Cell Wall Genomics

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The 2005 Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program

We are pleased to announce a special joint Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program coordinated between the University of Florida , the University of Connecticut , the University of Wisconsin , and Purdue University . The program will run jointly for a flexible eight to ten week period between May 23 to August 5, 2005 . Extensions are possible for summer employment or individual research projects before and after this program at each of the sites.

At each institute, students will be mentored directly by faculty involved in the program. Individual studies involve experience in plant genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell biology and spectroscopic techniques in a National Science Foundation-funded program entitled:

“Identification and characterization of cell wall mutants in maize and Arabidopsis using novel spectroscopies" http://cellwall.genomics.purdue.edu/

At the University of Florida, (Please contact Karen Koch kek@ifas.ufl.edu) the studies focus on the genetics of maize with individual projects designed to gain experience in:
1. Annotation of random gene knockouts identified in the Mu-TAIL sequence dataset
2. Transposon mutagenesis and UniformMu population development
3. Mu-TAIL PCR analysis of cell-wall mutants and high through-put sequencing
4. Reverse genetics analysis of cell wall genes based on PCR screening of UniformMu lines

At Purdue University, (Please contact Christal Musser reuprogram@purdue.edu) students will incorporate various aspects of screening and phenotypic analysis of mutant populations generated at the University of Florida and University of Wisconsin . Individual studies involve:
1. Characterization of mutants in novel cell wall-related genes
2. Characterization of CslA mutants by biochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopical analysis
3. Identification of signature IR signals from individual and interacting molecules
4. Chemometric analysis of phenylpropanoid composition in maize

At the University of Wisconsin, (Please contact Sara Patterson spatters@wisc.edu) the studies focus on the functional genomics of cell walls in Arabidopsis, combining genetics, microscopy, physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics in various blends. Specific projects include:
1. Determination of gene expression patterns of a subset of cell-wall associated genes in wild type and selected knockout lines using RT-PCR, Northerns, in situ, and microarray data.
2. Development of a high through-put genotyping system to identify homozygous cell-wall mutants
3. Identification and characterization of a small gene family, such as SCAMP-related genes
4. GFP and GUS-expression studies on seedling-associated cellulases and polygalacturonases

At the University of Connecticut, (Please contact Wolf-Dieter Reiter wdreiter@uconnvm.uconn.edu) the studies involve the characterization of members of selected glycosyltransferase families that we expect to be involved in cell wall synthesis:
1. Heterologous expression of predicted glycosyltransferase genes, for which mutant lines are available
2. A phenotypic analysis of existing mutants within glycosyltransferase family 47, and the selection and characterization of double mutants from segregating populations

In addition to the individual research program, all students at each institution will participate in weekly workshops on specific topics of interest given by faculty, post-doctorals and senior graduate students. Field trips to cooperating labs and biotech companies, and other outside activities on each campus are also designed to promote networking. The Program will initiate with an introductory video conference among the four participating universities. The program also includes a symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in late July, for formal presentation of results of individual research projects.

The eight or ten week programs include a base stipend of approximately $3,600, plus a weekly allowance for meals and other living expenses. Low-cost University housing has been made available at some locations. Round-trip air travel for external students is provided, as well as additional travel expenses for the Purdue, Connecticut and Florida participants to attend the Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison .

We are keen to extend this research opportunity to talented college students who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Eligibility is limited to undergraduate students not expecting their degree before December 2005. Please click on the pdf below to obtain your application. Please send your application to your first choice of institutions. As positions are limited, your application may be forwarded to another institution to better assure opportunity for placement.

Equal Access/Equal Opportunity

Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Download the application here:
MS word version / pdf version