2006 STUDENTS & TEACHERS AS RESEARCH SCIENTISTS …



2020 STARS PROGRAM MENTOR SELECTION LISTBIOLOGICAL SCIENCE Dr. Yehuda Ben-Shahar – : Behavioral Genetics.Dr. Gerardo Camilo – : The research in my lab focuses in understanding pollinators’ ecology, genetics and diversity in urban environments. My cities have more pollinator species than surrounding agricultural areas. What forces lead to such patterns is important for agriculture, conservation, and management. We use a combination of experiments, remote sensing and bioinformatics to address these questions.Dr. Kirk Czymmek – or : My lab is interested in using contemporary molecular cytology, preparation and imaging technologies to understand aspects of plant-microbe interactions and fungal cell biology, with special emphasis on fungal-plant pathogenic interactions and the mechanisms of fungal hyphal tip growth.Dr. Aimee Dunlap – : We study the evolution of information use (learning, memory, and decision making) using bumblebees and fruit flies as model systems. We test how bumblebees incorporate different aspects of their environment, like floral information and social information, to determine how they forage on flowers efficiently and track changes across the season. We use the same economic theory to test predictions about decision making in fruit flies, within lifetimes and across generations. The focus in each system is how animals balance multiple sources of information.Dr. Uthayashanker Ezekiel – : My laboratory research focus is to identify phytochemicals derived from plant sources that have anti-cancer properties and subject them to systematic study to define their effect on cancer cells. The proposed work focuses on elucidating: (1) effects of phytochemicals on colon cancer cell proliferation; (2) molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals that inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation; and (3) effects of phytochemicals as they inhibit or reverse mesenchymal transition of chemoresistant metastatic cells. Dr. Jonathan Fisher – : We are interested in regulation of glucose uptake by muscle cells, and important process that helps keep blood sugar levels within normal bounds.Dr. Keith Hengen – : The Hengen Lab studies the basis of robust neural computation. These questions are addressed in a variety of models spanning cellular level analysis of synaptic plasticity to freely behaving transgenic mice with Alzheimer’s Disease.Dr. Joseph Jez – : We explore a variety of regulatory networks in plants and microbes.? Experimentally, we use a combination of biochemistry, protein engineering, x-ray crystallography, and cell biology to investigate the molecular basis of biological processes.Dr. Elizabeth Kellogg – : STARS students in the lab will be involved in one of two projects. One project entails Improving the poorly known African crop plants tef and fonio. The other project investigates how prairie plants respond to heat, drought, and being eaten by herbivores.Dr. Wendy Olivas – : The Olivas lab studies how members of the Puf family of RNA-binding proteins stimulate the degradation of targeted mRNAs to control proper protein production from those mRNAs, and thereby control proper cell function. We use both the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae model system as well as human neural cells to perform experiments investigating the mechanisms by which Puf proteins regulate mRNA degradation, the pathways by which Puf protein activity is altered by varying environmental conditions, and the roles of Puf proteins in Parkinson’s Disease.Dr. Dilip Shah – dshah : My lab investigates mechanisms of action of plant defense peptides and applies this knowledge to make plants resistant to fungal diseases. Dr. Laurie Shornick – : Infants are very susceptible to infection.? My laboratory is interested in understanding the differences between the neonatal and adult immune response to respiratory viral infections.Dr. James Umen – : We use green algae as genetic models to investigate size control and the cell cycle, cell growthcontrol and carbon partitioning to lipids, and the evolution of multicellularity and dimorphic sexes. Dr. Xuemin (Sam) Wang – or : My research centers on Lipid signaling and metabolism in plant response to stress. We investigate 1) how lipids function as mediators in plant response to drought, salinity, and N and P availability, and 2) how lipid synthesis and accumulation are regulated to enhance lipid production for biofuel, industrial feedstock, and nutritional applications.Dr. Wenyan Xiao – : Genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression and plant reproduction.Dr. Fenglian Xu – : Our lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control neuronal growth, synapse formation, neurodegeneration and regeneration processes. These are critical processes that are involved in normal brain development and function, as well as in repairing neural damage after stroke or trauma. We conduct our research using primary cell cultures of rat or snail neurons in combination with several modern neuroscience techniques including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and molecular biology. Results from our research contribute to our fundamental understanding of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.Dr. Ru Zhang – : The Zhang laboratory employs cutting-edge technologies in green algae and land plants to study how photosynthetic organisms respond to environment, especially high temperatures.CHEMISTRY / BIOCHEMISTRY Dr. James Bashkin – : We pursue organic chemistry and biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology to study current candidates and discover new antiviral drug candidates to prevent cervical cancer and other virally derived diseases. Students will make drug candidates for testing.Dr. Eike Bauer – eike- : Our research is directed towards the development of new catalyst systems based on iron. Catalysts speed up chemical reactions and iron catalysts may find applications in pharmaceutical production, because iron is non-toxic. For our research, we use instrumentation that is also used in industrial and pharmaceutical research and production.Dr. Alexei Demchenko – : Glycoworld is a research lab led by Dr. Demchenko where scientists have been developing new tools for the synthesis and application of sugars (carbs). To make carbs more accessible for biomedical studies and pharmaceutical applications, the Demchenko lab has been developing methods for their chemical synthesis.Dr. Bruce Hamper – : Our lab investigates continuous flow chemistry for the preparation of biologically relevant target molecules and improvement of reaction processes. We are currently investigating the preparation of vaccine bioconjugates using continuous flow processes.Dr. Istvan Kiss – : Chemical Brain and Chaos: Complex dynamics of networks of electrochemical reactions. Overall goal in our group is the development of a nanoscale chemical computing device (e.g., machine learning) that can process information, incorporates battery and sensors to perform higher level functions such as memory and adaptation. To achieve this goal we investigate collective dynamics (e.g., synchronization and chaos) of networks of current generating chemical reactions with electrochemical cells. Dr. Michael Nichols – : In Dr. Michael Nichols’ research group, graduate students, undergraduate students, and technicians work together to understand the underlying biochemistry of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Specifically, we study many aspects of the amyloid-beta protein (Aβ), the primary cause of AD and main component of the senile plaques that accumulate in the brains of AD patients. Our work combines both biophysical and cellular studies.Dr. James O’Brien and Dr. Leah O’Brien – High Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy conducted conducted by Intracavity Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (ILS) and Fourier Transform Emission Spectroscopy (FTS). Diatomic gas-phase free radicals such as Platinum Fluoride (PtF), Copper Oxide (CuO), Tungsten Carbide (WC) can be created for spectral observations in hollow cathode plasma discharges. We aim to characterize the electronic, vibrational and rotational structure of these species, which are important for catalysis, CVD processes and in advancing theory. Over the past several summers, STARS students engaged in such work have been co-authors of papers published in top journals such as the Journal of molecular Spectroscopy. In 2018, two STARS students worked on PtCl and eight vibronic band systems were identified and rotationally analyzed in the resulting paper (J. Mol. Spec. 359, 6-15, 2019). In summer 2019, the molecule was WS and a paper will result from that work. In 2020 the molecules of interest are CuO and PtF – spectra will be recorded using a recently implemented ILS-FTS combined system based on dye- and Ti:sapphire lasers. This combination enables spectra to be recorded at ultra-high resolution and sensitivity so the fine structure in the spectra can be studied and detailed analysis can be performed for different isotopes of the metal.Dr. Vijay Sharma – : My research interests are at the interface of radiopharmaceutical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biology, to discover and develop molecular probes, for addressing important biological questions across multiple disciplines. Specific emphasis is towards the design of small organic molecules, peptides, and metalloprobes, including their radiolabeled counterparts for diagnosis of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and coronary artery disease (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging), tumor imaging, to understand protein-protein interactions via imaging of reporter gene expression in vivo, and to investigate biological mechanism(s), using agents designed and developed within the group for rapidly emerging fields of molecular imaging. Dr. Keith Stine – : The project will involve the use of electrochemical methods to create gold nanostructures for potential use in controlled release of drug molecules.Dr. Chung Wong – : Computer-aided design of anti-cancer drugs targeting protein kinases. ENGINEERING / EARTH & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE / COMPUTER SCIENCE/ PHYSICS Dr. Jeffrey G. Catalano – : The Catalano group has diverse research interests focused on the interaction between water and minerals. This year, we seek a STARS student to investigate how minerals remove heavy metals from water to improve our understanding of how contaminants migrate in soils and aquatic systems.Dr. David Fike and Dr. Jennifer Houghton – (Click on the “Research” tab). In the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab at Washington University in St. Louis, we study geochemical signatures of sulfur cycling to understand how environmental conditions are preserved. By studying the isotopic composition of assemblages of individual minerals from different sedimentary environments, both present and past, we can reconstruct the long-term evolution of environmental conditions over Earth history.Dr. Young-Shin Jun – : The group develops new treatment techniques and new catalysts for purifying drinking water and remediating contaminated water and soil, benefiting water reuse, managed aquifer recharge, and membrane processes (reverse osmosis membrane and ultrafiltration). In addition, her group investigates biomineralization and bio-inspired chemistry for novel materials development for the sustainable environment.Dr. Henry Kang – cs.umsl.edu/~kang/: Computer graphics, Computer Animation and Computer Games. Dr. Jianfeng (Jeff) Ma – : Dr. Ma’s research areas include Mechatronics/Robotics, Automation of 3D printing and manufacturing processes, Laser Peening of Metallic and Non-metallic Materials, Laser-matter interaction, Investigation of Advanced Manucaturing Processes, and micro- and nano-manufacturing of brittle materials, Computational Solid Mechanics, Designing and Optimizing of Tires.Dr. Scott Sell – : The focus of our lab is the fabrication and evaluation of tissue engineering scaffolds capable of replicating both the form and function of the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Through the creation of idealized tissue engineering structures, we hope to harness the body’s own reparative potential and accelerate regeneration. We are primarily interested in utilization of the electrospinning process to create nanofibrous polymeric structures that can be applied to a wide range of applications. Of principal interest to our laboratory is the fabrication of scaffolds capable of promoting wound healing and the filling of large tissue defects, as well as orthopedic applications such as bone and ligament repair. Dr. Srikanth Singamaneni – : Organic materials with responsive and self-assembling properties combined with functional plasmonic nanostructures that exhibit unique optical properties form?a powerful materials platform for a wide variety of applications including plasmonic photovoltaics, chemical and biological sensors, adaptive materials, non- or minimally-invasive bioimaging and therapy.Dr. Grigoriy Yablonsky – : Mathematical models of complex catalytic reactions and processes, analysis of combustion reactions and processes of transformation of carbon dioxide into chemicals.Dr. Fuzhong Zhang – : Synthetic biology, engineering microbes to produce chemicals and materials.Dr. Silviya Zustiak – : Nanocomposite zinc oxide hydrogels as substrates for neural tissue engineering. MEDICINE / PSYCHOLOGY / ALLIED HEALTH Dr. Mikhail Berezin – : Study of biomarkers as a tool for improving the diagnosis and treatment of CIPN.Dr. Bettina Casad – : My research program examines four specific areas within social neuroscience including racial discrimination and health; the impact of gender discrimination on women in STEM; the social neuroscience underlying social identity threat (e.g., sexism); and the role of empathy and neural synchrony in reducing implicit racism and sexism. Dr. Patricia Cavazos-Rehg – : Research interests include using various social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) to examine substance use and mental health issues, including new or emerging methods of substance use (e.g. vaping, dabbing), depression and self-harm. Dr. Angela Hirbe – : As a practicing medical oncologist who treats sarcoma, my research focuses on utilization of genomic information from sarcomas to better understand the pathogenesis of these tumors and to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these aggressive cancers. Dr. Ajay K Jain – : Our research evaluates ameliorative and preventative strategies for Parenteral Nutrition associated injury. This is a critical therapy in pediatric medicine but unfortunately is associated with multisystem injury, specially affecting premature babies. We are NIH funded to conducted basic science studies; we also have internal and extramural foundation support for clinical studies.Dr. Kory Lavine – : We are interested in understanding how the innate and adaptive immune system governs the pathogenesis of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.Dr. Lori Markson – : My lab studies social cognitive development in infants and children. We explore how children reason and think about people from different social groups, for example, from a different recial/ethnic background, or who speaks a different language and how this might affect their learning from and trust in others, social preference and attitudes, and the development of bias.Dr. Adriana Montano, PhD – : We are focused on the research of lysosomal storage disorders. We have been studying the basic biology of the Mucopolysaccharidoses in order to develop novel treatments. In addition, we are conducting a pilot study to establish newborn screening of Mucopolysaccharidoses. Dr. Steve Mumm – : We study molecular genetics of rare inherited bone diseases, such as hypophosphatasia, juvenile Paget’s disease, X-linked Hypophosphatemic rickets, and many others. The major goal is to identify specific gene mutations in patients’ DNA as the cause of their bone disease.Dr. Kamlesh Patel – : Outcomes in patients with craniofacial anomalies.Dr. Deborah Salvo – : My interests lie in generating, translating and scaling up evidence for reducing health and social disparities, with a particular emphasis on chronic disease prevention in low and middle-income countries, and among minority groups in the U.S.Dr. Susan Stark – : The research of the Participation, Environment and Performance Laboratory (PEPL) focuses on the unique contribution that the environment can make toward improving the performance, participation and quality of life for persons living with functional limitations. Dr. Stark and her team study how the environment accounts for the differences between what individuals are capable of doing and their actual participation in society. An exploration of the physical environment as influencing behavior is the basis of research questions designed to explore the impact of the person/environment interface. The lab studies older adults living in the community. The lab works with physicians and research scientists in the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, the Department of Emergency Medicine and the division of Geriatrics. They also collaborate with computer scientists, nurses and psychologists. They have a strong network of community partners and many colleagues in the U.S. and internationally that collaborate on projects. Dr. Phyllis Stein – : Our laboratory analyzes information from heart rate patterns on long-term continuous electrocardiograms, usually 24-hour ambulatory recordings or overnight sleep studies.?These patterns can be quantified mathematically as heart rate variability measures or analyzed graphically in different ways. What I have in mind for this summer is the performance of graphical heart rate pattern analysis from a set of 24-hour recordings on people who do and do not have chronic multi-symptom illness (fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome).?These recordings have already been analyzed enough so that heart rate patterns can be plotted using software that we already have.?We expect that heart rate patterns, especially during sleep, will be different who are healthy and those who are not.?Thus, the student will be working on finding and quantifying any differences in heart rate patterns between these two groups. The student will be using an existing dataset to create a matched set of people to compare, matching cases and controls on both age and gender.Dr. Rachel Wamser-Nanney – : Studies the brain and its reactions to physical and chemical stimuli, specifically what physically happens in the brain during and following traumatic stress. They will explore not only the physical, but the behavioral and emotional reactions to traumatic stress through the lens of groundbreaking new research. Most importantly, they will offer a fresh perspective on care and treatment. ................
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