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.
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!