My laboratory has two major research interests: Neuroimmunology and Mucosal Immunology. In Neuroimmunology, we study the regional immunity/inflammation in central nervous system, either in animal model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is an autoimmune demyelinating disease, or in animal model of Parkinson’s disease which is a neurodegenerative disease. The aim is to understand the role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of the two diseases. In Mucosal Immunology, we focus on the role of LRRK2-mediated innate immunity, such as inflammasome activation, in host defense and intestinal inflammation.

Your training/learning experience in Kang lab will include (but not limited to) fundamental cellular and molecular technology in Immunology; Animal model-based in vivo research in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases; Scientific thinking and lab management skills/teamwork. The experience in my lab will prepare you to be an independent/competitive scientist or for higher level of education such as Master or PhD programs.

Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who are motivated to pursue a career in health science or biomedicine.

Time Commitment

Students must be available for 10 plus hours per week. 

Compensation

• Volunteer - with 0-credit hour registration for transcript recognition.
• Academic Credit - as 1-4 credit hour independent study, graded A-F or pass/fail.

Start Date and Timeline

• Flexible

How to apply

If interested, please email Zizhen Kang (zizhen-kang@uiowa.edu) with your resume/CV.