectiveness, 2) understanding antecedents and consequences of high fidelity
implementation, and 3) developing and evaluating an intervention to enhance program
effectiveness by boosting treatment fidelity. Dr. Baker is recruiting undergraduate research
assistants who are majoring/plan to major in psychology, the behavioral sciences, or
related fields; are interested in applied clinical research; are seriously considering applying
to graduate school; have a strong GPA; are detail-oriented and able to work independently;
and are collegial and a supportive team player. Undergraduate research assistants are
expected to participate in all facets of Dr. Baker’s ongoing research program, Project
DIRECT, including lab-based tasks (e.g., attending lab meetings; transcribing interviews;
entering data; abstracting articles in the context of a systematic literature review) and
community-based tasks (e.g., volunteering weekly in one of our partner preschools;
collecting data at community sites). For more information and for the online application,
please see www.courtneynbaker.com.
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School of Medicine
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Srikanta Dash
Email: sdash@tulane.edu
Title: Study of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
Description: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is the leading cause of end stage liver
disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States. It is now the number one reason
for adult liver transplantation. The mechanisms how chronic HCV infection induces
hepatocellular carcinoma is unknown. Interferon alpha (IFN-a), along with ribavirin and
one of the protease inhibitor is the standard care for patients with chronic HCV infection.
This therapy is unable to clear the virus infection in all patients. Individuals who cannot
clear infection develop liver cirrhosis and cancer. The mechanisms of IFN-alpha/ribavirin
resistance and hepatocarcinogenesis are currently unknown. The long-term goals of our
research are: (i). Project 1: To understand why some chronic hepatitis C patients are
responding to therapy that eliminates the infection and why some patients show
resistance. How interferon/ribavirin resistance leads to the development of liver cirrhosis
and cancer. (ii). Project 2: Since the current treatment modalities are not effective, our
laboratory has developed a mouse model to develop intracellular treatment approach to
cure hepatitis C and liver cancer.
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Bruce Bunnell
Email: bbunnell@tulane.edu
Title: A Tissue Engineered Nipple—Areolar Complex
Description: This project utilizes both cell biology and regenerative medicine to
investigate the creation of whole Nipple—Areolar Complex (NAC) for the ~180,000
women per year who undergo mastectomies. To date, no tissue engineering strategies have
been developed focused on NAC reconstruction. The application of decellularization to the
whole, semi-glandular NAC can create a non-immunogenic NAC that retains the
microarchitecture and gross structures of a native NAC. This tissue engineering approach
to whole structure regeneration allows for the effective removal of cellular material, the
retention of the extracellular matrix components and structure, as well as cell adhesion
molecules. Once decellularized, NAC should be able to be seeded with autologous cells to
create an implant that is patient-specific. In addition, this technique generates a whole NAC
graft that aesthetically, both visually and texturally, mimics the native nipple. Preliminary
studies have demonstrated that the acellular scaffold has a bioactive microenvironment
that is conducive to rhesus bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells,
keratinocytes, endothelial cells and neurons.
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Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Luis Balart
Email: lbalart@tulane.edu
Title: NASH and chronic hepatitis C, and other related diseases
Description: Dr. Balart has research opportunities connected to ongoing treatment
programs for chronic hepatitis B and C. Other areas of interest include treatment of
primary sclerosing cholangitis, colon cancer epidemiology and genetics, cystic fibrosis,
eosinophilic esophagitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic encephalopathy, and fatty liver
disease.
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Nicholas Seeliger, M.D.
Email: nseelige@tulane.edu, nseeli@lsuhsc.edu, healingperu@gmail.com
Title of project: Global Family Medicine - Healing Peru
Description: Healing Peru is a University sponsored medical humanitarian relief operation
in the remote Peruvian Andes that works to provide healing and relieve suffering to
indigenous populations in the region in collaboration with the Q'ewar Project, local
government, and Jesuit Mission. We do this by providing free medical
services/medications/public health education during regular short-term medical projects
throughout the year.
www.healingperu.com
Deadline for Application: We are always looking for help
Start Date: Now
End Date: Never
Location: New Orleans, LA during planning phase – then Andajuaylillas, Peru during
humanitarian work (May 2016).
Compensation (stipend, travel expenses, etc.): None at this time
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Boriss Losso, Clinical Protocol Technician
Email: blosso@tulane.edu
Title of project: 2014 Summer Research Volunteer Program with the Department of
Anesthesiology
Description: Research Volunteers will assist the Department of Anesthesiology, Division of
Research with various clinical and perioperative research endeavors, including data
collection, mining, auditing, entry, and analysis. Project assignments will vary at a level
commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the volunteer. Volunteer activities
for academic credit will be honored where applicable. Eligibility requirements: All persons
age 15 and older, with relevant interests may apply. Some science background or previous
research experience preferred. Application: Standard application, background check, and
other requirements will be required. Interested persons should contact Boriss Losso,
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Clinical Protocol Technician.
Location: Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, New Orleans, LA
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School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. He Wang
Email: hwang2@tulane.edu
Title: Examination of structural effects within human cells following exposure to oildispersant mixtures
Description: Development of micronuclei and base-pair changes in the Hypoxanthineguanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) locus are two indicators of cellular mutagenic
effects that increase the potential for carcinogenic effects to arise. Our objective is to utilize
these genotoxic markers to help characterize the carcinogenic effects associated with
exposure to oil-dispersant mixtures and identify any DNA damage that may ensue
following exposure. The working hypothesis is that the oil dispersant mixtures stimulate
mutation frequency within the human cells following exposure, indicating the carcinogenic
potential associated with this environmental exposure. The rationale is that the completion
of this research will help identify the mutagenic pathways taken when human cells are
exposed to oil-dispersant mixtures.
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Various investigators, please contact Jacquelyn
Dolan
Email: jdolan@tulane.edu
Title: Multi-Center Research Studies
Description: Chronic Renal Insufficiency: An on-going cohort study started in 2001 to
examine risk factors of chronic kidney disease, identify high-risk subgroups, and develop
treatment therapies. Systolic Blood Pressure: An on-going study on blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction: Test the inflammatory hypothesis of
atherothrombosis by evaluating whether or not low-dose methotrexate will reduce rates of
recurrent myocardial infraction, stroke, and cardiovascular death among stable coronary
artery disease patients with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, conditions associated
with an enhanced pro-inflammatory response. Hypertension prevention and control
program: Spanish translation for clinical trials.
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School of Science and Engineering
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Paul Colombo
Email: pcolomb@tulane.edu
Title: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Laboratory
Description: Research in this laboratory is focused on investigating memory formation at
the molecular, cellular, and systems levels of analysis. In specific, we study the roles of
signaling proteins, such as kinases, phosphatases, and transcription factors in information
storage in the mammalian brain. We also test hypotheses about whether multiple memory
systems, which are specialized for different kinds of memory, are independent or
interactive during memory formation and retrieval. A final interest is the application of
findings about molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory to studies of age-related
memory impairment under normal (e.g. non-pathological) aging conditions. Research on
these aims is conducted in parallel and combines behavioral analyses of learning and
memory in rats with molecular-biological techniques.
Location: Lab on Uptown campus. The lab currently has 3 graduate students and 8
undergraduate students working there (as of 9/14).
Other comments:
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Alex Burin
Email: aburin@tulane.edu
Title: Coherent dynamics of molecular vibrations
Description: Our lab's research into molecular vibrational dynamics is dedicated to the
investigation of vibrational energy transport through poly-atomic molecules which is
critically important for reaction heat balancing and can be used in novel molecular
electronic devices. The molecular vibrations can propagate through organic polymers
molecule with ultrafast speed of 10-20km/s because of the strong covalent bonds between
involved atoms. The research combines the first principle analysis of molecules describing
its vibrational parameters with further use of these parameters for the quantum
mechanical analysis of vibrations.
Objectives: The main goal of the present project is to address the nature of long polymer
vibrations including the questions how many atoms participate in a single vibrational
mode? How long it takes this mode to transfer vibrational energy through the molecule?
How do the molecular shape, environment and temperature affect the vibrational
transport? How can the ultrafast modes be employed to transfer energy through the
molecule?
Location: Uptown Stern Building
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Name of research supervisor: Dr. David Busija, Dr. Prasad Katakam
Email: dbusija@tulane.edu
Title: Insulin-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and uncoupling of nitric oxide
synthase underlie the cerebrovascular insulin resistance in obese rats
Description: Hyperinsulinemia accompanying insulin resistance (IR) is an independent
risk factor for stroke. The objective is to examine the cerebrovascular actions of insulin in
Zucker obese (ZO) rats with IR and Zucker lean (ZL) control rats. Diameter measurements
of cerebral arteries showed diminished insulin-induced vasodilation in ZO compared with
ZL. Endothelial denudation revealed vasoconstriction to insulin that was greater in ZO
compared with ZL. Nonspecific inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) paradoxically
improved vasodilation in ZO. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS),
supplementation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) precursor, and inhibition of neuronal NOS
or NADPH oxidase or cyclooxygenase (COX) improved insulin-induced vasodilation in ZO.
Immunoblot experiments revealed that insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt, endothelial
NOS, and expression of GTP cyclohydrolase-I (GTP-CH) were diminished, but
phosphorylation of PKC and ERK was enhanced in ZO arteries. Fluorescence studies
showed increased ROS in ZO arteries in response to insulin that was sensitive to NOS
inhibition and BH(4) supplementation. Thus, a vicious cycle of abnormal insulin-induced
ROS generation instigating NOS uncoupling leading to further ROS production underlies the
cerebrovascular IR in ZO rats. In addition, decreased bioavailability and impaired synthesis
of BH(4) by GTP-CH induced by insulin promoted NOS uncoupling.
Name of research supervisor: Dr. Ricardo Mostany
Email: rmostany@tulane.edu
Title: Study of cortical synaptic dynamics using in vivo imaging techniques
Description: Cortical circuits show a certain degree of plasticity during normal brain
functions (e.g., sensory stimulation, memory storage and learning). This plasticity can be
altered when the homeostasis of the brain is perturbed during aging, sensory deprivation,
stroke, or after the exposure to environmental agents. Using cutting edge imaging
techniques, i.e. two-photon laser microscopy and intrinsic optical signal imaging, in
combination with transgenic mice-expressing fluorescent proteins in cortical pyramidal
cells, we can study the dynamics of dendritic spines in vivo during normal brain function
and how these dynamics change after ischemia, with aging, or during sensory stimulation.
We can investigate the impact of changes in blood flow, age, sensory input etc. on the
connectivity of the cortical circuitry. Furthermore, the ability to follow chronically the same
cells for days (even for months) allows us to monitor when these changes occur (e.g., there
might be windows of plasticity after stroke beneficial for the recovery of lost brain
functionalities) and where in the cortex this plasticity is taking place.
The main research directions of the laboratory are: to elucidate how the brain forms and
maintains synaptic connections during the aging process to test the hypothesis that the
dynamics of these connections are altered with age leading to functional brain deficits; to
understand how the brain reorganizes itself to compensate for the loss of neurons after
ischemic injury; and to study how xenoestrogens, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may affect
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cortical connectivity in the adult, but also in the developing brain, leading to cognitive
deficits.
Name of research supervisor: Oliver Sartor, MD
Email: osartor@tulane.edu
Title: Novel Therapies for Prostate Cancer
Description: Dr. Sartor has been involved in a leadership role with a Phase III trial
prolonging survival in advanced prostate cancer. Given that there are only five trials in
history to obtain this feat, the fact that Dr. Sartor has been involved in two out of the five in
a leadership role has been notable.
The first trial involved second-line chemotherapy with Cabazitaxel and this trial has now
been published in Lancet as well as gaining FDA approval in June 2010. It is the first trial to
demonstrate a survival benefit after initial chemotherapy had failed. Dr. Sartor was the
international co-principal investigator for this trial, and senior author on the Lancet paper.
In the new trial, recently announced, the use of the new isotope Radium 223 has resulted in
a prolong survival of a polaroid of patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer and
this is the first radio-pharmaceutical to prolong life in prostate cancer and in all likelihood
will result in a FDA approval. Dr. Sartor was the North American principal-investigator in
this trial.
Dr. Sartor was a local investigator (but without a national leadership role) in a third trial
which led to a prolongation in survival in metastatic prostate cancer using Abiraterone. He
currently is involved with his fourth Abiraterone study here at Tulane which is the first
second-line hormonal agent to demonstrate survival benefits. Abiraterone is now FDA
approved.
He currently runs approximately ten clinical trials in prostate cancer and is a national coprincipal investigator in three of these trials.
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Professor Doug Chrisey
Email: dchrisey@tulane.edu
Title: Professor of Physics and Engineering Physics
Description: Several research opportunities given below.
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Ferroelectric-glass composites for energy storage
Tissue-based sensing of nanoparticles and synthetic pathogens
Tissue engineering for cancer research
Laser-based material processing for tissue engineering
Pulsed laser deposition of ceramic thin films
Superconductors for concentrated solar energy for magnetohydrodynamic power
generation
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Deadline for Application: Open window.
Start Date: Spring and fall semesters, summer
End Date: Location: Stanley Thomas 101, JBJ for tissue engineering
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Igor Rubtsov
Email: irubtsov@tulane.edu
Title: Spectroscopic characterization of various molecular systems.
Description: Our laboratory develops novel spectroscopic methods, including methods of
two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy, and applies them for studying threedimensional structures and dynamics of structural changes in complex molecular systems.
With the design of the first fully automated two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy
instrument in our laboratory (press release:
http://tulane.edu/news/releases/pr_013014.cfm), a wide range of research projects
became available, including those for renewable energy and material design. Research
opportunities in three research directions are outlined below.
Alzheimer disease (AD) causes brain dementia and is the third leading cause of death in the
United States. While the origin of AD is unknown, there exist many hypotheses. Metal ions,
such as Cu2+/+ and Zn2+ were shown to play important role in AD. The project targets a
molecular-level understanding of how the ions affect permeability and consistency of cell
membranes and will use infrared spectroscopy methods as main tools.
Another project is directed at optimizing solar cell performance. Electron transfer reactions
are important steps in solar-cell operation. Finding ways of manipulating electron transfer
rates by external stimuli will benefit the overall process of charge separation and solar cell
operation. Infrared radiation is used as such stimulus; its influence on the electron
injection into the TiO2 nanoparticles will be studied.
The development of nanomaterials with desired thermal conductivity properties is
important in many areas of science and technology, including molecular electronics.
Thermal conductivity of materials depends on a phonon transport regime. The fast ballistic
regime results in efficient energy transport, while diffusive transport is slow and thus less
efficient. The project targets the development of oligomeric systems with controlled
thermal conductivity, including efficient thermal conductors and conductors of desired
molecular architecture.
Interested students should contact Igor Rubtsov by e-mail or phone.
Location: Stern Hall
Deadline for Application: Until the projects are taken.
Compensation (stipend, travel expenses, etc.): some summer support may be provided.
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Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Michael McCaskill
Email: mmccaski@tulane.edu
Description: The project involves evaluating vitamin D levels and sickle crisis events in
Sickle Anemic patients.
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Tulane National Primate Research Center
Name(s) of research supervisor(s): Dr. Pyone Aye
Email: paye@tulane.edu
Title: The Tulane National Primate Research Center
Description: The Primate Research Center conducts research in a variety of fields.
AIDS/HIV - Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the HIV virus are studied in
the Division of Collaborative Research, Comparative Pathology, Immunology and
Microbiology. Krabbé Disease - Krabbe's disease, or Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, as an
enzyme disorder that affects lysosomes within the cell, is studied under the Division of
Regenerative Medicine. Leukemia - Infection with human T cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-I)
is studied in the Division of Microbiology. Lyme Disease - Lyme disease, or Lyme
borreliosis, is caused by a parasitic bacterium. It is studied by researchers of the Division of
Bacteriology & Parasitology. Malaria - Malaria is a parasitic disease that is transmitted by
infected mosquitos. It is studied by the Division of Bacteriology & Parasitology.
Microsporidiosis - Microsporidiosis is an infection in humans and other animals that is the
subject of study within the Division of Microbiology. Respiratory Syncytical Virus Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral disease that falls under the Division of
Microbiology. Celiac Disease – An autoimmune disease with genetic predisposition, also
known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It is studied by the Division of Microbiology.
Rotaviruses and enteric caliciviruses – Enteric viruses including human noroviruses are
common cause of acute diarrhea and vomiting and are studied within the Division of
Microbiology. Tuberculosis - Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through the air from personto-person by breathing in bacteria. It falls within the subject range of both the Division of
Bacteriology & Parasitology and the Division of Comparative Pathology. If you are
interested in any of these topics and you can travel to the Center, please explore your
interest with researchers at the center. The terms and length of your research work are
negotiable.
Name(s) of research supervisors: Dr. Stephen E. Braun
Email: sbraun@tulane.edu
Title: Using Viral Vectors to Introduce New DNA to Stem Cells
Description: Dr. Braun’s research program is directed at the intersection of gene therapy,
stem cells and the response of the immune system. He has focused on translating basic
biomedical research findings into potential therapeutic applications. His laboratory studies
the potential of gene therapy for AIDS and for lysosomal storage diseases. Topics include
redirecting CTL toward HIV, tissue-specific expression of therapeutic genes and
immunomodulatory effects of gene expression. This intersection has clinical relevance for
multiple diseases and therapeutic modalities including gene therapy strategies,
transplantation, immunotherapy, and vaccine development.
There are options for doing experiments at TNPRC and at the Medical School.
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Name(s) of research supervisors: Dr. Andrew A. Lackner
Email: alackner@tulane.edu
Description: Research in Dr. Lackner’s lab is focused on the pathogenesis of infectious
disease in general and the pathogenesis of AIDS in particular. Research on AIDS has
focused on examining host and viral determinants of disease in vivo using nonhuman
primates infected with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) as a model of AIDS in
humans. Studies emphasize the in vivo effects of SIV infection on the gastrointestinal tract
and the lymphoid system as well as vaccine development. Common among these studies is:
1) a focus on early events within tissues which cannot be examined in humans; 2)
examination of the role of adhesion molecules, chemokines and chemokine receptors in
viral infection, dissemination and lesion development; and 3) the use of closely related
molecular clones of SIV varying in cell tropism and virulence. Questions being addressed
include: What are the initial cellular targets for SIV infection? How does the cellular
tropism of SIV influence disease manifestations and immune response? How does SIV
infection of the intestinal immune system affect intestinal structure and function?
Name(s) of research supervisors: Dr. Karol Sestak
Email: ksestak@tulane.edu
Description: Interests include virology (rotavirus, calcivirus, coronavirus, HIV/SIV),
mucosal immunology, vaccine development and autoimmunity. Two research areas are
currently available as opportunities for graduate and undergraduate associates: First is
related to non-human primate model of gluten sensitivity (celiac disease model) and
second to pathogenesis and immunology of rhesus enteric calicivirus (Tulane Virus is the
prototype strain) as the model of human Norovirus infection.
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