Using zebrafish to understand the developmental origins of disease

The Timme-Laragy lab uses zebrafish and cell culture to understand how embryonic exposure to pollutants affects embryonic development and later-life health outcomes. We have ongoing projects examining the effects of perfluorinated compounds and PCBs on pancreas and liver development, and are investigating toxicant effects on later-life metabolic diseases. We anchor these morphometric and metabolic outcomes with experiments probing the antioxidant defense system and the Nrf2 signaling pathway. We are looking for 3 students interested in joining our research team for the next 3-4 years. All students begin their first semester in our lab as a volunteer. Students are eligible for independent study credits, work study, summer research positions, CHC research apprenticeships, and honors thesis opportunities throughout their time in lab if excellent performance is demonstrated. In your application essay describe your relevant work experiences and skills and include your fall 2024 class schedule.

Name of research group, project, or lab
Timme-Laragy Lab
Why participate in this opportunity?

By joining this lab, you will receive training in how to conduct research within the scope of the lab's focus on developmental toxicology and redox biology. If you choose to work hard, there are many benefits. For example, you may earn authorship on papers - even a potential coveted first author slot if warranted. You may earn the opportunity to travel to present your work at scientific conferences. You have access to mentorship and career advice. You can earn nominations for university awards, outstanding letters of recommendation for grad school/med school/job recommendations/etc. It is up to you as to what you'd like your mentors to be able to say in those letters or when an employer calls us for a reference. Every day in lab, you are building a reputation, as well as contributing to or even leading a research project. We like everyone to always bring their best self to lab!

 

 

Representative publication or further information
Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Cellular Biology
Developmental Biology
Molecular Biology
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Student qualifications

Applicants should be organized, detail oriented, responsible and dependable. Availability some mornings between 10am 12pm, and some afternoons between 3pm 5pm is required. Able to work in a warm and humid environment and be able to lift fish tanks holding 1-2 gallons of water. Applicants should have a strong work ethic and prepare to work in a team setting with a good attitude. We will train you! 

Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Ind. Study Credit
Research - Paid, General
Research - Paid, Work-Study Req.
Research - Volunteer
Number of openings
3
Techniques learned

Duties and responsibilities: (1) Conduct weekly fish room chores including fish feeding and fish breeding; (2) Screen fish embryos with microscopy for transgenics, mutations, and deformities; (3) Maintain and clean fish tanks, dishes, counters, and floors; (4) Conduct experiments on the toxicity of chemicals to fish embryos using established protocols; (5) Contribute to data collection for publications, presentations, and reports ; (6) Attend weekly lab meetings and journal clubs.

 

Techniques learned in lab: (1) Zebrafish husbandry; (2) Live embryo microscopy; (3) Embryology; (4) Toxicology; (5) Gene expression; (6) Cell culture; (7) Plasmid engineering; (8) Microinjections; (9) RNA sequencing. 

Project start
Fall 2024
Contact Information:
Mentor
cgridley@umass.edu
Lab Manager
Name of project director or principal investigator
Alicia Timme-Laragy
Email address of project director or principal investigator
aliciat@umass.edu
3 sp. | 38 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk (+1)
5-7 h/wk8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Developmental Biology (+2)
Cellular BiologyDevelopmental BiologyMolecular Biology