Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Compiler Backend: Extend the Shank interpreter to output x86, ARM and MIPS assembly using LLVM (the low level virtual machine)

Mentor: Professor Michael Phipps

The implementation language is C#; you will start with a pre-existing interpreter and "finish" it by adding the LLVM interface.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Good understanding of compilers (ICSI311)
• Good low level and assembly language skills (ICSI333, ICSI404) 
   

Location

• UAB - CS department

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Development of a haptic wearable to simulate digital touch

Mentor: Professor Aishwari Talhan

While video calls rely on audio and visual cues, virtual touch technologies can add a tactile dimension to the interaction. For a more immersive and multisensory experience, virtual touch technologies, such as haptic wearables allow users to feel tactile feedback as if they are being touched within the digital environment. The overall goal of the project is to develop a wearable prototype that simulates tactile feedback and integrates with the digital environment.

Student Skills / Requirements

Third-year engineering students will be preferred. No experience is necessary but students should have a strong interest in exploring prototyping boards, mobile SDK programming, microcontrollers, artificial intelligence, and 3D modeling.
 

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Haptic-based tool development for visual impairment

Mentor: Professor Aishwari Talhan

People with visual impairments face many challenges on a daily basis, including navigating their environment and obtaining information. They may face different challenges depending on their severity and environmental accessibility. 

To reduce routine challenges suffered by visual impairment patients, haptics (the sense of touch) can play a role as a sensory replacement. 

This project aims to develop a haptic tool for visually impaired people that can assist them in navigating and gaining a better understanding of the surrounding environment. 

Technology will help them navigate more easily, identify obstacles, and make decisions about their actions. In addition, this technology will provide comfort and security, as it allows individuals to feel connected to their environment.

Student Skills / Requirements

Second- or third-year engineering students are preferred; no experience is necessary. They should be interested in prototyping boards, programming, microcontrollers, artificial intelligence, and 3D modeling.
 

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

AgriConnect: Offline Agricultural Data Collector

Mentor: Professor Daphney-Stavroula Zois

In many agricultural regions, internet connectivity is limited, often sporadic and unreliable, hindering real-time data collection and analysis that has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and address the unique challenges faced by farmers. 

This project sets forth to address this challenge by enabling offline data collection of various types of agricultural data that can be securely uploaded to a central server when access to the internet becomes available. 

 The students will be required to design, implement, and evaluate an Android mobile application that collects and stores agricultural data locally on a mobile device and, when internet connectivity is available, seamlessly upload the collected data to a centralized server.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Past software development experience with Android studio and the Android SDK.
• Experience with designing, managing and deployment of a database uing SQL and accessing it through an Android application.
• Experience with data caching and synchronization.
• Experience with the Google Maps API. 
   

Location

• Remote

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Analyzing and Detecting Cyberbullying in TikTok

Mentor: Professor Daphney-Stavroula Zois

Detecting cyberbullying in online social media platforms is of key importance to the well-being of their users both in the cyberspace and in the real-world. 

The goal of this project is to collect and analyze data from the video-hosting service, TikTok, and investigate machine learning approaches to understand and automatically detect incidents of cyberbullying. 

Activities include:

1. collecting data from TikTok’s API using certain keywords that suggest the possibility of cyberbullying
2. labeling, analyzing and characterizing the collected data
3. using machine learning to detect occurrences of cyberbullying

Student Skills / Requirements

Strong background in Machine Learning and Python.

Location

• Remote

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Understanding wildfire smoke impacts on ambient and indoor air quality

Mentor: Professor Md Aynul Bari

Climate change can affect the air we breathe in both ambient and indoor environments. Wildfires smoke can impact indoor air quality and may pose threat to vulnerable populations. However, limited information is available about potential effects of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality. 

The proposed project will conduct both ambient and indoor air quality monitoring using low-cost PurpleAir sensors and measure PM2.5 in at least 15-20 homes during the Summer 2024 in the Capital Region. 

This study will increase public awareness and help educate neighborhoods and vulnerable population through seminars in libraries and guide how to reduce their exposure during wildfire days.

Student Skills / Requirements

Python or R, junior or senior engineering students.

Location

• Hybrid: both in-person at ETEC and virtual

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer

Understanding the actual impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the United States

Mentor: Professor Md Aynul Bari

To address COVID-19 impacts on air quality, many studies have been performed worldwide. Researchers have found significant reductions in emissions and concentrations of air pollutants in major cities such as Wuhan, China, Sao Paulo, Brazil and Barcelona, Spain. 

In the U.S., comparatively limited studies have been done to measure COVID-19 impacts on air quality. 

While in general, reduced emissions and concentrations of air pollutants were expected and have been observed in major cities worldwide, an in-depth evaluation needs to be done on a regional basis to find actual changes in air quality during COVID-19 pandemic and exactly what source types changed their emission patterns. 

The study will use publicly available air quality monitoring data and meteorological parameters, and apply multivariate statistical modeling approaches to understand actual impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the United States.

Student Skills / Requirements

Python or R, junior or senior engineering students.

Location

• Hybrid: both in-person at ETEC and virtual

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Material chemistry of rare earth elements

Mentor: Professor Rixiang Huang

This project will study the chemistry of rare earth elements in various environmental matrices such as wastes and ore minerals and develop green methods to effectively extract the valuable elements.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Complete college-level general chemistry courses
• Have wet lab experiences

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Wildfire and biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nutrients

Mentor: Professor Rixiang Huang

The student assistant will perform lab experiments and/or data analysis to study chemical and biochemical reactions controlling C and nutrient cycling in soil and water environments.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Complete college-level general chemistry courses
• Have wet lab experiences

Location

• ETEC, remote

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Evaluating the impacts of agrivoltaic systems on Food-Energy-Water (FEW) system sustainability in a changing climate

Mentor: Professor Yaoze Liu

The goal of the project is to evaluate the impacts of agrivoltaic systems, which co-locate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and cropland areas of agro-ecosystems to generate electricity (clean and renewable energy), on Food-Energy-Water (FEW) system sustainability. 

Students will use computer models (e.g., Soil and Water Assessment Tool-SWAT, HYDRUS, SWMS-3D) to simulate well-designed scenarios of implementing agrivoltaic systems. Various climate change conditions will be evaluated for these scenarios.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background in hydrology and water quality will be valuable.

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

The impacts of agricultural best management practices on hydrology and water quality under a changing climate

Mentor: Professor Yaoze Liu

The goal of the project is to evaluate the impacts of agricultural best management practices (such as wetlands, filter strips, nutrient management) on hydrology and water quality under a changing climate. 

Students will use computer models (e.g., Soil and Water Assessment Tool-SWAT, HYDRUS, SWMS-3D) to simulate well-designed scenarios of implementing agricultural management practices. 

Various climate change conditions will be evaluated for these scenarios.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background in hydrology and water quality will be valuable.

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

The impacts of urban green infrastructure practices on hydrology and water quality under a changing climate

Mentor: Professor Yaoze Liu

The goal of the project is to evaluate the impacts of urban green infrastructure practices (such as green roofs, rain barrels/cisterns, and bioretention cells) on hydrology and water quality under a changing climate. 

Students will use computer models (e.g., Storm Water Management Model-SWMM, HYDRUS, SWMS-3D) to simulate well-designed scenarios of implementing green infrastructure practices. 

Various climate change conditions will be evaluated for these scenarios.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background in hydrology and hydraulics will be valuable.

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

PFAS in Edible Crops: Analyzing the Effects of PFAS Physicochemical Properties on PFAS Uptake, Intra-plant Transport and Bioaccumulation

Mentor: Professor Weilan Zhang

Plant uptake of PFAS from contaminated water and soil presents a mechanism for the bioaccumulation of these pollutants, subsequently transferring them to higher trophic levels. 

Thus, studying uptake and distribution of PFAS in eatable plants is essential for evaluating the potential health risks associated with consuming PFAS-contaminated crops. 

The overall goal of this project is to advance understanding of the uptake and bioaccumulation of PFAS in edible crops. Specific objectives are

1. to determine the effect of PFAS physicochemical properties on plant uptake and bioaccumulation
2. to investigate the distribution of PFAS in crop tissues, especially the compartments that most strongly accumulate PFAS mass, and elucidate the roles of plant proteins and lipids in uptake process.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Basic wet lab skills
  
   

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer

Bio Roll-Up

Mentor: Professor Robert Brainard

The goal of this project is to develop the methodology for controlling timing of self-assembly of bilayer stacks upon which cells are growing.  

The ultimate goal of this project is to determine how shape changes influence the biology of cells.  

Students will synthesize polymers and formulate polymers into photoresists, that will be coated onto silicon wafers into multiple stacks of hydrogel films.  

Students will study the kinetics of self-assembly of these multi-layer stacks under conditions suitable for cell growth.  Students may participate in growing cells onto these stacks.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background in chemistry and/or biology required.  Rising sophomores are encouraged to apply.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Molecular Organometallic Resists for EUV (MORE)

Mentor: Professor Robert Brainard

The goal of this project is to develop organometallic compounds that can be used as high resolution photoresists in the microelectronics industry to fabricate future integrated circuits.  

Students will synthesize and/or characterize compounds containing main-group metals.  

These compounds are designed to undergo chemical reactions when irradiated with 13.5 nm extreme ultraviolet light resulting in a change in solubility.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background and interest in chemistry required.  Rising sophomores are encouraged to apply.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Biosensors for Lyme Disease Diagnosis

Mentor: Professor Nathaniel Cady

Lyme disease is prevalent on the East Coast of the United States and is spreading to the Midwest and beyond. This disease is often difficult to diagnose and typically requires multiple days to get a result. 

My lab has pioneered a rapid (30 min) test for Lyme disease using a nanotechnology-based biosensor. 

Students working on this project will gain hands-on experience with sensor fabrication, testing, and optimization, by working with a team of graduate students and post docs in Prof. Cady's laboratory in the Dept. of Nanoscale Science & Engineering.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering preferred. Should be at least a 2nd year undergraduate student.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

In-memory computing with nanoscale memristor-based electronics

Mentor: Professor Nathaniel Cady

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are taking the world by storm, however, these forms of computing are highly energy intensive. 

My research group develops unique memory devices called memristors (aka: resistive random access memory - RRAM) that can be used for highly efficient in-memory computing and neuromorphic computing. 

These devices could significantly reduce the power requirements for AI and machine learning algorithms and training. 

Student interns working on this project will gain hands-on experience with the fabrication and electrical testing of memristor devices, as well as application development for these devices in microchip-based format.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Computer science, electrical engineering, physics. Prefer a 3rd or 4th year undergrad.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Works on complexity and efficiency of minimum entropy production probability paths from quantum dynamical evolutions

Mentor: Professor Carlo Cafaro

The highly motivated undergraduate student, equipped with an outstanding interest in mathematical methods of theoretical physics of relevance in classical and quantum science, will use intensely his/her own required minimum background to start having hands-on experience with the subtle link between the basic concepts of complexity and efficiency.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Solid background in math and physics. Outstanding interest in mathematical methods of theoretical physics is a big plus.
   

Location

• Hybrid:  UAlbany Nanotech Complex, May 28-July 22
• Remote: July 22-August 2

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Works on the complexity of pure and mixed qubit geodesic paths on curved manifolds: From classical probability distributions to quantum density operators

Mentor: Professor Carlo Cafaro

The highly motivated undergraduate student, equipped with an outstanding interest in mathematical methods of theoretical physics of relevance in classical and quantum science, will use intensely his/her own required minimum background to start having hands-on experience with the basic concepts of distinguishability of classical probability distributions and quantum density operators. In particular, they will have a first quantitative understanding of the relativity of the concept of complexity in both classical and quantum settings.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Solid background in math and physics. Outstanding interest in mathematical methods of theoretical physics is a big plus.
   

Location

• Hybrid:  UAlbany Nanotech Complex, May 28-July 22
• Remote: July 22-August 2

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Acid diffusion in chemically amplified EUV Photoresists

Mentor: Professor Greg Denbeaux

In chemically amplified photoresists, the primary reaction mechanism is the generation of an acid from the photoacid generator (PAG) which then diffuses and causes deprotection reactions of polymer during the post exposure bake.  

Past experiments have primarily focused on the outcome of the post exposure bake and did not measure the reactions and timing within this critical period of time.  This project will study the acid diffusion and reactions within EUV photoresists during the post exposure bake, using a vacuum chamber and quadrupole mass spectrometer.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but background in chemistry, physics or engineering required.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Photodecomposable quenchers for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography

Mentor: Professor Greg Denbeaux

In recent years the addition of photodecomposable quenchers (PDQ) have improved the performance of EUV Photoresists. However, the actual mechanism is not well understood and many people have assumed that the reactions of the PDQ come at no cost.

However, our recent research has indicated that the energy used for the PDQ reaction comes from the available energy for the acid generation reaction required for chemically amplified photoresists.  This project will explore the competition and tradeoffs between PDQ and the photoacid generator (PAG) reactions.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but background in chemistry, physics or engineering required.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Heterogeneous nucleation of ferrite nanoparticles

Mentor: Professor Kathleen Dunn

Ferrite nanoparticles result from the corrosion of stainless steel water pipes. The likelihood of these particles detaching from the pipes and depositing elsewhere in the system depends on their composition, size, and shape. 

To study these effects, the intern will synthesize ferrite nanoparticles via hydrothermal and solvothermal processes. These primary reaction products will be analyzed to determine crystal type (X-ray diffraction), size (scanning electron microscope) and surface charge when suspended in water (electrophoresis measurements).  

Primary particles will the be resuspended into a similar reaction mixture to undergo subsequent hydrothermal synthesis to achieve larger size and determine whether surface charge is affected by this processing, and whether this makes them more or less likely to deposit elsewhere in a pipe system. 

Additional work with coupons of common pipe materials will determine the charge on those surfaces and directly measure the interaction of the ferrite particles with those surfaces. Engineering solutions, such as adjusting pH, adding surfactants, or reducing agents will be explored as mitigation strategies to prevent agglomeration in real flow systems.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but background in handling chemicals would be helpful.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Using underlayers to improve the performance of EUV photoresists

Mentor: Professor Kathleen Dunn

Lithography using Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths faces many upcoming challenges, including the behavior of the photoresists used for pattern transfer. 

Tantalizing reports in the literature suggest that an underlayer can improve the performance of existing photoresists, but relatively little is understood about the mechanisms responsible for the observed behavior. 

This summer internship will focus on the effects of molecular interdiffusion and the emission of low energy secondary electrons from the underlayer as two mechanisms which contribute to the ultimate performance of a resist. Strategies for reducing the number of wafer defects will be developed and tested, in order to improve the functional window for this stage of the chip manufacturing process.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but background in handling chemicals or using image processing software would be helpful.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP

Mechanisms of carcinogen resistance by error-free DNA damage tolerance mechanisms

Mentor: Professor Michael Fasullo

Metabolic activation of carcinogens generates mutations in tumor suppressor genes. We have profiled the yeast genome for resistance to a potent liver carcinogen, aflatoxin B1, and to potent colon cancer carcinogens known as heterocyclic amines. We have recently performed similar screens in mammalian cells. 

We identified novel and interesting genes that are involved in carcinogen resistance that included DNA damage tolerance genes and those that function in the SHU complex. 

These genes are important in mutation avoidance. However, it is unknown whether individual SHU genes confer the same phenotypes with respect to other types of DNA damaging agents, such as ultraviolet light. 

The project will involve yeast genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics to determine resistance pathways. Students interested in genetics and bioinformatics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Chemistry, Biology, Math
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Polarization-Dependent Optical Properties of 2D Materials

Mentor: Professor Spyros Galis

Anisotropic layered gallium telluride (GaTe) has emerged as a potential material for polarization-sensitive devices and applications. In this project, we investigate the anisotropic optical properties of chemically-grown GaTe nanomaterials using polarization-resolved Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopic techniques for a multitude of different thicknesses and laser excitation wavelengths.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Senior Physics/ Engineering student

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Solid-State Quantum Emitters at Telecom Wavelengths

Mentor: Professor Spyros Galis

The overarching objective of this project is to provide valuable team-driven research experiences for an undergraduate student through participation in our current National Science Foundation (NSF) research project, “QuIC-TAQS: Multifunctional integrated quantum photonic processor for quantum connectivity.” Our project aims to advance fundamental understanding in developing and characterizing solid-state quantum emitters capable of operation at the technologically important low attenuation telecom band.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Senior Physics/ Engineering student
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

On-chip photonic quantum interference

Mentor: Professor Walid Redjem

The project aims to harness the principles of quantum interference within the confines of a compact on-chip photonic platform. This cutting-edge research leverages the unique properties of quantum mechanics to manipulate and control light at the nanoscale. 

By integrating quantum interference phenomena into on-chip photonic circuits, the project seeks to pave the way for the development of ultra-efficient quantum information processing devices. 

The research involves the design and testing of silicon-based quantum photonic circuits to create intricate on-chip structures that exploit quantum interference for applications in quantum computing and communication.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Proficiency in programming and numerical simulation is essential. Additionally, a background in quantum mechanics and comfort with hands-on experiments are advantageous.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Discovery of low-melting molten salts

Mentor: Professor Jeremy Feldblyum
Department of Chemistry

Molten salts play important roles in a wide variety of fields ranging from chemical catalysis to advanced heat transfer fluids. Current molten salts have high melting points that pose complex and expensive engineering challenges to successfully implement. 

We are using a combination of computational chemistry, thermodynamics to predict new molten salts that have potential to achieve reduced melting points and a combination of high stability and useful reactivity in specific contexts. 

We seek a motivated student to to test our theoretical work with laboratory experiments and analytical chemistry.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Students should have taken general chemistry, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Students preferably should also have taken thermodynamics. Prior research experience is not necessary, but is a plus.
   

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Exfoliation of layered borides for structural design

Mentor: Professor Michael Yeung
Department of Chemistry

Borides are some of the strongest materials known: they are capable of scratching diamond and withstanding upwards of 3000 °F of temperature.

Unfortunately, these properties also make them impossible to shape; what good is a super strong material if it can only be shaped into a blob?

The summer project will have the undergraduate develop routes towards breaking these materials down like clays through a galvanic intercalation process, then reassembling these materials.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Either nano or chemistry major

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Quantitate markers of senescence and proliferative decline in Alkbh8 deficient human IMR-90 cells.

Mentor: Professor J. Andres Melendez
Department of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

We will test the hypothesis that an Alkbh8 deficiency in human cells amplifies SASP, with SASP increased in the Alkbh8 deficient model after exposure to common ROS producing and senescence inducing agents. All studies will be done in young and old fibroblasts (IMR90s), following exposure to H2O2, UV or γ-irradiation, with measurements taken at 6, 12 and 12 hours.  

Using QPCR and the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) Multi-Array® technology that utilizes electrochemiluminescence detection to monitor protein levels, we will evaluate the most abundant SASP factors from control and Alkbh8-depleted or replete IMR-90 cells. 

Over 100 SASP factors have been identified however our focus will be placed on those which have been established to be greater than 4-fold induced.

Student Skills / Requirements

Proficiency and background in the life sciences or other STEM Field  
 

Location

UAlbany Nanotech Complex
 

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP

Develop Comsal/MatLab simulation to predict changes in contractile forces that are observed in seleprotein deficient cells. 

Mentor: Professor J. Andres Melendez
Department of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

We will test the hypothesis that Alkbh8 deficiency leads to dramatic phenotypic change in cellular adhesion and spheroid formation.  

We have observed that cells deficient in selenoproteins loose their ability to form spheroids in cell culture. 

Understanding the molecular triggers that control shifts in adhesion and changes in the mechanical forces that drive spheroid formation may provide insight how cells assemble into complex organoid based systems. 

Simulations which mimic conditions that give rise to spheroid formation will allow for better control of real time experiments and limit experimental variability.  

Student Skills / Requirements

Proficiency and background in the life sciences or other STEM Field and familiarity with Matlab or Comsal  
 

Location

UAlbany Nanotech Complex
 

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP