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2013
MENTOR
SELECTION
FORM
APPLICANT
Name: _____________________________________ High School: __________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS – RE AD CAREFULLY!
Please look at the entire list of research topics and rank your top seven choices
(1 = high, 7 = low). Put an X on the areas you absolutely would NO T consider.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
1. ______
Dr. Robert Aldridge:
My lab studies the reproductive anatomy and physiology of snakes and lizards. Currently, we are interested in determining
the role of sexual secretions of the kidney on sperm movement and fertilizing capacity in these organisms. We use the
African Brown House Snake as our model organism because these organisms have two separate reproductive tracts that
act independently. Experimental snakes will have either the right or left kidney removed. By comparing matings of snakes
that use the intact tract versus tract with the kidney missing, we will be able to compare mating that have and do not have
kidney secretions. The ultimate measure of fertility will be the percent success in fertilizing the clutch of eggs laid by the
female. We also plan to measure the morphological and physiological characteristics of sperm as they progress through
the male reproductive tract, and later, as they travel through the female tract. Morphological changes include differences in
subcellular ultramicroscopic and the ability of sperm to swim and fertilize eggs. Participants will assist in the daily care and
feeding of the snakes as well as in the behavioral experiments. Participants will learn to collect, preserve and analyze the
ultramicroscopic anatomy of sperm.
2. _______
Dr. Mikhail Berezin:
Our laboratory is focusing on synthesis of optically active fluorescent compounds for optical imaging. The student will
participate in fundamental photophysical studies of novel small molecules and nanoparticles and application of the new
probes to diagnostics of diseases.
3. ______
Dr. Godfrey Bourne:
The Bourne Laboratory has initiated a field research program (series of experiments) in Guyana, South America, to test the
hypothesis that the optimum temperatures of tropical lowland butterflies (ectotherms) are close to what they now
experience, so that they might not prosper in a warming world.
4. _______
Dr. Yoonsang Cho:
We do research on structural and chemical biology in inflammatory diseases and cancer. (Details can be viewed at
http://biochem.slu.edu/faculty/cho/?page_id=38).
5. ______
Dr. Aaron DiAntonio:
Our laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms that control the structure and function of neural circuits in development
and disease. We combine genetic, molecular, neuroanatomical, and electrophysiological studies in both Drosophila and
mouse to identify pathways required for the development, maintenance, and regeneration of axons and synapses.
6. ______
Dr. Richard DiPaolo:
Our laboratory is focused on understanding how chronic inflammation causes cancer. We are also interested in developing
new ways to suppress inflammation to prevent cancer.
7. _______
Dr. Brian Downes:
Two projects are planned for the summer of 2013. We will be characterizing protein degradation adapters (i) for the plasma
membrane, and (ii) for the cytoskeleton. The working hypothesis in the Downes Lab is that protein destruction uses
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scaffolds, adaptors, and subcellular surfaces to achieve maximum resolution. We are working to map such specificity onto
the major protein degradation system, which is called ubiquitylation. Ubiquitylation is a critical regulatory system for
degrading key control proteins, directing genome expression, sorting proteins, and repairing DNA; when aberrant, diseases
including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and various cancers, among others result. Representative components of
the core ubiquitylation system have been examined carefully, yet their subcellular distribution and coordinated activity are
poorly understood. Conveniently, ubiquitylation is a highly conserved process giving us the opportunity to examine the
system using large numbers of inexpensive organisms, like the model genetic plant Arabidopsis thaliana, to dissect the
activity of currently un-described adaptors. As a part of protein characterization, we typically test whether the Arabidopsis
and Human adaptors have conserved function.
8. ______
Dr. Joel Eissenberg: Genetics and Molecular Biology.
9. ______
Dr. Decha Enkvetchakul:
Ion channels are proteins that control the passage of ions into and out of the cell, which in turn is important in a vast array of
physiological phenomena, e.g. the electrical activity of neurons and muscles that allow us to think and move. My lab is
interested in the structure of ion channels (i.e. how ion channels are built, what is the shape of an ion channel) and how their
structure allows them to control the flow of ions. Students will also have opportunities to learn about and to assist in
purifying proteins and manipulating DNA using PCR to make mutant ion channels.
10. ______
Dr. Jonathan Fisher:
Glucose transporters (GLUTs) play key roles in metabolism by allowing cellular uptake of glucose and dehydroascorbic
acid, the precursor to vitamin C. Vitamin C and glucose both provide electrons that can reduce damaging reactive oxygen
species (ROS). We will be investigating the roles of stress-activated signaling pathways in regulation of transport by
GLUTs and associated levels of ROS.
11. ________ Dr. Robert Fleming:
Dr. Fleming’s lab examines the mechanisms by which transferrin, an iron binding protein, regulates iron metabolism and red
blood cell production. This work is important in the development of transferrin as a possible treatment modality for two
diseases, hereditary hemochromatosis and beta thalassemia. Each of these conditions leads to toxic levels of iron in the
bloodstream. The experiments utilize transgenic mouse models of these two diseases and cell culture systems and
measure the expression of genes and signal transduction pathways important in the regulation of iron metabolism and red
blood cell production.
12. _______
Dr. Amy Harkins:
Topics studied in the laboratory include: cell signaling involved in nerve regeneraton, 3D scaffolds and materials to better
regenerate nerves, and nerve communication for functional regeneration.
13. ______
Dr. Blythe Janowiak:
The projects this summer will involve molecular genetics of a pathogenic bacterium, Group B Streptococcus, which causes
neonatal meningitis. The student will manipulate the bacteria and then see how they survive post manipulation. These
studies will aid in discovery of novel antibiotics.
14. ______
Dr. Jack Kennell (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
_______ 1). The identification and characterization of cellular pathways involved in communication between
mitochondria and the nucleus.
_______ 2). The study of the mechanism of replication of a small genetic element that replicates by
reverse transcription and is considered to be a “molecular fossil.”
15. _______ Dr. Jason Knouft:
Students may participate in studies of the impacts of variation in climate and land use on the local and regional
distribution of freshwater biodiversity. Students may also be trained and participate in computer-based
geographic information systems (GIS) modeling of the distribution of biodiversity.
16. ______
Dr. Sergey Korolev:
Structural biology and biochemistry of DNA recombination proteins and inflammatory phospholipases.
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17. ______
Dr. Toni Kutchan:
Our laboratory research aims at elucidating the biosynthetic pathways of selected medicinal compounds in plants and
developing improved sources of these chemicals. We investigate how plants make special chemicals called natural
products. These chemicals frequently are used as medicines, either as pure compounds by pharmaceutical industry, or as
mixtures in traditional medicines. Selected natural products are currently being investigated in the laboratory in mature
plants and in tissue and cell culture. We participate in three national and international projects that involve deep
transcriptome sequencing of medicinal plants using next generation sequencing technologies. In general, in our research,
we strive to understand the formation of medicinal compounds in selected plants at the enzyme and gene levels and then to
use this information to improve upon production of pharmaceuticals either in planta or in a heterologous host such as yeast
or bacteria.
18. ________ Dr. Fanxin Long: Regulation of the differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells to osteoblasts .
19. _______ Dr. Robert Marquis:
Ecology and environmental biology. This year we will be studying the links between an invasive plants species, the Amur
honeysuckle, insect abundance, and bat abundance.
20. _______ Dr. Allison Miller:
We study naturally occurring variation in crop wild relatives with the goals of conserving crop genetic variation and
contributing to crop improvement. The current project focuses on grapes; specifically, we are conducting genetic and
genomic analyses of native Missouri grapevine species that are locally adapted to challenging climates, and are used by the
global grape industry as rootstocks to support cultivated grapes grown for eating and wine-making.
21. ______
Dr. Steven Mumm and Dr. Michael Whyte:
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.
22. ______
Dr. Wendi Neckameyer:
Our area of research is behavioral genetics using Drosophila melanogaster to understand neural substrates for mental
illness and autism.
23. ________ Dr. Dmitri Nusinow:
The response of the plant circadian rhythms to specific photon wavelengths using light emitting diodes (L.E.D.s).
24._______
Dr. Daniel Ory:
MA study of cellular mechanisms of cholesterol homeostasis; study of the role of cholesterol in models of
neurodegeneration.
25. ______
Dr. Dipanjan Pan:
Our area of research is functional nanometer-sized agents for personalized medicine.
26. ______
Dr. Dilip Shah:
A student will participate in research focused on determining the mechanisms of action of antifungal plant proteins and
use of these proteins for genetic engineering of disease resistance in transgenic plants.
27. ______
Dr. Vijay Sharma:
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.
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28. ______
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.
29. ______
Dr. Dorota Skowyra:
1) the immunoproteasome in the onset of type I diabetes (autoimmune disorders); 2) proteasomal proteolysis in liver
disease associated with antitrypsin-deficiency (diseases associated with protein misfolding); 3) poxvirus-mediated changes
in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of mouse macrophages (proteasome/viral infections/antiviral responses); 4) new
pharmacological regulators of the 26S proteasome (drug discovery).
30. ________ Dr. Susan Spencer:
Our lab studies the signaling pathways that regulate cell differentiation and cell division. Currently, we are working on the
function of some proteins that are expressed at high levels in cancerous tissue, and are trying to understand their roles in
regulating cell proliferation.
31. _________ Dr. Phyllis Stein:
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.
32. ________ Dr. Michael Tomasson: Cancer genetics and multiple myeloma.
33. _________ Dr. James Umen: Algal genetics and bioinformatics for strain improvement.
34. _________ Dr. Mark Voigt:
Cell, molecular and genetic investigations into the development and function of the sensory nervous system using
Zebrafish.
35. _________ Dr. Jessica Wagenseil:
Cardiovascular mechanics. The student will work with mouse models of human disease to investigate treatments for
arterial stiffening to prevent or reverse high blood pressure
36. ________ Dr. Xuemin (Sam) Wang:
Plant biochemistry, biotechnology, plant response to environmental stress, increase vegetable oil production.
37. _______ Dr. Daniel Warren:
We are a comparative physiology lab whose primary goal is to understand how painted turtles are able to survive and
recover from extended periods of oxygen deprivation, such as occurs during overwintering. The student will work on a
project related to how turtles metabolize lactate acid and other end-products of anaerobic metabolism.
38. _______ Dr. Wenyan Xiao:
Genetics and plant biology. His laboratory studies the mechanisms underlying DNA methylation and demethylation in
regulating imprinting and reproduction in plants.
39. ________ Dr. Peter Zassenhaus:
We are developing new technology that uses a cell phone to detect any and all infectious agents in an hour with sensitivity
sufficient to signal the presence of a single viral or bacterial, or fungal particle. This technology is called PxCR. It will
revolutionize the diagnosis of infectious disease and the detection of biological terrorism.
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CHEMISTRY
40. ______
Dr. Samuel Achilefu:
Targeted tumor fluorescence imaging will be performed using a novel probe, which will be synthesized by conjugating a
cRGD peptide with a near infrared dye through click chemistry. 4T1-Luc cell line will be cultured to study the probe’s toxicity
and cell internalization (both time domain and concentration domain) to determine the potential of this probe as a tumor
contrast agent.
41. ______
Dr. Dana Baum:
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.
42. ______
Dr. Steven Buckner:
We are developing synthetic methods for nanostructured materials with applications in energy and fuels. Participants will
learn and apply new synthesis methods and analyze their new materials with a variety of physical and analytical chemical
methods.
43. ______
Dr. Peter Gaspar and Dr. James Korang:
Our student will participate in determining whether a reaction expected to produce a highly reactive intermediate by
extrusion from a bicyclic precursor is promoted by ring-strain. This is physical organic chemistry and includes both
laboratory work and quantum chemical calculations. The student will be encouraged to shape his or her blend of
experimental and computational research, depending on his or her individual interest.
44. _______
Dr. Bruce Hamper:
Our 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. The student researcher will use automated equipment to design and evaluate continuous flow chemistry.
45. _______
Dr. Stephen Holmes:
The project will introduce aspects of inorganic and organic synthesis, spectroscopy, materials, and magnetism within a
family of structurally related precursors and their polynuclear derivatives.
46. ______
Dr. Istvan Kiss:
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.
47. ______
Dr. Michael Lewis:
How aromatic molecules bind certain molecules is important in a wide range of biological and chemical environments. Our
research lab explores the binding properties of aromatic molecules. We are interested in a student researcher performing
computational modeling studies to investigate novel binding of aromatics with biological significance.
48. ______
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.
49. ______
Dr. Joshua Maurer:
Stereolithography (SLA) and extrusion allows for the direct printing of 3D objects in a range of polymers. The students will
compare and contrast the ability of SLA and extrusion 3D printers to create cell culture chambers and devices for biological
studies.
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50. ______
Dr. James O’Brien and Dr. Leah O’Brien:
High Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy with spectral observations being made in Absorption by Intracavity Laser
Spectroscopy and in Emission by Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS). Diatomic Free Radicals such Platinum Fluoride,
Copper Nitride, and Tungsten Hydride are created for spectral observations in plasma discharges. 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. The recently acquired high-resolution, state of the art Bruker 125M FTS instrument
will be used over summer 2013. Hollow Cathode and Microwave Discharge Plasmas will be used to generate the emitting
species.
51. ______
Dr. Keith Stine:
The research project will involve the materials and biochemical aspects of carbohydrates, which are important in many
biological processes. The participating students will study how carbohydrates bind to proteins using surface science,
electrochemistry, and microscopy methods.
52. _______
Dr. Chung Wong: Computational genomics; computer-aided drug design.
53. ______
Dr. Brent Znosko (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
The Znosko lab is interested in the structure, stability, and other properties of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Our studies
result in information that can be used to better understand function, nucleic acid interactions with biomolecules, and the
design of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. We have two projects amenable to participants in the STARS program.
______1) The first project involves complexes of DNA and RNA with intercalators (potential cancer therapeutics).
This “wet chemistry” (bench-top) project involves the purification of nucleic acids and optical melting of
complexes in order to study their stability.
______2) The second project is a computational (computer-based) project that aims to calculate the hydrogen
bonding and base stacking energies of Watson-Crick pairs. The resulting energies will be compared to
experimental values in order to better understand nucleic acid stability.
ENGINEERING / E ARTH & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
54. ______
Dr. Ramesh Agarwal (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
_______ 1) A student interested in Aerospace Engineering may work on problems related to solar or battery powered
or UAV and conventional aircraft.
_______ 2) A student interested in Renewable Energy may work in the areas of energy from wind, solar or biomass.
They can also work in the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances.
55. ______
Dr. Jeffrey Catalano (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
_______ 1) effect of iron oxide minerals on the removal of heavy metals from water,
_______ 2) the formation and alteration of clays on Mars.
56._______
Dr. Dan Hanes:
Sea Floor Mapping and Sandwave dynamics. Students will be visualizing and analyzing high resolution measurements of
sea floor or river bed bathymetry to identify changes in the sea floor or river bed. Most work will be on computers, but we
will make one or two local field trips as well.
57. ______
Dr. Young-Shin Jun:
The Environmental Nanochemistry lab (PI: Young-Shin Jun) is conducting highly interdisciplinary researches which aim to
explore the environmental impact of human activities through improved understanding of the fate and transport of
contaminants and nanoparticles. In addition, our group is performing comprehensive investigations of CO2 sequestration
(green house gas) and managed aquifer recharge (clean water supply) to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
58. ______
Dr. Mark McQuilling:
The research project will involve Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations of flows around jet engine components.
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59. ______
Dr. Ruth Okamoto:
Our lab (Professor Bayly, PI) studies brain biomechanics. We use a combination of in vitro mechanical tests and
non-invasive imaging techniques to study the mechanical properties (stiffness) of brain tissue (white matter and gray
matter). The goal of our research is to better understand how external forces are transmitted to regions of the brain and
how these forces lead to brain tissue injury.
60. ______
Dr. Srikanth Singamaneni:
The research project involves the design, synthesis and assembly of metal nanoparticles for ultrasensitive biodetection and
bioimaging applications.
61. ______
Dr. Michael Swartwout (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
______ 1). Integration and Testing of Space Vehicles. Large satellites have large lists of rules governing their safe
design, assembly, test and operation. Small satellites -- such as those being built in our lab -- are often smaller than a single
part that goes into a large satellite, and yet the small satellites are still subject to the long list of rules. This summer, we will
research the reasons behind the rules for the assembly and testing of large satellite and simplify them for small satellites.
We will put this research in practice as we prepare Saint Louis University's first satellite, COPPER, for launch.
______ 2) History and Future of Space Mission Failures. We are building a specialized database detailing every
space mission ever flown. We are particularly interested in studying the ways that some missions fail, in order to develop
new approaches for future missions. The STARS student will assist in the development and maintenance of the database,
as well as developing hypotheses about the success and failure of missions and testing them via the database
62. ______
Dr. Abuduwasiti Wulamu (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
_______ 1) mapping invasive plant species in African rainforests using remote sensing;
_______ 2) sustainable agriculture under changing climate – a field and space-based remote sensing approach to
monitor crop responses to climate changes;
________3) geohazard monitoring using InSAR in St. Louis metro area.
63. ______
Dr. Grigoriy Yablonsky (please indicate which area you are interested in if a preference):
________1) mathematical analysis of flight delays.
________2) mathematical modeling of combustion reactions.
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
64.______
Dr. Henry Kang: Computer graphics: a study of image-based artistic rendering.
PSYCHOLOGY / PUBLIC HE ALTH
65. ______
Dr. Michael Anch:
Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder most famous for its dramatic motor deficits. However, the disease is also associated with
lesser-known pathological phenomena, such as cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance. By administering a drug that
restores activity to areas damaged in Parkinson’s-like conditions, we hope to ameliorate, not only the classic motor
symptoms but also the profound sleep disturbances associated with similar neurological processes. Using a rat model of
Parkinson’s Disease, the student will learn surgical techniques, rat handling, rat sleep stage scoring, electrode construction,
and histological procedures.
66. ______
Dr. David Balota:
Experimental psychology, learning, memory and aging. He works on issues related to visual word recognition, semantic
memory, priming on implicit memory tests, and attention systems that modulate performance within each of these domains.
He investigates these phenomena within young adults, older adults, and individuals who have dementing illnesses such as
senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
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67. ______
Dr. Terri Rebmann:
The Institute for Biosecurity in the School of Public Health studies bioterrorism and pandemic preparedness. Research
projects include examining pandemic preparedness of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and response
agencies in the St. Louis region and across the United States. Current research projects involve: a) examining international
hospital preparedness for biological events, b) examining immunization practices and policies of daycare staff, and c)
preparedness of hospital employees who survived the Joplin tornado. A variety of research practices are used: focus
groups, surveys, interviews, etc.
PLEASE RETURN THIS MENTOR SELECTION FORM WITH ALL OF THE
FOLLOWING IN ONE PACKAGE (in this order preferably):
1) your $80.00 non-refundable, application fee -
this check must be made out to UMSL
2) application form (not handwritten)
3) complete school transcript
4) scores of all tests taken
5) essay
6) one letter of recommendation
7) financial aid application (if requesting aid)
8) mentor selection form
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE IS TO BE RECEIVED IN THIS OFFICE
NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2013.
SEND TO:
Dr. Kenneth R. Mares
239 Research Complex
University of Missouri-St. Louis
One University Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
QUESTIONS:
maresk@umsl.edu, (314) 516-6155
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