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HONORS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM
Basic Information
Full Name: Sean Devlin Bloor
UC Email: bloorsd@mail.uc.edu
College: McMicken College of Arts and Sciences
Major: Biological Sciences (Biomedical Studies), Mathematics
Title of Project: Undergraduate Biomedical Research Mentoring Program: Which genes help form the lung and
liver?
Thematic Area (choose only one): Research
Expected Project Start Date: 1/8/2013
Expected Project End Date: 4/19/2013
Project Information
1. Provide a detailed abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
During spring semester, I will be working in the Zorn Lab at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
Center (CCHMC) under the guidance of Dr. Emily Shifley, a post-doctoral fellow in the lab. The Zorn lab
focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the lung, liver, pancreas
and gastrointestinal tract during embryo development, using the frog species Xenopus laevis as a model
organism. The lab has identified genetic signaling pathways that help pattern and differentiate these organs.
Under Dr. Shifley, I will be helping in analyzing specific genes important to lung and liver development. I will
be involved in sectioning and photographing Xenopus embryos that have had different genes and signaling
pathways blocked in order to observe the effect on gene expression at several lung, liver, and pancreas markers.
I will also be responsible in helping to generate these inhibited embryos and make solutions and RNA probes
for in situ hybridization in order to view the products of different genes during sectioning. In addition to this
project, I will be expected to help in day-to-day lab activities/maintenance. I will also have the opportunity to
attend lab meetings when available and observe other parts of the lab or learn other lab techniques if interested.
I will be working in the lab for 9-10 hours a week for 12-14 weeks. I will be spending additional time
outside of the lab reading background reading in order to better understand the project and preparing for two
presentations in April on my results and experience during this project. I estimate that the presentations could
take around 10-12 hours to complete and prepare for. Background reading and weekly reflection will take
around an hour a week, with some weeks going over or under an hour as necessary.
From this experience, I hope to gain experience in using a multitude of new lab techniques and a greater
understanding of developmental biology. Specifically, I hope to have a deeper understanding of the genes and
signaling pathways involved in early lung and liver development. I additionally, hope to improve my
communication skills through presentations of my results near the end of the semester. Specifically I would like
to improve on explaining a complex idea to an audience with less knowledge on the subject. The various people
working in the lab can also help me in understanding how grad school or medical school is and the process to
getting to each.
2. Connection to Learning Outcomes within the Honors Thematic Area (identified above)
From this project, I hope to be able to posses a well developed literature from the developmental biology
field that is applicable to the research project set up by Dr. Shifley. I will be able to find background
information through University of Cincinnati’s library system as well as from materials directly given to me
by Dr. Shifley. Articles that have been published by members of the Zorn Lab will also be very helpful in
learning the background information necessary to fully understand this project. The outcome will be easy to
achieve as it is built in to the program. I will need to have a basic understanding of the genes, organisms,
and techniques I am working with in order to be able to function in the lab and understand the results I am
collecting.
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From this project, I also hope to be able to disseminate the research results I will obtain and the
knowledge that can be gained from them. I will be doing this through giving a presentation in April in the
Honor’s Suite on my research results and my experience in the lab. The audience will include other students
in the Biomedical Research Mentoring Program as well as their mentors and UHP staff. This means that
many biomedical professionals will be at the presentation. This is the perfect audience for working on my
skills in disseminating research. I must be able to explain my results and projects to both an audience who is
unskilled in the biomedical field and an audience of experts in the biomedical field. Being able to form a
presentation that accurately portrays my results so that both experts and students can understand it is the
ultimate test of whether I really know my project and results implications well. It also tests my ability to
communicate said results.
In addition to the presentation for the Biomedical Research Mentoring Program, I plan on applying to
participate in the 2103 Undergraduate Conference: Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works. The
audience present at the Undergraduate Conference is very diverse, serving as the perfect location to test and
hone my dissemination skills. With such a wide range of different types of people attending the conference,
I will need to be able to know my research project in out in order to make sure each interested person at the
conference is able to understand my project. This conference will also test my ability summarize and to
elaborate in depth, as different people who pass by my poster will have varying levels of interest in my
research work.
In order to complete this outcome, I need to succinctly complete my first outcome of possessing a welldeveloped background literature. Without the proper background knowledge surrounding the project, I will
not be able to fully understand the project and my results. If I cannot fully understand the project, I will not
be able to properly disseminate it at my presentation.
Finally, I hope to think beyond the research and be able to analyze how my worldview will be impacted
by this experience. This will primarily come from reflecting on the experience as a whole. Currently, I want
to pursue medical school after my undergraduate studies to become a primary care physician. Based off
shadowing and other research experiences, I have come to view becoming a physician as a better career fit
for me than becoming a career researcher. However, I still find research interesting, and would like to see if
this experience may change the views I have on my future. Asking Dr. Shifley and other doctors and
students working in the lab about a career in research can also help me sort out my future career path and
discover where I want to be five years from now and beyond.
3. Connection to Goals and Academic Theories
This project is very important to my academic and professional goals. Performing some kind of research
during my undergraduate career is essential to applying to medical school or to a biological graduate program.
Research gives me experience into what I could be doing in either schooling option, specifically for grad
school, more so for graduate school. While I am currently working toward applying to medical school to
become a primary care physician, I still view a career in research as a viable option and something I would like
to pursue further in order to judge if I would like to continue along that path rather than the medical school path.
This project will give me hands on experience in what a research career may be like, giving me ample
opportunity to judge whether or not I might rather pursue research over becoming a doctor. On the other hand,
if I were to become a doctor, this research experience could give me a glimpse into the biological functions
underlying the development of the liver and lung, information that could some day be applied to treatment of
different conditions I may face as a doctor. For example, the results of this project could become useful in
studying congenital diseases of the lung and liver and in directing stem cell therapy for such issues. Whether I
choose to pursue a career in research or a career in medicine, my career will be steeped in a fundamental
understanding of biology. Any experience I could get to understand the function of the body would be valuable
to my future.
On a personal level, I hope to gain professionalism and job experience in the biomedical field. This
project has already contributed to my professional development through the interview process used to get a
position in the lab. I hope that continual exposure to the working lab environment will help develop the sense of
professionalism I need in a biomedical setting as well as a research setting. Valuable job experience I can gain
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from this project include experience in using various research equipment and techniques such as using a
Vibratome or performing in situ hybridization. Additionally, working with the Xenopus frogs will give me
experience in how to properly handle animals in a research setting. All of these experiences will all add to the
professionalism and job experience that I want to obtain.
In preparing for this project, I will be using background reading given to me by Dr. Shifley, specifically
her paper, “Prolonged FGF signaling is necessary for lung and liver development” (Shifley et al. 2012). This
paper serves as a basis for the direction in which the project is going and will serve as an introduction to the
ideas this research project aims to explore. It also includes terminology that will be important to know for this
project. It also introduces theories on which our project aims to explore further, specifically the role of FGF in
lung and liver development. In the article, it was found that FGF signaling is active during organ formation in
the foregut endoderm and that the liver, pancreas, and lung need different amounts of time exposure to FGF
signaling in order to differentiate and grow (Shifley et al., 2012). I chose to explore this reading and its theories,
due to its close connections to this project, specifically as a precursor to the project. After reading over this
article, I scanned over the articles it referenced and chose a few as starting points to continue my background
reading. These articles are listed in a reference section at the end of this proposal. These articles deal with early
lung liver, and pancreas development and also have further knowledge of the FGF signaling pathway.
Additionally, I would like to use my Biology Capstone course I took at the Ohio State University as
preparation for this course. I chose to review my experience in this course for this project due to their
similarities. Both were research positions in a biology research lab and both ended/ends with research
presentations conducted myself. I also want to draw from my experience in that class the professionalism and
procedure that needs to be followed in a research lab setting. The manner in which I completed background
reading for my Capstone project and reviewing what did and did not work for that will also be very beneficial
moving forward with this project. For example, after going through my Capstone during my time at Ohio State,
I think I should have asked a lot more questions during my time there. This is something I hope to correct
during my work on this project. Essentially, I would like to apply the successes from that experience to this one
to see if they are successes that span across research in general and correct the problems I ran into during that
experience. This is so that I can continue to learn and shape how I should be conducting myself in a research lab
and how I can get the most out of such an experience.
I would additionally like to take time exploring anyway to possibly connect stem cell theory to this
project. Stem cell theory is used in developing stem cell therapy for different diseases and disorders. In trying to
identify genes and genetic signaling pathways used in differentiating cells to form the liver and lungs, this
project may eventually be able to be applied to stem cell therapy, specifically therapy involved in regenerating
lung and liver cells. Looking into stem cell theory as a background to this project could be very beneficial in
being able to visualize the possible long-term benefits that this project could unlock. An article I would like to
start with in identifying possible links to stem cell therapy is “Directed differentiation of human pluripotent
stem cells into intestinal tissue in vitro” (Spence et al.) Several members of the Zorn Lab have helped in
authoring this article. This article discusses stem cells in relationship to intestinal tissue, but also references
knowledge gained from embryonic development and the use of signaling pathways such as the FGF pathway in
relationship to successful stem cell growth. The FGF pathway is the signaling pathway my project is exploring.
4. Initiative, Independence, and Creativity
I first took initiative to seek out potential research opportunities through the Honors website. While on
the website, I found the Cincinnati Children's Hospital/UC College of Medicine Biomedical Research
Mentoring Program. I made sure to attend not only the information session about the program, but also the
mentor-student meet and greet to make sure I would be applying for a project that I was really interested in.
After attending both program sessions, I reached out to those mentors who projects I was interested in and set
up several interviews. I have little experience in applying for a job, especially jobs of the magnitude offered
from this program, so I made sure to utilize all resources necessary to me including my University Honors
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Program advisor, Kayti Kennard. She was extremely helpful in shaping my application materials and formatting
my resume. I was very happy that I sought out her help. The pointers I took from meeting with her will be
helpful moving forward.
After receiving a couple of offers, I decided on working under Dr. Shifley in the Zorn Lab at CCHMC. I
found the interview process a very worthwhile experience that taught me a great deal of professionalism. I will
be much more prepared for future interviews, including future educational and professional endeavors.
Essentially, Dr. Shifley has presented me with a project to work on, described in the abstract. As such, it
leaves little room as far as creativity in forming the project. The initiative I have in the project lies in me
deciding what techniques/areas I would like to pursue, which was discussed during the interview process.
Talking with Dr. Shifley during my interview, I had stated that I wanted the work I was doing to focus more on
working with the actual frog embryo specimens. After training in the lab with Dr. Shifley the first few days, I
have gained permission to start working independently in the lab, without Dr. Shifley watching over me.
Although she is still leading the project direction, it is not required she be present for me to work in the lab. This
requires a great deal of maturity and responsibility on my part as well as an ability to work independently.
This project is unique in that it deals with explaining and understanding genetic signaling pathways
involved in liver and lung development in previously unknown ways. Additionally, we will be working with
novel genes involved in these developmental pathways.
Another way that I am taking responsibility of this project is through the presentation of the data and
results I collect throughout the semester in a presentation at the Honors Suite to other students in the Biomedical
Research Mentorship Program and their mentors. I will create the presentation, with help from Dr. Shifley as
needed, and will give the presentation myself. A similar poster will be made in order to present my findings at
the 2013 Undergraduate Conference as well.
Although the project direction limits the creativity I am able to implement into the project, I took a great
amount of initiative in entering the Biomedical Research Mentoring Program, setting up interviews with
mentors, and choosing what project I wanted to work with. Additionally, feedback I provided during my
interview directed what I am doing in lab as well.
5. Reflection
I will be keeping a lab notebook on the experiments I am performing through out the semester, as well
as results obtained from each experiment. Having a lab notebook containing both what I have done and the
results obtained from said procedures will allow me to reflect back on the project thus far as I work toward
formulating these results into a cohesive understanding of the genes and signaling pathways associated with
early lung and liver development. Reflecting over my results and lab notebook each week will help prepare me
for dissemination of my research, as I will be able to see how new results each week connect to results
previously. If I am able to explain and make these connections during weekly reflections (described below) then
it may be an indicator that I am making the connections needed to be able to accurately disseminate my project.
It will serve as a gauge on how well I am working toward that outcome.
Reflection on my results will allow me to consistently keep up with the direction in which the project is
heading and how previous results may connect with new results as they continue to form. In addition to a lab
notebook, I will write a reflection each week on my results and the different techniques I used as well as what I
did and did not like during the week. Such reflections may include connections to background reading or
different things I may have discussed with Dr. Shifley etc. Through these reflections, I hope to learn what I may
be doing wrong or what I need to improve on from week to week. Hopefully, through this reflection, I will be
able to see what things I need to address with Dr. Shifley and what questions I should be asking her. Since
asking questions was something I struggled with in my previous research experience, anything that could
alleviate that problem this time around would be very helpful. Reflecting on my likes and dislikes on a weekly
basis will also be able to help me with analyzing how my view is changing in relation to whether or I want to
pursue research as a career. One the ultimate takeaways I want to get from this experience is to have a better
sense of direction in my future educational and career path. I hope that these weekly reflections help sort out
this problem.
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The information from my background reading will also appear in these weekly reflections. This is a way
for me to make sure I stay up to date with background readings throughout the project. Additionally, these
weekly reflections will serve to help direct my background reading in the future. Questions I might find myself
asking during reflection could be items that further background reading could help solve.
At the end of the semester, I will be writing a reflective essay on the entire experience for the Honors
Program. In this essay I will want to focus on the impact this project has had on my ability to understand and
disseminate research, the way in which I conduct myself in a research setting (such as if I make sure to ask
questions when appropriate), and the impact this has on my future career path. Ultimately, this essay should
help answer how I plan to move on professionally from here.
6. Dissemination
I will be presenting the findings of my research project and my personal experience throughout the
project in the Honor’s Suite on April 9th, 2013 from 5-7pm. My audience will be my mentor, Dr. Emily Shifley,
as well as biological professionals mentoring other students in the Undergraduate Biomedical Research
Mentorship Program. This is the perfect audience for my dissemination, in that it will prove my understanding
of my project and research results completely. If I am able to accurately present my findings so that an audience
of biological professionals can understand what I am describing, it will show that I have developed a deeper
understanding in my project and developmental biology as well. Additionally, being able to present to an
audience of my peers and helping them to understand my project will develop my communication skills in
articulating a complex topic to those lacking prior knowledge on my topic.
Considering one of my learning outcomes I hope to complete is to disseminate the knowledge I gained, I
also plan to apply to participate in the 2013 Undergraduate Conference through a poster presentation. The
Undergraduate Conference provides a very large and diverse audience with which to present my results to as
many different people attend the conference. This is a perfect situation to achieve experience in disseminating
research and knowledge gained. The diverse audience of passer-byes would really flex my ability to present my
research in multiple ways so that it is understandable to each person who stops by, interested in my poster. It
will also allow me to practice explaining my project at different lengths, depending on the interest of each
passer-by.
7. Project Advisor
Emily Shifley, PhD (Post-Doctoral Fellow)
Developmental Biology, CCHMC
Cell Phone: 614-390-9578
Lab Phone: 513-636-8131
emily.shifley@cchmc.org
8. Budget
This research position is an unpaid position. I will be working 9-10 hours a week in the lab from the
week of January 21st to the week of April 15th (excluding Spring Break) for a total of 12 weeks. Additionally, I
put in 13 hours of training prior to these dates. Overall background reading and reflection (including the
reflection essay) and presentations associated with this project add 20-30 hours of time commitment throughout
the semester as well. The combination of working in the lab, keeping my grades up, and being executive officer
for a community service group on campus, Circle K International, prevents me from having the time necessary
to commit to a part time job. Thus, I would like to obtain an honors grant for the hours I will spend working on
this project.
Additionally, I would like $100 for the printing of a large, quality poster and purchase of poster board
for use during both my Biomedical Research Mentoring Program presentation and the 2013 Undergraduate
Conference. This estimate is based off of previous pricing for printing a poster for use during my Capstone
presentation at the Ohio State University during my previous research internship.
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References I Would Like to Explore Further
Dorey K, Amaya E: FGF signalling: diverse roles during early vertebrate embryogenesis. Development 2010,
137:3731-3742.
McLin, V. A., Rankin, S. A., & Zorn, A. M. (2007). Repression of wnt/β-catenin signaling in the anterior
endoderm is essential for liver and pancreas development. Development, 134(12), 2207-2217. doi:
10.1242/dev.001230
Morrisey EE, Hogan BL: Preparing for the first breath: genetic and cellular mechanisms in lung development.
Dev Cell 2010, 18:8-23.
Shifley et al.: Prolonged FGF signaling is necessary for lung and liver induction in Xenopus. BMC
Developmental Biology 2012 12:27.
Spence, J. R. et al. (2011). Directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into intestinal tissue in vitro.
Nature, 470(7332), 105-109. doi: 10.1038/nature09691
Zorn, A. M., & Wells, J. M. (2009). Vertebrate endoderm development and organ formation. Annual Review of
Cell and Developmental Biology, 25, 221-251. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.042308.113344
Zaret KS, Grompe M: Generation and regeneration of cells of the liver and pancreas.
Science 2008, 322:1490-1494.