Image analysis and quantification of glial cell development in mice
Our lab studies glial cells that the myelinate the axons of neurons, which facilitates information transmission across brain circuits. The focus of this project is to delineate stages of cellular development using confocal images of brain tissue samples from transgenic reporter mice. We are looking for students who are interested in cell biology and the focus of this project is to help improving strategies for image processing and quantification to better understand these cells. Students will use image analysis software (e.g. Nikon NIS-Elements software, ImageJ) and process data for visualization and statistical analyses using R programming language and Microsoft Excel.
In a brief essay, please answer the following questions: After reading some of our papers, what do you see as the most compelling part of our research? What questions remain unanswered?
Students who participate in this opportunity will develop a variety of skills for anatomical, cellular, and molecular understanding of the developing brain across the lifespan and the impact alcohol use has on the oligodendrocyte cell lineage. Once trained, image analysis software allows for remote work and opportunities for presenting at local conferences.