Belmont Summer Scholars

Exploring how mRNAs get from the nucleus to the cytoplasm with microbiological and molecular genetics techniques

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, fluorescent microscopy, bioinformatics

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

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: rebecca.adams@belmont.edu

Using supplements to improve cancer treatments

There is no doubt that current cancer treatment strategies can be improved. Our research group aims to enhance the effectiveness of traditional chemotherapeutic agents by exploring their combination with readily available supplements. We will investigate whether these combinations can more effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation, disrupt cancer progression, and promote apoptosis, with the goal of developing more efficient and accessible therapeutic options.

Special Skills Taught: culturing cancer cells, western blotting, synergy assays

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: andrea.florian@belmont.edu

The anatomy, ecophysiology, and 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, geometric morphometrics (shape analysis), and Infrared technology will be used in the lab to measure the ecophysiology and muscular performance of small ectotherms.

Special Skills Taught: Slow motion capture and analysis, Data collection in the field, dissection techniques, IR thermal data collection

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

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: chase.kinsey@belmont.edu

Lysosome Storage Disorder Research

Our lab focuses on lysosome storage disorders, most of which result in pediatric neurodegeneratice disorders. We do a combination of microscopy and data science techniques to explore cellular factors involved in these disorders

Special Skills Taught: Microscopy, data analytics

Important Information for Participants: Principles of Biology 1 lecture and lab required

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (July 7 - August 5), ~30 hr/week

Email me: felicity.sterling@belmont.edu

1. Perfluorinated monomers/polymers for Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; 2. Theranostic nanoparticles incorporating carbon folic acid (FA)- carbon dots(CDs)- anticancer drugs

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, NMR

Important Information for Participants: Organic lecture and lab is required

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 7 weeks (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: hua.mei@belmont.edu

Data Science Techniques and Applications in Cognitive Psychology.

Dr. Michael Oliver and I have agreed to collaborate on a joint research project that looks at the intersection of Psychology and Data Science. Through this collaboration, we will be leveraging our expertise in cognitive psychology and data modeling/machine learning techniques to address challenges relating to stress levels, fatigue, and mental health.
The interdisciplinary nature of this research collaboration will expose students to a wide gamut of cross-disciplinary research opportunities which eventually will enable them to better prepare for further graduate studies.

Special Skills Taught: Data Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Experimental Research Design, Cognitive Psychology techniques. 

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: rudy.bedeley@belmont.edu

Modeling the Beating Human Heart

This project will involve the development and implementation of a reduced-order differential equation-based model of the pressures and flows in the left atrium, left ventricle, and ascending aorta of a human heart. After developing the model, we will tune the model parameters to reproduce pressure and flow waveforms from the literature for patients that received a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This model tuned to clinical data will serve as the foundation for future patient-specific models of TAVR, allowing for cutting edge investigation of artificial heart valve design and performance. This project provides an opportunity to apply mathematics, computer science, and foundational research and communication skills to medicine.

Other projects are also potentially available -- some leaning more toward math and others toward computer science and high performance computing. I would be happy to discuss ideas or requests with any interested students!

Special Skills Taught: Mathematical modeling and simulation, numerical methods, academic research foundations, interdisciplinary project skills, professional scientific communication - both formal writing and oral presentation

Important Information for Students: CSC-1110: Programming 1 and MTH-1210: Calculus I are required for this project. MTH/CSC-4170: Modeling and Simulation would be excellent preparation for this project, though not strictly required. MTH-2240: Differential Equations would also be very helpful, though not required.

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks (May 27-July 3) but willing to be flexible as necessary to accommodate students’ needs to participate, ~30 hr/week

Email me: jordan.brown@belmont.edu 

Stress, Coping, and Social Processes

Projects will be related to any aspect of stress, coping, or loneliness in specific populations (e.g., emerging adults). For example, students may choose to examine individual differences (e.g., personality) in reactions to or coping with stressors as well as ways to prevent loneliness due to stress. As part of this research, students will be involved in different parts of the research process, which may include project development, IRB/ethics paperwork, data collection and analysis, and oral and written presentation of results. They will utilize basic and more complex statistical analyses of data with guidance.

Special Skills Taught: IRB process; online data collection; SPSS

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, Ideal dates would be SURFS dates (May 27-July3), but I'm open to being flexible as students may have different needs., ~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 (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: jessica.hocking@belmont.edu

AI-Driven Behavioral Analysis: Applications in Entertainment and Crime

This summer project is designed for students interested in exploring human behavior through the lens of artificial intelligence (AI). Students will apply AI techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to analyze behavioral patterns in two distinct fields: entertainment and crime. This project-based course provides practical experience with AI tools and emphasizes ethical considerations in using technology to study human behavior. Students from all majors are welcome to join~

Special Skills Taught: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, facial landmarks prediction, crime analysis, audience's studies

Important Information for Participants: you are not required to have any programming background, you only need a laptop

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 6 weeks in July (July 7th or anytme after June 15th), ~30 hr/week

Email me: lingfei.luan@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 weeks (May 27-July 3), ~30 hr/week

Email me: michael.oliver@belmont.edu

Learning, Mood, and the Brain in Rats

We primarily use adult rats to model complex human psychological states, including stress, anxiety, depression, and learning and memory. We primarily are interested in the effects of positive experiences (running, nutrition, etc) on rescuing or preventing negative effects of stress on learning and mood. In addition, we do endocrinology work to measure how hormones influence these behaviors and slice and stain rat brain tissue to look closely at what proteins, cell types, and mechanisms are affected by these experience. In general, we hope to get a holistic view that looks at the behavior, physiology, and neuroscience to help us understand how things go right and wrong in the brain.

Special Skills Taught: Live animal care, handling, and training, behavioral testing, histology, microscopy

Time commitment: 4 hours credit, 8 weeks (May 28-July 18), ~23 hr/week

Email me: timothy.schoenfeld@belmont.edu