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Opportunities in Genomics Research
Overview
The Genome Sequencing Center (GSC) at Washington University School of Medicine has summer research opportunities for talented students. Our mission is to promote and to increase ethnic diversity in genomics. "Opportunities in Genomics Research" is designed to train students for and to provide pathways to graduate study in genomics. Participants will engage in scientific research under the mentorship of faculty at Washington University. The program will include courses, seminars, GRE preparation and grant writing workshops and social activities. Ultimately, we want to produce viable candidates for competitive graduate programs, namely in genomics or a related field.
Applicant Requirements/Eligibility
Who should apply?Any student who is interested in a career in scientific research or whose college major is in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) - related field. In keeping with our mission, we especially encourage applications from underrepresented minorities (African-Americans, Native-Americans (including Alaska natives), Native-Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic-Americans)
- GPA requirements: Competitive
- Residency requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident
- Eligibility: "Opportunities in Genomics Research" includes the following programs and student level eligibility:
- GSC Academy: Eligible students are local high school students (juniors and seniors) and entering college freshmen.
- GSC Undergraduate Scholars: Eligible students are rising sophomores and rising juniors in college.
- GSC Extensive Study: Eligible students are rising college seniors or recent college graduates.
- Provisions of Programs: Competitive stipends and summer housing (must be 18 or older for housing)
Research Opportunities
Participating Laboratories for 2007 include:
Dr. Stephen Johnson: Our lab is interested in growth control and morphogenesis in zebrafish development. Thus, we study the pigment pattern and the control of size and regeneration of the fin. Our basic approach is to identify mutations that affect adult pigment stripe pattern or fin growth and regeneration and analyze the mutations in singly or multiply mutant fish to identify the tissues and genetic pathways affected. Additionally, we are trying to identify the genes affected by the mutations, and are working to develop genetic and physical maps that will lead to isolation of these genes. See: Johnson Laboratory Homepage
Dr. Daniel Link: Hematopoiesis, the process by which all blood cells are formed, is a tightly regulated process that is disrupted in a number of blood diseases, including leukemias. The main interest of our laboratory is to define the mechanisms that regulate normal and leukemic hematopoiesis.
Current projects include the following:
- Characterization of the pathogenesis of congenital neutropenia syndromes
These syndromes are characterized by neutropenia at birth and are associated with a marked propensity to develop leukemia. Studies to define the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and leukemogenesis are underway.
- Identification of the mechanisms regulating the trafficking of neutrophils and hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow to blood
Neutrophils are released from the bone marrow in a regulated fashion to maintain homeostatic levels in the blood and to rapidly increase neutrophil numbers in the blood in response to stress, such as infection. We are characterizing the molecular mechanisms regulating neutrophil and stem cell release from the bone marrow to blood.
- Characterization of the therapeutic potential of stem cell mobilization to mediate tissue regeneration
Recent studies suggest that bone marrow derived stem cells, including endothelial progenitors, can mediate tissue regeneration in non-hematopoietic tissues such as the liver and heart. We are developing methods to efficiently mobilize these stem cells from the bone marrow to blood. The ability of mobilized stem cells to mediate tissue regeneration following cardiac, liver or vascular injury is being characterized.
Principal Investigator
Helpful Links
Last Reviewed: June 19, 2008
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