The Partnership in Innovative Preparaton for Educators and Students

PIPES Teacher Summer Research Fellowship Projects

Biology:

POSITION #1:

Faculty name: Andrew Subudhi

Summary of the particular area of research: Environmental and Exercise Physiology

Teacher Projects Available:

1. Effects of hypoxia on cerbrovascular autoregulation and reactivity
2. Effects of hypoxia on aerobic exercise performance
3. Genetics of altitude acclimatization (pending funding)

Background Needed: Human Anatomy and Physiology. Strong mathematical and computer skills preferred.

Skills Developed: Research with human subjects. Advanced knowledge of systems physiology using both invasive (blood samples) and non-invasive techniques (Doppler ultrasonography, near infrared spectroscopy, electromyography, plethysmography).

Faculty contact:asubudhi@uccs.edu

POSITION #2:

Faculty name: Tom Wolkow, PhD

Summary of the particular area of research: We use yeast to study how cells detect environmental signals and respond appropriately.  Importantly, yeast are easy and cheap to maintain and can be used in a high school setting to test a diverse array of hypotheses.      
 
Teacher Projects Available:  Our projects are a function of the most recent data collected, so they are in constant flux.  But you can be sure that they incorporate techniques of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and/or microscopy.

Background Needed: A good work ethic and the ability to get along with others in a laboratory space. 

Skills Developed:  Molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and microscopy

Faculty contact email: twolkow@uccs.edu

POSITION #3:

Faculty name:  Lisa Hines

Summary of the particular area of research:
Ethnic disparities in breast cancer rates, tumor characteristics and prognosis suggest differences in the biological processes that cause breast cancer among ethnic populations.  Understanding these ethnic differences may provide clues into the multiple biological mechanisms that promote breast cancer development.   Limited research has been done to address the relationship between breast cancer risk factors and the tumor characteristics of breast cancers, particularly among different ethnic populations.  My research is focused on evaluating ethnic disparities in breast cancer risk factors and tumor characteristics among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Caucasian women using data and biological samples (blood and tumor) collected from one of the largest multi-ethnic studies on breast cancer.

Teacher Projects Available: data analysis

Background Needed: OK with computers

Skills Developed: epidemiologic research, statistics, data analysis and interpretation

Faculty contact email: lhines@uccs.edu

Chemistry

POSITION #4:

Faculty name: Al Schoffstall

Summary of the particular area of research: Organic synthesis

Teacher Projects Available: teachers will do organic synthesis in the lab along with other undergraduate and graduate students

Background Needed: BS in Chemistry or related field

Faculty contact email: amschoff@uccs.edu

Physics

POSITION #5:

Faculty name: Anatoliy V. Glushchenko

 Summary of the particular area of research: The area of research is in liquid crystals, optics, and liquid crystals displays related devices.

 Teacher Projects Available: There are a few “hot” research directions waiting for highly motivated and energetic people. The work will be done in the Liquid Crystals Research Lab and will be connected with designing the experiments, performing the research, and analyzing the results. 

 Background Needed: BS or MS in Physics or related disciplines

 Skills Developed: The successful candidates will develop/enhance their experimental skills in modern soft condensed matter

 Faculty contact email: aglushch@uccs.edu

POSITION #6:

Faculty name: Dr. Anatoliy Pinchuk

Summary of the particular area of research:
Metamaterials are man-made composite structures with unusual electrodynamic and optical characteristics. Besides fundamental physics which can be revealed by such materials, e.g. negative index of refraction and cloak of invisibility, metamaterials are of particular interests for the development of sub-diffractional microscopy and lithography. In addition, our group is interested in the development of bio-chemical sensors, optical waveguides and ultrafast spectroscopy. For more information visit www.uccs.edu/~apinchuk  

Teacher Projects Available:

1. Development of Actively Tunable Metamaterials using gold and silver nanoparticles embedded in liquid crystals
2. Theoretical study of Optical Waveguides using 1-D arrays and 2-D grids of nanoparticles
3. Development of Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy
4. Development of optical bio-chemical sensors

Background Needed:

1. basic understanding of electrodynamics, laser optics, physical chemistry.  
2. Experience with experimental methods and equipment including laser, ultra-high vacuum or other.
3. Some computational skills will be advantageous

Skills Developed: experimental (UV-vis spectroscopy, laser spectroscopy) and theoretical methods (grid computational methods).

Faculty contact email: apinchuk@uccs.edu

Engineering

Position #7:

Faculty name: Professor T.S. Kalkur

Summary of the particular area of research: Microelectronics
 
Teacher Projects Available: Device Fabrication

Background Needed: Physics or Chemistry

Skills Developed: Microelectronics Device development techniques

Faculty contact email:kalkur@eas.uccs.edu