Interdisciplinary Studies—The Graduate Program in Translational Biomedicine trains clinical scientists in hypothesis-oriented, patient-based, state-of-the-art research that transcends traditional academic disciplines. More...
Internal Medicine
UI faculty
research projects in Internal Medicine currently available to SROP scholars.
This list does not represent all faculty interested in being
mentors. Please check the
Internal Medicine faculty website for additional research interests.
Molecular Mechanisms of Lymphocyte Activation
| Principal Investigator |
Gail Bishop, Professor Department(s): Microbiology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Internal Medicine, Immunology, 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 |
319-355-7945 gail-bishop@uiowa.edu Professor Gail Bishop |
Justy, a Mouse Gene Required for B Cell Development
| Principal Investigator |
John Colgan, Assistant
Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology, College of Medicine |
| Assistant(s) | Ann Friedman, Isaiah Hankel, and Ping Lu |
| Research Description | Define the expression of the Justy protein by western Blot; define the biochemical function of the Justy protein and determine how the Justy mutation affects T cell responses. |
| Undergraduate Role | Assist in fulfilling objectives by collaborating with lab members working on this project. Gain experience in a research environment. |
| Minimum Qualifications | Working knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology concepts. |
| Contact Information |
319-355-9561 john-colgan@uiowa.edu Professor John Colgan |
Therapeutics Targeting Hepatitis B Virus
| Principal Investigator |
Anton McCaffrey, Assistant
Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine |
| Research Description | Develop gene therapeutics that target hepatitis B virus. |
| Undergraduate Role | Conduct in vitro and cell culture experiments to test nucleic acid based therapeutics. |
| Minimum Qualifications | Background in molecular biology and cell biology. Previous experience working in a laboratory is desirable. |
| Contact Information |
319-400-0385 anton-mccaffrey@uiowa.edu Professor Anton McCaffrey |
Physiological Genomics of Hypertension and Arteriosclerosis
| Principal Investigator |
Curt Sigmund, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Medicine |
| Research Description | To gain an understanding of state-of-the-art research methods for cardiovascular disease. |
| Undergraduate Role | To perform experiments in collaboration with graduate students and postdocs in the laboratory. |
| Minimum Qualifications | Basic biology but cell biology, molecular biology and physiology is also preferred. |
| Contact Information | 319-335-7604 curt-sigmund@uiowa.edu Professor Curt Sigmund |
Regulation of Sodium Transport in Kidney Collecting Duct and Lung
| Principal Investigator |
Christie P. Thomas, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology College of Medicine |
| Research Description | Understanding how sodium is transported from the tubular fluid (kidney) and the airway lumen (lung). This will lead to a better understanding of the path of physiology of high blood pressure and chronic lung diseases. |
| Undergraduate Role | Introducing fragments of genes into cultured cells and tracking responses from these sequences. Identifying and measuring RNA levels for sodium transport proteins in kidney and collecting duct. |
| Minimum Qualifications |
Intent to major in biology or related field. Enthusiasm for biological research. |
| Contact Information |
319-356-2999 christie-thomas@uiowa.edu Professor Christie P. Thomas, M.D. |
Immunopathogenesis of Infection With the Protozoan Parasite, Leishmania chagasi
| Principal Investigator |
Mary E. Wilson, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Immunology. College of Medicine |
| Research Description |
|
| 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 |
319-356-3169 mary-wilson@uiowa.edu 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 |