Investigating host interactions with the mycobacterial cell envelope
We are studying how mycobacterium tuberculosis is able to inhibit cell function specifically phagocytosis to survive and circumvent host defense mechanisms. We specifically investigating how mycobacterial cell envelope glycolipids, particularly within the mycomembrane, are recognized by the host immune system and alter host immune responses. This research involves the study of host interacting proteins utilizing synthetic clickable photoactivable probes that mimic different fragments of the cell envelope and via click chemistry can allows us to detect these host proteins interactions. We employ different techniques such as cell culture, western blotting, immunopercipitation, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy and macrophage infection with Mtb. The student will be able to assist the graduate student in various part of the project(including cell culture, western blotting and immunopercipitation) and depending on how much time they can commit they can have their own project. We are looking for someone that can minimally stay for a year(in the case that they are juniors or seniors) but it will be wonderful if they are underclassmen who can stay longer. It will be great if the student has prior experience from class but no worries if not and that they will commit to spending time in lab (of course depends on their class schedule).
Gaining laboratory skills is essential because it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge they have gained in class and apply to publishable research. If the student is interested in graduate school or medical school this will be a great opportunity to gain practical skills and improve your CV. Aside of all that, you will gain multiple mentors that can guide you if you do chose to continue studying after college. The project the student will assit on, will lead to a publication where they can be an author on. Moreover, being in a lab will allow you to present in conferences and improve your presentation skills.