Research Opportunity Number: MOL-03

Project Title:  Behavioral effects and changes to the CNS proteome following concussion in Drosophila

Project Summary: We study how head impact (concussion) affects the behavior of fruit flies and how these abnormalities  are associated with changes in the biochemistry of cells in the central nervous system. This research is applicable to understanding concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy in humans (such as observed in athletes). Flies receive a graded, computer-directed impact to their heads and several behavioral tests are completed over the next days and weeks. Their brains are then examined microscopically and biochemically.

Student Roles & Responsibilities: The student will learn techniques of fly husbandry and genetics, behavioral testing, and tissue pathology, and will have the opportunity to assist in the interpretation of mass spectrometry data. The student will work with and assist a senior graduate student who is managing this project for her dissertation. The student will perform specific behavioral tests on flies to determine the response to concussion and will be responsible for monitoring the flies after impact, collecting flies and extracting head protein at various intervals for biochemical testing. 

Additional Considerations: The students are expected to work during regular business hours. 

Department/Institute:  Molecular Biology

Faculty Sponsor:   Daniel Notterman

Participation Dates: July 1 - August 15, 2023.

Stipend Offered:  0

Number of Internships Available: 0-1

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023, midnight eastern daylight time