ART1

Title: Tell Me a Story: Stop-Motion Animation as a Storytelling Tool

Mentor: Alison Paul, Associate Professor, Illustration/Animation

Description: What’s your story? Real or imagined I want to hear it, and I want to help you tell it.

Storytelling is the oldest form of communication. To this day storytelling is an integral part of our daily lives, from watching your favorite shows on Netflix to telling your friends about that crazy thing that just happened, storytelling is how we share our experiences and connect with each other. Around the world animation is used as a tool to tell an even wider range of stories. From the fictional and fantastic to the personal and tragic, with animation anything is possible. Are you someone who fills sketchbooks with drawings of characters, or fills journals with writings? Those interested in exploring the infinite possibilities of storytelling through animation should choose this site.

If you select this mentorship site, you will complete a short stop-motion animation from storyboard to final cut. Through a series of exercises, you will develop not only your animation skills, but also your storytelling skills. Exercises will include flipbooks, animatics, and paper-puppet building, and a series of animation screenings will help provide context for the material covered. Drawing skills are a plus, but not necessary as we will be working with cut-paper techniques in stop-motion. There is also a creative writing component to this mentorship as you will be writing your own scripts, designing your characters and building your worlds.

This site features individual animation shooting stations each equipped with a Canon DSLR camera, a LED lighting kit and an iMac. Animation assets will be created by hand, shot on digital film, and sequenced using the latest DragonFrame software. (The same software that professional stop-motion movie studios use.) You are the next generation of storytellers and content creators, let’s hear what you have to say.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 2

Maximum Number of Scholars: 4

ARTH1

Title: Contemporary Art and Human Rights: Yishai Jurisdman’s Prussian Blue

Mentor: Dr. Macushla Robinson, Assistant Professor in Residence and Director of the Contemporary Art Galleries

Description: Art can play an important role in communicating the gravity of historical experiences. The first in a series of exhibitions sponsored by the Dodd Center for Human Rights, Prussian Blue represents a unique opportunity to engage with arts and human rights in a hands-on, real-world context of a contemporary art gallery.

Located in the department of Art and Art History, the Contemporary Art Galleries put on exhibitions that ask politically charged and research-driven questions. This fall, in association with the Dodd Center for Human Rights, we will stage an exhibition of paintings by Yishai Jurisdman collectively titled Prussian Blue. A Mexican artist of Jewish heritage, Jurisdman’s paintings represent the architecture of the Holocaust in shades made from pigments produced by the deadly chemicals used in the camps. 

Over the summer, you’ll play an important role in bringing the exhibition to fruition, and will undertake tasks such as ‘condition reporting’ objects in preparation for the installation; working with the curator on the layout of the paintings in the exhibition; researching the historical context of the exhibition to develop text for the press release, the website and social media; and brainstorming innovative ways to connect Arts and Human Rights through the content of the exhibition.

Modality: Hybrid

Minimum Number of Scholars: 4

Maximum Number of Scholars: 8

ARTH2

Title: Digital Arts Service Lab

Mentor: Daniel Buttrey, Coordinator, Digital Arts Service Lab

Description: At this mentorship site, you’ll be working in the Digital Art Service Lab at the School of Fine Arts, a fine art printing facility utilizing cutting edge technology to produce prints, photographs and related ephemera for galleries, museums and beyond. We also provide photographic services to the University as a whole; every day is a little different. We’ll work together to conceptualize, direct, and execute photography shoots. You’ll learn my workflow from capture to print through to installation. Students interested in careers in the arts, design, photojournalism, or museum studies are especially encouraged to pick this mentorship site.

Modality: Hybrid 

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: No limit

BUSN1

Title: Emerging Technologies: Exploring the Frontier of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Mentors: Jonathan Moore, Instructor In-Residence, Operations and Information Management; 2 university students

Description: Are you interested in tech entrepreneurship? Do you want to solve important world problems using the technologies of the future? Innovate Labs is an emerging technologies makerspace/research lab on the UConn campus that allows students to learn about new technologies outside of the classroom. Innovate Labs is a great opportunity for scholars to learn about how they can use new technology to solve complex problems.

Scholars who join our site will engage in a number of hybrid activities accompanied by various equipment in the lab which will be made available to each scholar assigned to our site.

Here are some of the technologies that scholars will get to learn about and use:

• 3D Technologies (printing, modeling and scanning)
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Robotics
• Drones
• Programming (SQL, Python, GIT)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Blockchain
• Circuitry

Please note: Participation in this site requires self-guided research projects utilizing the equipment and technology in our lab. Projects will be supported by site mentor and lab students.

Modality: Hybrid

Minimum Number of Scholars: 4

Maximum Number of Scholars: 10

CHEM1

Title: Chemistry in Action: Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide Reduction

Mentors: Eileen Yasmin, Research Scholar and Alfredo Angeles-Boza (PI), Associate Professor, Chemistry

Description: The increasing emission of greenhouse gases, in particular carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, has received considerable attention due to its serious environmental consequences. An obvious solution is the capture and storage of these gases. A more attractive approach is offered by chemistry: to combine the capture of CO2 and N2O with their conversion to useful resources. For example, CO2 can be converted to fuels. With this objective in mind, we design catalysts that can be used in the transformation of these gases. The YSSS scholar working on this project will design heterocyclic ligands and metal complexes that can be used for this purpose.

For additional information about the research at the Angeles-Boza lab, please visit the website at: https://angeles-boza.chemistry.uconn.edu/

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

CHEM2

Title: Liquid Crystals and Adaptive Polymers: Advancing Robotics and Human-Machine Interface

Mentor: Dr. Rajeswari Kasi, Professor, Chemistry and Polymer Program at the Institute of Materials Science

Description: Are you interested in robotics or medical science? The Kasi Group is studying the use of liquid crystals and adaptive polymers for the purpose of advancing robotics and human-machine interface, including computers, smart devices, medical devices, and prosthetics.

Liquid crystals (LC) are states of matter with properties between those of conventional liquids and conventional crystalline solids. These small molecules have flow properties like liquids but are arranged with some molecular order like crystalline solids. These molecules show "phase" and "temperature-dependent" properties which yields optical materials. Furthermore, LCs respond to electrical and magnetic fields that are important for technological developments including optoelectronic devices, liquid crystal displays and lasers. Liquid crystals are essential in biology including formation of the all-important lipid layers which hold cells together.

The Kasi group focuses on synthesis of small molecule LC and liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), wherein the liquid crystal is covalently attached within a polymer matrix. These new materials also respond to electrical and magnetic fields and show an optical response. We use this "responsive" feature in the creation of new adaptive materials including soft actuators, soft robotic materials, drug delivery devices and sensors.

Participating scholars will be trained in the field of liquid crystalline polymers as well as other responsive polymers with focus on thermochromic (color change with temperature) and piezochromic (color change with pressure) features. Using these Kasi Group studies as the background, the scholars will be supplied with polymers, and they will develop a simple sensing platform to produce a visible readout.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

CRW1

Title: Creating Through Imaginative Writing

Mentors: Victoria Nordlund, Creative Writing Educator and published poet

Description: Every moment of our waking day we are surrounded by words, by stories and the drama of narrative. We watch, we talk, we participate, and we imagine. Words, stories shape our world and how we come of think of it. Poetry fashions our connection to that world through feelings hopes and desires. Drama plays out in every aspect of our lives, real and fictional. Fictional narratives deliver all the possibilities of imaginings. All forms shape how we as a human community connect with one another.

In this mentorship site, you will work with two stellar teaching artists who will guide you through writing projects of your choosing. Always wanted to try poetry? Or fiction? Or dramatic writing? This is your opportunity to work with professional writers who teach. You will be encouraged to write, read, share and expand. This experience is ideal for those interested in creative writing, or how language shapes thinking and communication.

Modality: In-person and hybrid

Minimum Number of Scholars: 2 or 3

Maximum Number of Scholars: 6

EEB1

Title: How and Why Plants Evolve So Many Beautiful Forms

Mentors: Erin Patterson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, and Yaowu Yuan (PI), Associate Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Description: Every kind of plant you see has a different shape - tulips and roses are both flowers but don’t look alike. The Yuan lab is interested in how and why organisms evolve into so many beautiful forms in nature. We study closely related flowers with different shapes as a representation of the general problem of phenotypic evolution (how different traits have been created over time). The specific questions we ask include: What are the genes underlying the dazzling variation of flower color and shape? How do these genes regulate the division, elongation, and polarization of cells to make different flower shapes? How does evolution tinker with these genes to generate different phenotypes among species? Students will work with researchers as they use a highly integrative approach to address these questions, including computational analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data, molecular biology experiments in the wet lab, and genetic crosses and mutagenesis in the greenhouse. For more details, please see our website: https://monkeyflower.uconn.edu/

Modality: In-person

Maximum Number of Scholars: 1

CHEG1

Title: Design a Laser Scattering Instrument to Study Polypeptide Materials In-Situ

Mentor: Justin Amengual, Graduate Student | Advisor: Mu-Ping Nieh, Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Description: Polypeptides are a class of synthetic biocompatible polymers that mimic fundamental proteins, biomolecules necessary for life. Using the advanced synthesis of polypeptides and hydrogen bonding, we can control the conformation of polypeptide. Young scholars at this site will learn hands-on research experience through designing/constructing a laser scattering instrument for structural characterization and performing in situ scattering measurements on a series of polypeptides under different conditions. The objective of this research is to correlate the conformation of polypeptides with their environment in order to better control the materials property and monitor the structural evolution of the polypeptides in study.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 4

CHEG2

Title: Bio-inspired Smart Materials 

Mentors: Luyi Sun, Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Tiantian Li, PhD Student, Natural Resources and the Environment

Description: Smart soft materials have one or more characteristics that can be significantly altered in convertible fashions by external stimuli, such as light, moisture, temperature, pH, and so on. Inspired by the fascinating visual display strategies and adaptive mechanisms in animals and plants, we aim to fabricate a series of smart soft material-based devices that can respond to external stimuli with instantaneous and reversible fashions in optical, electrical, mechanical, and/or shape deformation signals for widespread applications.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 6

CHEG3

Title: Sustainable Materials for Food Packaging 

Mentors: Luyi Sun, Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Marina Dabaghian, PhD Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering  

Description: A considerable portion of plastic food packaging waste is mismanaged or unable to be recycled, resulting in an accumulation of huge waste that has a severe impact on ecotoxicity and human health. In this project, we will develop degradable materials for food packaging. We also aim to inspire continued efforts in combatting the issue of plastic pollution through this project.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 6

CHEG4

Title: Air Pollution Monitoring in Connecticut

Mentors: Dr. Kristina Wagstrom, Associate Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Britney Russell, PhD Student, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Description: Join the CACE lab this summer for an opportunity to be a part of air pollution monitoring projects. These projects will take place both in Hartford and on our campus. You will be equipped with a combination of stationary and portable air quality monitors. This will help us understand how air pollution varies in different locations and at different times. You will gain valuable experience evaluating and analyzing the data you collect.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 2

Maximum Number of Scholars: 3

ECE1

Title: Electronics Laboratory

Mentors: Samzid Hafez, PhD Student in ECE; Habeeb Mousa, PhD Student in ECE; Heba Saleh, Graduate Student in ECE

Description: Students learn about electronics, and design, construct and demonstrate electronic circuits.

Modality: In-person

Maximum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 20

HDFS1

Title: Anti-racism in Action: Recognizing, Reflecting on, and Responding to Bullying and Discrimination

Mentors: Dr. Alaina Brenick, Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences; Sydney Klein, Doctoral Student, Human Development and Family Sciences

Description: Have you or your friends ever been bullied or treated unfairly because of who you are? How did it make you feel? Maybe you wondered why it was happening or wished that you knew how you could make it stop for good. These are the kinds of questions we research in our lab.

We scientifically analyze individuals’ experiences of being bullied, discriminated against, or excluded because they are different. Working in our lab, you’ll learn skills like searching for scholarly literature, helping prepare conference presentations, and analyzing data. Over the summer, you’ll be a part of our exciting research projects exploring:

1. The ways immigrant and minority youth experience bullying and how others perceive bullying that targets immigrant and minority students in their schools;
2. Effective ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination among youth growing up in intractable conflict (e.g., the Middle East); and
3. The range of negative experiences that transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse (TNG) youth face in schools and how communities can work to reduce TNG victimization.

This is your opportunity to be a part of a research team that addresses social inequalities and helps make schools and communities safer and more welcoming for youth of all backgrounds!

Modality: Hybrid (mentorship site located at Hartford campus)

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 4

KINE1

Title: Korey Stringer Institute

Mentors: Douglas Casa, Professor, Kinesiology; Rebecca Stearns, Associate Professor in Residence, Kinesiology, Chief Operating Officer of Korey Stringer Institute; Rob Huggins, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology, President of Research and Athlete Performance & Safety for the Korey Stringer Institute

Description: The mission of the Korey Stringer Institute is to provide research, education, advocacy and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety and prevent sudden death for the athlete, warfighter and laborer. Students are integrated into the day-to-day work and research of KSI, primarily to learn about human subject research, research data collection, analysis and management, the physiology of human thermoregulation and how this information can help protect athletes, warfighters, and laborers in addition to serving initiatives to combat our warming climate.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 3

MATH1

Title: Mathematical Aspects of Perfect Quantum State Transfer

Mentor: Dr. Maxim Derevyagin, Assistant Professor in Residence, Mathematics

Description: A qubit is a basic unit of quantum information, that is, the quantum version of the classic binary bit physically realized with a two-state device. For example, the spin of the electron in which the two levels can be taken as spin up and spin down, in which case spin down plays the role of the classical 0 and spin up is the classical 1. Now, let us consider a one-dimensional chain of two-state devices that interact with one another as time passes (we also say that they are coupled). It is said that the transport of quantum state from one location to another is perfect if it is realized with probability 1, that is, without dissipation, which means that we do not lose the information when it travels between the locations. Although it might sound like it is not a big deal, one should keep in mind that the quantum world is described using probabilities and we can know only the probability of physical properties of a particle. Taking this into account, the perfect transfer happens rarely and one needs to do some math to describe when this happens.

If you join this mentorship site, we’ll show and teach you the math that describes the phenomenon of perfect quantum state transfer. You’ll use mathematical software such as Maple and Mathematica (or, maybe, some programming language if you know one) to visualize perfect quantum state transfer. Still, the word of warning: this is a math site and what you’ll be doing is dealing with numbers, matrices, formulas, and math software. All this has physical meaning, and it is what is called applied math, but it is still math 🙂

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

NRE1

Title: Drones in Action

Mentors: Dr. Chandi Witharana, Professor of Remote Sensing | Evan Zocco, Graduate student in the lab

Description: Drones, once viewed as futuristic technology, have swiftly transformed to an everyday technology within just a few years. Uses for drones are endless; from taking pictures or videos for recreational purposes, delivering packages, to conducting cutting-edge scientific research. Drones unleash the ‘sensing power’ that we never had before. This technology has tremendously enhanced our capabilities to better understand our environment. We now can observe, monitor, map, and document changes happening to our lands, forests, water, and other valuable natural resources. Drones can carry different sensors including a still camera or a video camera, which would take natural color pictures or videos. When drones are vested with sophisticated sensors that are sensitive to the wavelengths beyond the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, we could unlock a new entryway to observe the environment. For instance, near infrared and thermal images can provide invaluable information about vegetation health. Drones can be equipped with 3D laser scanning sensors. Shooting millions of laser pulses downward would result in a 3D point cloud capturing finer details of earth surface features. All in all, drone technology has reshaped the boundaries of Remote Sensing science & technology.

In our research lab (Advanced Remote Sensing Imaging & Analytics Lab – ARIAL), we use state-of-the-art drones and sensors to acquire various forms of data to study forest structure and health, animal habitats, agricultural crop health, invasive plants, and to find answers for many other scientific questions. This summer our lab will be working on three main projects based on drone technology:

1. Model beaver ecosystems in 3D (e.g., dam, lodge, forest disturbances)
2. Monitor leaf nutrient levels in fruit crops (e.g., apple, peach, blueberries, grapes)
3. Map invasive aquatic plants (e.g., Hydrilla within the Connecticut river)

You will have the opportunity to pilot research-grade drones in the field, participate in image data collection campaigns, and learn advanced computer-based image data analysis techniques that we use to create maps and 3D models from drone data.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

NUSC1

Title: Exploring Microalgae Biotechnology for Sustainable Food Production

Mentors: PI: Dr. Mingyu Qiao, Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Nutritional Sciences; Lead Mentors: Yidan Zhang & Sunni Chen, Ph.D. students

Description: The quest for food security and sustainability has driven significant advancements in microalgal biotechnology. Microalgae, minute organisms capable of thriving on sunlight, nutrients, and seawater, present vast potential as a versatile resource. They serve as an invaluable feedstock for food, feed, energy, and chemicals. Notably, microalgae exhibit rapid growth rates and exceptional productivity, outperforming traditional plant crops. What’s more, they achieve this feat without requiring extensive agricultural land and demonstrate a remarkable 100% efficiency in fertilizer uptake. Recent breakthroughs underscore their potential to replace soy protein, fish oil, and palm oil while emerging as pivotal players in modern industrial biotechnology. Microalgae represent versatile cell factories capable of producing designer feed, recombinant proteins, biopharmaceuticals, and vaccines, ushering in innovative solutions across various sectors.

In our laboratory, we are dedicated to exploring the potential of microalgae as sustainable feed nutrients to replace fossil-fuel synthetic chemicals in animal feed. With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), our project not only delves into the scientific aspects but also integrates educational activities. These activities aim to equip a diverse range of students and workforce participants with future manufacturing skills, fostering economic and workforce development while benefiting the environment and society at large.

In this summer project, participants will engage in hands-on activities focused on cultivating microalgae in photobioreactors. You will learn essential techniques for cultivating and analyzing microalgae, ranging from basic to advanced levels. By the project’s conclusion, you will have gained proficiency in utilizing an exciting and nontraditional model system for microalgae cultivation.

Embark on a journey with us to explore the vast potential of microalgae biotechnology. Together, we can pave the way for innovative solutions that promote sustainability, food security, and environmental stewardship. Apply now to be part of this transformative summer project!

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

PATH1

Title: Pathogenesis of Leptospirosis – a Road to Diagnostic and Prevention

Mentors: Elsio Wunder, Assistant Professor, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science and Leandro Garcia, Post-doctoral fellow, Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences

Description: Leptospirosis is a neglected disease caused by the pathogenic bacteria Leptospira. This highly motile spiral bacteria is widespread in the world, and can infect humans and animals (zoonotic disease) on different epidemiological settings.  Leptospirosis affect mostly people and animals living in tropical regions, rural areas, or in conditions that lack basic sanitation. However, infections are also related to major climatic events, like hurricanes and floods. The number of leptospirosis cases are expected to rise with climate change, increase of social inequality, rural migration, and higher contact of humans and animals. Despite that, not much is known about the mechanism of how Leptospira causes disease, which affects the development of efficient diagnostic tools and prevention methods. Our laboratory is engaged on research to better understand the pathogenesis of this bacteria and identify targets that can be used for new diagnostic tools and as candidates for novel vaccines. Students will have the opportunity to generate a library of random mutants of Leptospira, characterize new and previous mutants, and evaluate previously identified targets in our laboratory as potential diagnostic and vaccine candidates. Students will learn a wide range of techniques, including basic microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, while also being able to participate in our weekly journal club and lab meetings where they can learn and inquire about other research being conducted in the lab and in the field.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

PHARM1

Title: Did you know your liver is like a superhero among your organs? Its special power is that it can heal itself after getting hurt if the injury is not too severe. Every superhero has its limitations or "kryptonite." 

Mentors: José Manautou, Department Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boehringer-Ingelheim Endowed Chair in Mechanistic Toxicology; Ankit Laddha, Postdoctoral Fellow; Isabella Wu, Graduate Student

Description: In our laboratory, our mission is to uncover how the liver repairs itself after being damaged by chemicals. One of the chemicals we study a lot is acetaminophen, which you might know as Tylenol. Acetaminophen is usually safe to take, but it can be harmful to the liver. We use science tools like genomics, which help us study all the genes that might help the liver fight off the bad effects of substances that are harmful and help in the healing process. Our research is exciting for anyone who's into learning about how our bodies work, especially if you're interested in pharmacy, toxicology, medicine, or how organs function. Your summer experience will:

1. Provide you foundational knowledge on the basics of liver function, why it is unique, and how it heals itself. You will also learn about the effects of common drugs like acetaminophen on the liver and why it's important to use medicines responsibly.
2. Make you aware of the dangers of fatty liver disease and what are the important predisposing factors for this condition that is becoming a highly prevalent enemy of healthy living.
3. Provide you hands-on experience with laboratory techniques used in genetics and biology, like examining gene expression, measuring parameters of liver function. You will also learn to conduct experiments using liver cells in a petri dish to study their responses to chemicals and other stressors.
4. Assist you in developing scientific skills. For example, you will learn how experiments are designed, how data is interpreted, and understand how your findings could help improve people's health.

Modality: In-person with practical laboratory training

Maximum Number of Scholars: 1

PHARM2

Title: Working with Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery

Mentor: Dr. Xiuling Lu, Professor of Pharmaceutics; Sheyda Ranjbar and Mittal Darji, Graduate Students

Description: Dr. Lu’s research involves the use of nanoparticle-based formulations to deliver therapeutic agents and genes. These are primarily applied in the treatment of cancer. Scholars have the opportunity to take part in important research and will learn how to prepare and characterize different kinds of nanoparticles for gene delivery. The focus of the period is to prepare and characterize nanoparticles such as measuring particle size, determining the surface properties etc. If time allows, scholars will proceed to cellular assessment. For more information on the work Dr. Lu and her team are doing, please visit Lu Research Lab.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

PHPR1

Title: Mental Health Services Research

Mentors: Dr. Nate Rickles, Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Ms. Peaches Udoma, Research Assistant

Description: The site is based on the UConn School of Pharmacy and its Department of Pharmacy Practice. The senior scholar will be involved in various efforts related to one or more of the following related to research development: protocol development, data collection, data analysis, and presentation development (manuscript, poster, etc.). Projects will focus on such areas related to pharmacist injections of long-acting medications for mental health conditions, the personality of medication adherence, and opioid safety/substance use disorders. There is a possibility of developing new streams of research inquiry as well.

Modality: Hybrid

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

PNB1

Title: Ovulation and Contraceptive Research with the Help of Fruit Flies

Mentor: Jianjun Sun, Professor in PNB and Stella Cho, Graduate student in PNB

Description: Research in the laboratory focuses on reproductive physiology. Our lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms regulating ovulation, mostly because when this process dysfunctions it can result in a range of problems from female infertility to ovarian cancer. In addition, understanding the mechanism of ovulation will allow us to develop novel non-hormonal contraceptives that have less side effects. Instead of using mammals to research our questions concerning ovulation we turn to a simpler model system: the fruit fly. Our lab has shown that fruit flies surprisingly have a fairly similar process of ovulation to mammals, yet they are much easier and quicker to manipulate genetically. For more information about our exciting research, please visit our lab’s website at https://sunlab.pnb.uconn.edu/.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2

POLS1

Title: CIRIGHTS Human Rights Data Project

Mentor: Dr. David L. Richards, Associate Professor of Human Rights & Political Science

Description: The CIRIGHTS Data Project is the largest human rights dataset in the world, containing annual data about government respect for internationally recognized human rights for all countries of the world from 1981 to the present. CIRIGHTS data is broadly accessible, transparent, and easy to understand. This is reflected by their use in over 170 countries by hundreds of international and domestic organizations, governments, businesses, and by many thousands of scholars and students.

Students at this mentor site will be participating in the creation of data that will be used globally for human rights-related policymaking, advocacy, and scholarship. No previous experience with data is required. All participants will receive training in human rights data/measurement. Potential projects scheduled for the 2024 mentor site include: (1) data about multiple forms of employment discrimination (e.g. race, sexual identity, class, religion, gender identity, etc.); (2) improved data about torture; (3) improved data about women’s political, economic, and social rights.

This mentor site is led by David L. Richards, CIRIGHTS Co-Director and Co-Founder/Director of the original CIRI Human Rights Dataset on which CIRIGHTS is based.

Modality: Hybrid

Minimum Number of Scholars: 6

Maximum Number of Scholars: 14

PSYC1

Title: Connecticut Autism and Language Lab (CALL)

Mentors: Prof. Inge-Marie Eigsti, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Dr. Kathryn Prescott, Postdoctoral Fellow

Description: The research in CALL focuses on language and communication in people with autism, and the brain functions underlying language. One of our big projects looks at individuals who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prior to age 5 but, later in development, have no symptoms. Our lab is examining this “Loss of ASD Diagnosis” (LAD) outcome in young adults, who are learning to be independent, and in teens who were diagnosed with ASD at two or four years of age, to identify early predictors of LAD. We use fMRI to measure functional brain networks involved in social and language processing, and at rest, to investigate the neural mechanisms related to the reduction in ASD symptoms. Other lab projects include:

Speech processes in ASD. How do differences in hearing relate to the way the voice sounds, and the way children learn language?

Gesture in ASD: Temporal asynchrony. Do people with autism differ in how they produce and understand the movements we all make while speaking (i.e., our gestures)?

Hyperlexia. Some people with autism have precocious reading abilities. What does this mean for their ability to learn the meanings of words?

Low Verbal Investigatory Survey (LVIS) Project. Some children with autism struggle to learn to speak, but eventually talk; other children never learn more than 5-10 words.  We hope to understand what predicts these very different outcomes.

Students joining our team will learn about: Autism and other developmental disabilities; fundamentals of language and linguistics; the fields of Clinical Psychology and Speech Language Pathology; fundamentals of human brain imaging with MRI.

Modality: In-person

Minimum Number of Scholars: 1

Maximum Number of Scholars: 4

PSYC2

Title: Why do you eat how you eat? Understanding the role that culture plays in disordered eating in teens.

Mentor: Dr. Amy Egbert, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Description: Eating is a necessary life function that all humans engage in. However, some people face difficulties in their relationships with food that begin during childhood. The goal of our research is to understand why young people eat the way they do. Specifically, we want to understand why young people experience disordered eating and how culture (race, ethnicity, income, family) plays a role in what people eat. One thing we are really interested in is how social factors influence eating behaviors. In our current project, we are investigating whether Black teens experience disordered eating after having a racist or discriminatory experience. Working in our lab will teach you about how psychological research is done in real life. You will have the chance to observe group discussions with research participants and analyze what they say about why they eat the way that they do. You will also be able to help us recruit community organizations who work with teens. This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in health, psychology, or eating.

Modality: Hybrid

Minimum Number of Scholars: 2

Maximum Number of Scholars: 2