The Tung Lab is focused on the development of novel genomic technologies in the diagnosis of rare cancers and blood disorders. We study the roles of both somatic and germline genetic variants in various cancer predisposition syndromes, with a specific interest in hereditary hematological malignancies and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. We are also interested in the development of novel diagnostic tools in pediatric cancers. Click here to learn about ongoing projects and how to get involved.

Our research seeks to understand how lipotoxic lipid metabolites ceramides impair nutrient sensing and leads to the development of metabolic diseases. The students will have the opportunity to acquire multiple skills in bioinformatics, molecular, biochemical, and cellular assays as well as mouse handling (if comfortable) and be co-authors on scientific manuscripts.

Students are expected to code/run deep learning algorithms to solve specific problems in biomedical imaging.

Join my team on cutting-edge dementia research projects! We're seeking enthusiastic volunteer RAs to assist with recruitment, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation. This is a unique opportunity to gain co-authorship on high-impact publications and present at conferences.

Our lab focuses on human immune response to polyomaviruses JC and BK. The project seeks to prospectively follow kidney transplant patients' blood and urine samples to determine immune control of the virus. We are also creating individualized kidney organoids from urine stem cells.

The Iowa-Undiagnosed Diseases Program is attempting to solve undiagnosed diseases by using orthogonal omics-based research tools. The Chandra lab is seeking a motivated undergraduate student wanting to be involved with clinical translational research. Click here to learn more.

Duties vary but typically include assisting with running laboratory sessions, collecting EEG data (i.e., "brain waves") and performing data entry and quality control.

Our laboratory studies interbacterial interactions among colonic commensals. Altered composition of the gut microbiome contributes to many disease states, and targeted manipulation holds therapeutic promise. The intestinal microbiome is a complex ecosystem where bacteria occupy overlapping niches. Bacteria contact one another, eliciting responses which may neutral, competitive, or collaborative. Bacteroidetes comprise one of the dominant phyla in the human gut microbiome and are known to compete with diverse species to colonize and persist in the intestine. As part of their fitness for the colonic environment, Bacteroidetes utilize a remarkable diversity of carbon sources, and some encode type VI secretion systems which deliver effectors (toxins) to kill contacting bacteria. Genomes of these Bacteroidetes also encode immunity proteins which prevent intoxication of self and kin.

For undergraduate students who are interested in experimental fluid dynamics, there are several on-going research projects including sustainable drag reduction and developing an in-house laser illumination system.

The Wahls Research lab is interested in the relationship between diet quality and clinical outcomes. Motor function is assessed using timed walk and hand function tests. Vision function, quality of life and blood biomarkers are also assessed. The study Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis is a five year study, completing in 2027.

Uterine endometrial cancer incidence (~65,950 new cases/year) and deaths (~12,550 deaths/year) are on the rise. To help endometrial cancer patients and cure endometrial cancer, we need understand the characteristics of this disease. The current focus of our work is to understand molecular mechanisms of endometrial tumor progression and utilize target therapy or molecular enhanced hormonal therapy to treat endometrial cancer and other hormone-driven cancers.

The Neiman lab uses a variety of conceptual approaches, tools, and methods to study various questions involving the evolution of sexual reproduction, often by studying a small New Zealand snail species that is a powerful model system for the study of sex. We also use the snails to address other topics, including the consequences of plastic pollution, effects of temperature change on learning and memory, and how nutrient availability might influence genome evolution. We also engage in science outreach activities around the Iowa City community. We don’t have a specific opening for specific project available right now, but curious, positive, and team-oriented students interested in any of these topics should reach out to Dr. Neiman to discuss potential opportunities. There are always ways for motivated and inquisitive undergraduates to contribute!