Research Technician
Job Description
The three-year training will greatly improve:
- student鈥檚 confidence
- molecular biology, biochemistry and microbial discrimination theoretical and practical knowledge
- culture maintenance skills of 7 Entamoeba strains
- presentation, writing and working both independently and with teams
A science major exposed to hands-on experience beyond the classroom will increase her analytical skills and prepare her for a graduate track or a research assistant position. The student will gain confidence and independence by generating a research project and carrying it to completion. They also improve curriculum knowledge of Biochemistry, Biology courses.
Year 1
Responsibility/Function
In my laboratory we work with the parasite Entamoeba histolytica (and other Entamoeba species), which causes amebiasis in humans. Our laboratory has focused on understanding the structure and function of EhADH2, an essential metabolic dehydrogenase for E. histolytica鈥檚 survival. Other anaerobic organisms have ADHE homologs (similar genes to EhADH2).
The Molecular Microbiology lab has three research areas:
a. Anaerobic metabolism/ Enzyme Kinetics (molecular microbiology, genetics, biochemistry)
b. Entamoeba Clone-recognition Experiments: Evolution, Ecology and Implications to Health
c. Inhibition of amebic growth combining existing drugs with novel approaches.
The student will become familiar with the laboratory environment, safety regulations and ethical behavior. The student will get trained on maintaining the cultures with Entamoeba cells, prepare culture media, sterilize old cultures/medial, order reagents and supplies. The student will be trained in molecular biology techniques (DNA isolation, cloning, gene expression, PCR, cell growth, protein purification and inhibition). The student will be exposed and participate in weekly laboratory discussions on scientific literature related to the research and will present a discussion at the end of the summer. The student will start as soon as approved (Fall 2025). During Fall 2025 and SP2026, the student will explore the three topic areas to start a research project on year 2. The proposal could be presented as a poster in the Academic Showcase in SP2026.
Year 2
Responsibility/Function
The student will start a project in one of the three research areas.
a. Anaerobic metabolism/ Enzyme Kinetics (molecular microbiology, genetics, biochemistry): The student will extract DNA from Entamoeba spp. cells, design primers for the ADHE gene isolation, isolate the gene by PCR, clone it in a plasmid, transform bacteria and express the protein. Because it is a time-consuming project, this will take about a year. If time remains the student will start the purification and biochemical analysis (see year 3).
b. Entamoeba Clone-recognition Experiments: Evolution, Ecology and Implications to Health: The student will work on designing diverse platforms to test cell motility, migration, and aggregation using plastic and glass devices. Using molecular dyeing probes and fluorescence microscopy, the student will follow the different strains and define measurable traits of discrimination.
c. Inhibition of amebic growth combining existing drugs with novel approaches: The student will work on testing natural and synthetic compounds for cell growth inhibition.
The student will present posters in campus (Academic Showcase Spring 2027) and departmental / school / university events. Depending on the student鈥檚 interest, a senior thesis project could be proposed in year 2 and developed/presented in year 3.
Year 3
Responsibility/Function
The student will continue with a project in one of the three research areas.
Anaerobic metabolism/ Enzyme Kinetics (molecular microbiology, genetics, biochemistry): The student will purify the protein (ADHE), analyze the function biochemically by determining substrate and cofactor binding properties (kinetics). The student will verify expression and purification by gel analysis and antibody specificity binding. This process will take a year.
Entamoeba Clone-recognition Experiments: Evolution, Ecology and Implications to Health: The student will identify and design inhibitory molecules (antisense/microRNAs) to block discrimination among strains. The strategies can be used to expand our scientific knowledge and modify our approach to managing disease.
Inhibition of amebic growth combining existing drugs with novel approaches: Once the mechanism of action is identified, testing the inhibitors on the target molecule (e.g. enzyme, DNA) will be done to determine inhibitory Ki values.
During this time the student will present posters in campus (Academic Showcase SP) and in departmental, college events. The student will also have to write a final paper with the results and conclusions. Depending on the interest, the student could complete, write and present a senior thesis to the MNS faculty.
*Students are prohibited from driving during work-study employment with the limited exception of authorized work-study driver positions.