Past and current research projects

  • Mitochondrial bioenergetics in cancer
  • Drug discovery against Anthrax, Diphtheria, and Pseudomonas toxins
  • Safety profile for potential Ebola treatment
  • Characterization of CREB target genes in T cells
  • The effect of hyperglycemia on T cell development and function
  • Adaptive antibiotic resistance of human pathogens to clinical antibiotics using Drosophila model of infection
  • CNS drug delivery
  • Expression of proteins in Pichia pastoris
  • Pathogenic or environmental triggers of Behçet’s disease
  • Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
  • Plant viruses as expression vectors to produce human and animal therapeutics and vaccines
  • Structural characterization and in vitro functional testing of potential CNS active analogs
  • Single cell analysis of cell cycle progression
  • Study of executive mobility and product market strategy convergence
  • Study of community pharmacy immunization practice
  • Design of point-of-care medical diagnostics and therapeutics
  • Experimental characterization of biohydrogel electrostatics
  • Bioengineering of hydrogels Design and development of diagnostics biosensors
  • Design of fully automated small animal blood exchange systems for identifying the biomarkers of aging

Below are some general guidelines for students interested in Independent Study/Research Courses:

  • Independent study is the acquisition of skills, knowledge, or information that is known among professionals. For example, learning lab skills or preparing for a certification exam. Independent research is comprised of work aimed at generating novel techniques, knowledge, or synthesis of information.
  • MS students may enroll in independent study/research during their first and second years (up to 12.0 units available).
  • Independent study for 1.5 units requires approximately 9 hours of study per week per module or 4.5 hours per week per semester for a total of 72 hours. Independent study for 3.0 units requires approximately 9 hours of study per week per semester for a total of 144 hours.
  • To select a research or study project, students should contact individual faculty members or contact MS program director, Dr. Levitin, for guidance on available projects.
  • Project descriptions are sometimes kept general, as specifics will be refined with the interested students later. Providing a write-up does not obligate a faculty member to accept a student if, for example, staffing or priorities change, or if no suitable student shows interest.
  • There may be more interested students than available spots. It is up to the faculty advisors for each project to decide which student is accepted. If you are interested in a project on the list, please formally apply for the position by sending an email to the listed contact person for the project. Top applicants for a position will likely go through a quick interview.
  • In most cases you will have the opportunity to tailor the specifics of the project to your skills and interests. Discuss this with the advising faculty.
  • Once agreement is reached between student and faculty advisor on an independent study / research project, you need to fill out the independent study / research contract available through the Registrar’s Office, and submit this form prior to the registration deadline. Independent research students will often work closely with research staff, postdocs, or PhD students. However, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the student is properly guided in the project, and for providing a final grade, lies with the faculty member.
  • Please note that the ADD and DROP deadlines follow the regular semester deadlines, but interested faculty and students may need more time to design and develop independent study/research plans.
  • Students must indicate on the independent study contract if the course will count toward a concentration.

Please complete the Independent Study/Research Contract and turn into the Registrar’s Office for approval.