This Research Pack Abroad summer research opportunity will provide students the opportunity to sharpen their research skills working with faculty at Universidad de Cuenca.
The four research opportunities for Summer 2024 include:
Laboratory: Crop Science
Analysis of transpiration dynamics in field crops:
We are going to investigate the environmental response of stomatal dynamics and water use characteristics in field-grown rice, maize, and soybean using a portable gas-exchange measurement system and a microcontroller-based sap flow sensor.
Laboratory: Genome and Epigenome Dynamics
Comparison of epigenetic status between human and chimpanzee using iPS cells.
Despite the 98% identity in their genomic sequences, human and chimpanzee show obvious differences in phenotype. This may be caused by differences in epigenetic gene regulation via DNA methylation and histone modifications. We are comparing the epigenetic status during development using iPS cells of the two species.
Laboratory: Plant Pathology
Analysis of phytoalexins production in Solanaceae plants
Solanaceous plants produce sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins (antimicrobial substances) against pathogenic fungi, but their biosynthetic mechanisms are largely unknown. Analysis of varietal differences in phytoalexins produced by potato, tomato and petunia by GC/MS and RNAseq data will be used to identify novel phytoalexins and biosynthetic enzyme genes.
Laboratory: Animal Reproduction
Analysis of neural circuits controlling the activity of kisspeptin neurons
Kisspeptin neurons are the master regulator for animal reproduction to govern the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammals. We are going to identify upstream neural signals that control the activity of kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus and analyze their roles in rats.
Information
Courses: Independent Study (3 credits)
Program Dates: 2 months during the summer – anytime between Mid-May to August
Deadlines
- Scholarships Application Deadline: Apply by November 15, 2023
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions through March 1, 2024
How to Apply
Contact Dr. Adrienne Tucker directly at adrienne_tucker@ncsu.edu for application inquiry.