Belmont Summer Scholars

Analyzing the regulation of mRNA export through the nuclear pore complex in budding yeast

The goal of my group of undergraduate research students is to explore the fundamental process of how the information stored in genes is used to make proteins. During this process, called gene expression, an intermediary molecule between DNA and proteins called mRNA carries this information in the cell. In cells with a nucleus (eukaryotes) mRNA must travel from the nucleus, the storage place of DNA, to the cytoplasm, where ribosomes are located to translate, or decode, the mRNA into protein. This important step of mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is the focus of my lab.

The nucleus is surrounded by an envelope that separates the DNA from the rest of the cell. However, embedded in the envelope are little doorways called nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). The NPCs only allow selective transport in and out and specific signals are required for passage through this doorway. We study how this passage occurs for mRNA.

To understand how mRNA is permitted out of the nucleus through the NPC, we use a powerful and favorite organism of molecular biologists: S. cerevisiae, the common baker’s yeast. The fundamental biology of yeast is surprisingly similar to humans, so by studying this simple organism, we can understand more about how human cells function. Our approaches involve engineering DNA sequences through molecular cloning, assessing the effect of these DNA sequences on microbial yeast growth, and visualizing cellular processes through fluorescence microscopy.

Special Skills Taught: molecular cloning, microbiology, microscopy, bioinformatics, research presentations

Important Information for Participants: An Introduction to Biology (Principles I Lecture and Lab) is preferred

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: rebecca.adams@belmont.edu

Understanding the role of MLL complex members in cancer

Understanding what causes cancer at the cellular level is essential to developing innovative and effective cancer therapies. My group seeks to understand the MLL complex family, a group of protein complexes that remodel chromatin to activate or repress transcription. It is well established that the MLL complex plays a role in leukemia and many other cancers. We will use CRISPR technology to activate or repress specific proteins within the MLL complex in cancer cells and see how it affects their growth and function.

Special Skills Taught: molecular cloning, cell culture, CRISPR, research presentations

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 8 weeks (May 28-July 19), ~23 hr/week

Email me: andrea.florian@belmont.edu

The anatomy, physiology, and organismal performance of small ectotherms

The goal of my research program is to discover how the form – or structure – of an animal affects its function – or ability to find mates, escape from predators, capture prey, and survive in its environment. My lab uses comparative and integrative biological techniques at the intersection of physics, morphology, and ecology to address this broader topic. Various experimental techniques, including high-speed videography, electromyography, geometric morphometrics (shape analysis), and Infrared technology will be used in the lab to measure locomotor and muscular performance of small ectotherms.

Special Skills Taught: Slow motion capture and analysis, EMG data collection, dissection techniques, IR thermal data collection

Important Information for Participants: Coursework related to Human A&P, physics, or kinesiology may be helpful but are not necessary

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: chase.kinsey@belmont.edu

Discovering the role of genes in disease causing bacteria and detecting potentially harmful bacteria in environmental samples

My primary research focus is understanding the molecular reasons that make bacteria function. The organism I work with is Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough. Projects with B. pertussis would include deleting genes in this bacterium and testing how the loss of that genes affects its survival and replication. I am also interested in developing new projects that incorporate environmental bacteria or survey type projects looking for certain types of bacteria in certain environments. One example of that would be testing local dog parks for the presence of Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacterium that causes kennel cough. I am also open to ideas that you have as well, as long as it involves bacteria!

Special Skills Taught: molecular biology, bacterial cultivation

Important Information for Participants: If students want to use summer scholars for BIO4700 credit they must meet the prereqs for BIO4700

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: elizabeth.schoenfeld@belmont.edu

The MYC-EGR1 pathway in human intestinal differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis

The MYC oncogene that is upregulated in many cancers. The MYC protein is a transcription factor that generally stimulates cell proliferation it overabundance leads to uncontrolled cell growth. In certain cellular contexts, MYC can stimulate the expression of the tumor suppressor EGR1 and stimulate apoptosis. We have evidence that the MYC-EGR1 pathway may also be involved in early development of endoderm, the germ layer that ultimately produces the adult intestine. Our studies seek to understand the roles for MYC and EGR1 in intestinal development and proliferation and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells.

Special Skills Taught: General cell culture, genetic manipulation of cultured cells, RNA interference, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, Real-time quantitative RT-PCR

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: erick.spears@belmont.edu

Basic Cell Biology of Lysosomal Storage Disorders

The Sterling Lab is focused on rare and neglected conditions, namely rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, we work on Lysomal Storage Disorders, a set of rare genetic conditions that impact the lysosome. To study the diseases, we combine molecular techniques with live cell microscopy to see what the cell is doing in real time. You’ll be seeing things that very few people have ever seen before.

Special Skills Taught: Cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, immunofluoresence microscopy, cell imaging, data analysis, presentation skills

Important Information for Participants: This work is best for students who have taken principles of biolgy I. In particular, the students should have a passion for cells!

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: felicity.sterling@belmont.edu

1) Synthesis of organic materials/monomer for proton exchange membrane and 2) Organic nanoparticles for cancer research

1. Perfluorinated monomers/polymers for Proton exchange membrane fuel cells A series of diazonium (perfluoroalkyl)aryl sulfonyimide (PFSI) zwitterionic monomers have been synthesized from perfluoro-3, 6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-sulfonyl fluoride (Nafion®), and perfluoro-3-oxa-4-pentenesulfonyl fluoride (POPF) monomers for the first time. With trifluorovinyl ether and diazonium precursors, the partially-fluorinated diazonium monomers can be further polymerized and will provide chemically bonding with carbon electrode in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. A systematic study of the synthesis and characterization of these diazonium PFSI monomers will be conducted. Special Skills Taught: organic lab synthesis skills, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy

2. Theranostic nanoparticles incorporating carbon folic acid (FA)- carbon dots(CDs)- anticancer drugs The long-term goal is to develop the theranostic nanoparticles (NPs) that will improve diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy for cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Two of the major challenges in cancer therapy are enhancing detection methods to diagnose early-stage cancer and increasing drug specificity to spare healthy cells. Our hypothesis is that the NPs incorporating CDs, FA, and anticancer drugs can provide the novel theranostic solutions for the simultaneous diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancers.

Special Skills Taught: organic lab synthesis skills, Infrared Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fluorometer

Important Information for Participants: Organic lecture and lab is required

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 8 weeks (May 28-July 19), ~23 hr/week

Email me: hua.mei@belmont.edu

Doing Data Science Research with Undergraduate Students from Multi-disciplinary Academic Background: Theories, Techniques, and Applications

This research program introduces undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to Data Science research using top-tier journal articles. Students will develop an understanding of Data Science research and develop their own research articles in Data Science.

We will study the fundamental principles and techniques of data science and data mining research. Additionally, we will examine real-world examples and cases to place data science/mining techniques in context, develop data-analytic thinking, and illustrate that proper data science research is as much an art as it is a science.

Special Skills Taught: Critical study, analysis and review of key data science articles. 2. Identification of critical research topics in data science 3. Conceptualization and formulation of data science research topics. 4. Examination of different research methodologies in data science. 5. Examination of research models in data science research. 6. Prepare professional review and understand the review process. 7.Identification and evaluation of potential researchable areas. 8. Prepare topic analyses of “researchable” ideas suitable for data science research. 9. Conduct literature analysis on a suitable research topic. 10. Develop “writing” skills for conference/journal publications

Important Information for Participants: Recommended reading material (Note Required): Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices, 1st Edition (2012) by Anol Bhattacherjee, Creative Commons Attribution, ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1475146127; ISBN-10: 1475146124

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: rudy.bedeley@belmont.edu

Social Factors in the School Environment

Our projects will focus on social parts of the school environment (K-12 and/or college), which may include teacher attitudes/expectations, supportive school climate, social/school connectedness, and peer relationships. Projects will be survey-based, and data will be collected online from Prolific, which allows us to have diverse and specific samples. Students involved in these projects will have the opportunity to collaborate on coming up with specific topics based on their interests. Students will also be involved in all parts of the research process, from project conceptualization and study design all the way through to presentation of collected/analyzed data.

Special Skills Taught: IRB processes, Qualtrics survey building, Prolific (data collection on an online platform), statistical analyses, communicating results to a wide audience

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (June 10-July 19), ~30 hr/week

Email me: abigail.heller@belmont.edu

The Psychology of Body Image, Identity, Objectification, and Gender

This experience will involve designing an online data collection examining body image, identity, objectification, and gender’s relationship with educational, physical, and social/emotional outcomes in emerging adults (~18-29 years old). As part of this project, students will be able to develop research questions and hypotheses related to variables of particular interest to them and develop/conduct a study testing these hypotheses. After data collection is complete, students will learn how to select and conduct the appropriate statistical analyses and present their findings in a conference-type setting. This project is highly adaptable to suit students’ specific interests!

Special Skills Taught: Literature review, using Qualtrics/Prolific for data collection, data analysis using SPSS and R, writing and presenting research

Important Information for Participants: Statistics and Research Methods are both highly recommended

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (June 3-July 12; flexible), ~30 hr/week

Email me: jessica.hocking@belmont.edu

Brain Wave Activity and Cognitive Performance

In this work, we will explore the neurophysiological underpinnings of individual differences in cognitive performance. We will use electroencephalography (EEG) to assess brain wave activity in response to various cognitive stimuli. Cognitive domains explored include: memory, attention, language, visuospatial navigation, and more.

Special Skills Taught: EEG net application, EEG experiment setup, ERP data processing, coding, etc.

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 or 8 weeks (May 28-July 3+), ~23 hr/week

Email me: michael.oliver@belmont.edu

To act or not to act? Perceptions of action and inaction

A new CEO refuses to adapt and sales drop. A different CEO changes things up and they lose sales as well. Do we perceive these outcomes (and CEOs) differently? The goal of this experience is to examine perceptions of action and inaction among decision-makers. Building upon previous research in moral psychology, behavioral economics, and other subfields, students will work together to conduct original research examining the factors which affect these perceptions. 

Special Skills Taught: Data analysis in R, Qualtrics survey design, interdisciplinary approaches, experimental design

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 28-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: adam.smiley@belmont.edu