STUDENTS AND TEACHERS AS RESEARCH SCIENTISTS
2015 MENTOR SELECTION LIST
(Ctrl+Click to follow the link for each mentor )
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
1. Dr. Mikhail Berezin www.berezinlab.wustl.edu:
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. (1)
2. Dr. Barry Burnette http://www.confluencediscovery.com/cdtwp2/: Intracellular signaling and targeted inhibition of kinases involved in
cancer and inflammation. (1)
3. Dr. Gerardo Camilo http://www.slu.edu/department-of-biology-home/dr-gerardo-camilo: We are studying the diversity of bee
pollinators in urban gardens across St. Louis city. We sample organic gardens in and relate bee diversity to food production (pollination service) in
order to better understand how social and economic conditions affect pollination in urban systems. (1)
4. Dr. Thomas Y. Cho http://biochem.slu.edu/faculty/cho/: Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying uncontrolled inflammatory
responses in chronic inflammatory diseases by structural and cellular biology. (2)
5. 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. (1)
6. 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. (2)
6a. Dr. Jonathan Fisher http://www.slu.edu/department-of-biology-home/dr-jon-fisher:
We are studying regulation of glucose
transporter function and the roles of glucose transporters in supporting antioxidant status of cells. (1)
7. Dr. Blythe Janowiak https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/janowisk-lab/:
The student(s) will compare gene expression patterns
between species of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), the causative agent of neonatal meningitis. The student(s) will learn molecular biology techniques
and will specifically using the technique of quantitative PCR (qPCR), working with bacteria, RNA, and DNA. The species of GBS used will include wild
type (virulent) GBS and mutant GBS, deficient in one of their virulence pathways (avirulent). (2)
8. Dr. Jack Kennell http://www.slu.edu/department-of-biology-home/dr-jack-kennell: The identification and characterization of
cellular pathways involved in communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. Another project examines the function of a novel mitochondrial
gene in the fungus, Fusarium. (2)
9. Dr. Mark Knuepfer http://www.medschool.slu.edu/pharmphys/index.php?page=mark-m-knuepfer-ph-d:
We are studying the
role of renal sensory nerves in the development of cardiovascular disease. We study the effects of renal nerve activation in rats. (2)
10. Dr. Adriana Montano
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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11. 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)
12. 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)
13. Dr. Dorota Skowyra http://biochemweb.slu.edu/people/faculty/skowyra.shtml:
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).
14. Dr. James Umen www.umenlab.org: Algal growth control and biofuels using Chlamydomonas as a model organism; mechanisms of cell
size homeostasis and cell division control in Chlamydomonas; evolution of multicellularity and dimorphic sexes in Volvox. (1)
15. Dr. Xuemin (Sam) Wang hhttp://www.danforthcenter.org/scientists-research/principal-investigators/Sam-Wang:
Biotechnology, biochemistry, stress response, lipid metabolism in plants. (1)
16. 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)
17. Dr. Mee-Ngan Frances Yap http://biochem.slu.edu/faculty/yap/ : Investigation of ribosome-antibiotic interactions and
antibiotic-induced resistance. (1)
18. Dr. Silviya Zustiak http://www.slu.edu/~szustiak/: Our research is in Biomaterials and Soft Tissue Engineering. Specifically, we are
building biomaterial-based cancer models in the lab and we use them to test how chemotherapeutics work. Our overarching goal is to design
“artificial” cancers that can be utilized in the biopharmaceutical industry to improve the current drug discovery paradigm and bring much needed new
drugs to patients in a timely and less costly manner. (2)
CHEMISTRY
19. Dr. James Bashkin http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/bashkin.html: My group studies organic chemistry and biochemistry
related to new antiviral compou7nds we discovered that are potential agents for the prevention of cervical cancer. (1)
20. 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. (1)
21. 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)
22. 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)
23. 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)
24.
Dr. Alexei Demchenko http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/demchenko.html: Synthetic carbohydrates as modern
25.
Dr. Bruce Hamper http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/Hamper.html: Many continuous flow chemistry processes are
anti-cancer pharmaceuticals. (2)
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examples of “Green Chemistry” and can have a significant favorable impact on the environment. 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. (1)
26.
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. (1)
27.
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)
28. 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 as 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 2014. Hollow Cathode and Discharge Plasmas will be
used to generate the absorbing or emitting species. (2)
29.
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)
30.
Dr. Keith Stine http://www.umsl.edu/chemistry/Faculty/stine.html: 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
on gold nanostructures using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. (2)
31. Dr. Chung Wong www.umsl.edu/~wongch:
Modeling of biological systems; computer-aided drug design, computational genomics.
(1-2)
ENGINEERING / EARTH & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
32. Dr. Ramesh Agarwal http://www.mems.wustl.edu: Aerodynamics, energy and environment. (2)
33. Dr. Jeffrey Catalano http://aqgeochem.wustl.edu/ The Catalano group is interested in chemical processes in soil and aquatic
systems that control contaminant fate and nutrient availability. (1)
34. Dr. Parag Banerjee http://research.engineering.wustl.edu/~parag.banerjee/ : Nanomaterials for energy and sensing applications.(1)
35.
Dr. Young-Shin Jun http://encl.engineering.wustl.edu/: 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 (greenhouse
gas) and managed aquifer recharge (clean water supply) to mitigate the impacts of climate change. (1)
36.
Dr. Mark McQuilling: This project will involve experimental testing of compressible fluid flows in a newly-commissioned, polysonic wind
tunnel. 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 will
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. US citizenship is required. (2)
37. Dr. Scott Sell http://parks.slu.edu/research/centers-labs-facilities/tissue-engineering/ : The focus of our lab is the fabrication
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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. (1)
38.
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. (2)
39.
Dr. Michael Swartwout https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/swartwout/ : Design and operation of student-built satellites. Automated
40.
Dr. Grigoriy Yablonsky http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigoriy_Yablonsky: Mathematical methods in chemistry, catalysis, modeling,
operation of UAVs. (2)
history of science. (1)
MEDICINE / PSYCHOLOGY / PUBLIC HEALTH
41.
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) (2-4).
42. Dr. Patricia Cavazos http://www.psychiatry.wustl.edu/Faculty/FacultyDetails?ID=1514:
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. (2)
43.
Dr. Zhou-Feng Chen http://csi.wustl.edu/ : We study the neural basis of itch sensation in mice. (2)
44.
Dr. Christopher Erwin http://www.pedsurg.wustl.edu/en/Research/Warner-Laboratory-Overview: Using a mouse surgical
model, we study intestinal adaptation after bowel resection surgery. (1)
45.
Dr. Amit Mathur MD: 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)
46.
Dr. Kamlesh Patel http://plasticsurgery.wustl.edu/en/Faculty/PatelKamlesh: Pediatric and adult craniofacial. (1)
47.
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. (2-3)
48.
Dr. Terri Rebmann: Biosecurity areas of research include examination of an intervention program to improve school preparedness for
bioterrorism or pandemics (including ebola), and a study of seasonal influenza, pertussis, and Hepatitis A vaccine uptake among daycare staff and
parents of children in daycares. (2)
49.
Dr. Gul Shah http://internalmed.slu.edu/endo/: Complications of diabetes in the brain, eye and kidney and protection by mitochondrial
carbonic anhydrases inhibition. (2)
50.
Dr. Jonathan Silva http://silvalab.bme.wustl.edu: We apply engineering methods to discover new types of cardiac arrhythmia
therapies. To do this, we combine computer modeling, molecular biology and optical detection of molecular movements. (2)
51.
Dr. Susy Stark http://www.ot.wustl.edu/about/our-people/faculty/susy-stark-271: Geriatrics, disability, fall prevention,
community-engaged research. (2)
52. 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
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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)
53. Dr. Michael Tomasson http://hematology.im.wustl.edu/people/faculty/Tomasson/Tomasson_Bio.html:
Cancer research
using many new technologies: genomics, imaging, nanotechnology.
54. Dr. Albert Woo http://www.stlouischildrens.org/our-services/physicians/albert-s-woo-md: The craniofacial imaging lab in the
division of plastic surgery conducts research primarily in outcomes associated with Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery.
_________________________________________________________________________
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) 2015 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) one, sealed letter of recommendation from a science teacher, counselor, or principal which must
include their email address and required content as explained on your student application
8) financial aid application (only include if you are requesting financial aid)
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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