SROP Faculty Research Immunology - Graduate College

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Immunology

UI faculty research projects in Immunology currently available to SROP scholars. This list does not represent all faculty interested in being mentors. Please check the Immunology faculty website for additional research interests.

Molecular Mechanisms of Lymphocyte Activation

Principal Investigator	Gail Bishop, Professor Department(s): Microbiology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Molecular Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	Our lab studies how receptors, both of the adaptive and innate immune systems, send signals to lymphocytes. We are studying the TNF-R family of receptors, as well as a viral tumorigenic mimic of one of the receptors. We also examine how receptors cooperate in response to microbe signals or vaccines.
Undergraduate Role	To work with an experienced member of the lab on a reasonably circumscribed portion of one of the lab's ongoing projects. The student would have his/her own goals and objects, and would actively participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and seminars.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic courses in biology and chemistry.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-355-7945 (Email address) gail-bishop@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Gail Bishop

NK Cell Activation in Viral Infection

Principal Investigator	Jonathan Heusel, Assistant Professor Department(s): Immunology Interdisplinary Programs: Pathology College of Medicine
Assistant(s)	Colleen Fullenkamp
Research Description	To understand the molecular parameters that govern NK cell activation, involving both activating and inhibitory NK cell surface receptors.
Undergraduate Role	To work with a senior member of the laboratory on a project with one or two well-defined goals. Such projects may involve molecular cloning, flow cytometry, and/or cell culture techniques. Undergraduates would be expected to attend lab meetings and are invited to present their findings.
Minimum Qualifications	Successful performance (grade B or higher) in undergraduate biology, biochemistry, or genetics course; highly self motivated applicants are desired.
Contact Information	335-8217 jon-heusel@uiowa.edu Jonathan Heusel

Role of Dendritic Cells in Letha and Sublethal Influenza Virus Infections

Principal Investigator	Kevin Legge, Assistant Professor Department(s): Pathology Interdisciplinary Programs: Immunology College of Medicine
Research Description	Our lab studies how dendritic cells activate and regulate the adaptive immune response to influenza virus. In particular we are focused upon how the degree of influenza infection dictates the magnitude and type of CD8 T cell response generated.
Undergraduate Role	The student will work with an experienced member of the lab on one of the lab's ongoing projects. The student will have his/her own goals and objects, and will actively participate in lab meetings. The project may include the use of RT-PCR, realtime RT-PCR, and flow cytometry, and will most likely be focused on determining if dendritic cells are differentially infected during lethal and sublethal influenza virus infections.
Minimum Qualifications	Successful performance (grade B or higher) in undergraduate biology, biochemistry, or genetics course.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-6744 (Email address) kevin-legge@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Kevin Legge

Immunopathogenesis of Infection With the Protozoan Parasite, Leishmania chagasi

Principal Investigator	Mary E. Wilson, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Genetics. College of Medicine
Research Description	To study molecular factors governing expression of parasite antigens that interact with the mammalian immune system. To define the effects intracellular parasites on gene expression and functions of macrophages, the host cells in which leishmania reside. To study host genetic and immune factors determining the outcome of leishmania infection.
Undergraduate Role	Work with a senior member of the laboratory on one aspect of our research projects. The student will be expected to learn 1-2 biochemical or immunology techniques, and to produce publication quality results using this technique. He/she will be expected to understand the implication of this work in the context of the project.
Minimum Qualifications	Major in a biological science, with at least a B average in this major.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-356-3169 (Email address) mary-wilson@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Mary E. Wilson

Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells

Principal Investigator	Nicholas Zavazava, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Immunology and MSTP Program, College of Medicine
Research Description	To differentiate embryonic stem cells in insulin producing cells, hematopoietic cells and cardiomyocytes that can be used for the treatment of human disease.
Undergraduate Role	Cultivate cells and characterize the differentiated cells by PcR and flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic prior lab experience is preferable.
Contact Information	319-384-6577 nicholas-zavazava@uiowa.edu Nicholas Zavazava