Dr. Douglas Roossien
<b>Department: </b>Biology<br><b>Research Area: </b>Our lab studies the cellular mechanisms underlying the development of neurons in the brain. We use the powerful genetic tools available in the fruit fly model organism to manipulate the serotonin system and ask how that changes intracellular processes, anatomical structures, and behavioral outcomes in the animal. <br>
Department: Biology
Research Focus: Students joining the lab will learn three basic technical skills: 1) Genetic crosses; 2) Fly brain dissections; 3) Immunofluorescent labeling of fly brains. This will provide students the expertise needed to conduct a meaningful, long-term research project as well as generate novel mutant fruit flies. The hope is that by the end of the Teacher-Scholar Program students commit to remaining in the lab to pursue the downstream research with the mutants they generate. Depending on the project, examples of future experiments include culturing mutant neurons from the fly brains, neuron reconstruction in intact brains, and behavioral analysis of the mutant larvae.
Potential Student Project(s): Students joining the lab will learn three basic technical skills: 1) Genetic crosses; 2) Fly brain dissections; 3)
Immunofluorescent labeling of fly brains. This will provide students the expertise needed to conduct a
meaningful, long-term research project as well as generate novel mutant fruit flies. The hope is that by the end
of the Teacher-Scholar Program students commit to remaining in the lab to pursue the downstream
research with the mutants they generate. Depending on the project, examples of future experiments include
culturing mutant neurons from the fly brains, neuron reconstruction in intact brains, and behavioral analysis of
the mutant larvae.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate:
- Curious
- Organized
- Reliable
- Strong communication skills preferred
Mentoring Plan: Students will meet with the mentor for one hour per week to discuss elements of experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific literacy. Students will also participate in weekly lab meetings where they will discuss their ongoing projects in the lab and hear what other lab members are working on. Technical training in the laboratory will be under the direct supervision of the mentor and senior research students in the lab.
Contact: 765-285-9209, FB 209