SROP Faculty Research Microbiology - Graduate College

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Microbiology

UI graduate faculty research projects in Microbiology currently available to SROP scholars. This list does not represent all faculty interested in being mentors. Please check the Microbiology 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	319-355-7945 gail-bishop@uiowa.edu Gail Bishop

Defective Apoptotic Cell Disposal in Lupus (Project #1)
Mechanism of Action of Inhibitory Oligonucleotides (Project #2)

Principal Investigator	Robert Ashman, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Microbiology College of Medicine
Research Description	Learn about autoimmune disease and the factors that determine immune responses to self antigens; gain experience with tissue culture, flow cytometry, quantitative measurement of antigens.
Undergraduate Role	Practice techniques with laboratory coworkers to gain proficiency; read and discuss articles with preceptor; conduct experiments under supervision; analyze and interpret data.
Minimum Qualifications	Complete biochemistry course. May be taken with or after microbiology.
Contact Information	319-356-2287 robert-ashman@uiowa.edu Robert Ashman

Chlorhexidine and Copper Gluconate Dual Exposure Effects on Streptococcus Mutans

Principal Investigator	David Drake, Professor Department(s): Dentistry/Endodontics Dows Institute for Dental Research College of Dentistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Microbiology
Research Description	Determine effect on a dual exposure regimen on viability of S. mutans Determine effect of dual exposure on kinetics of growth of S. mutans Determine effect of dual exposure on relative acidogenicity and aciduricity of S. mutans
Undergraduate Role	Setup and conduct antimicrobial assays
Minimum Qualifications	Basic biology and chemistry background
Contact Information	319-335-7384 david-drake@uiowa.edu David Drake

Exploring the Use of Cytophaga for Biofuel Production

Principal Investigator	David Weiss, Associate Professor Department(s): Microbiology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Genetics College of Medicine
Research Description	Learn about biofuels and what scientific advances are needed to make them a useful addition to our economy. the student will conduct experiments related to cellulose degradation by bacteria.
Undergraduate Role	Design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret the data. The student will work closely with a graduate student or post doctoral student mentor, but still be responsible for his/her own research.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic courses in biology and chemstry.
Contact Information	319-335-7785 david-weiss@uiowa.edu Professor David Weiss

Immunopathogenesis of Infection With the Protozoan Parasite, Leishmania chagasi

Principal Investigator	Mary E. Wilson, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Microbiology, Genetics, , Molecular Biology and Immunology. 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	319-356-3169 mary-wilson@uiowa.edu Mary E. Wilson