We are aiming to understand the mechanisms by which bacteria cause disease, and the long-term goal is to develop strategies to reduce the risk of bacterial infections related to the use of contact lenses. We have found that some strains of this microbe enter corneal epithelial cells during infection. Our goal is to determine whether or not this process contributes to the disease process, and therefore whether or not blocking these events might be a strategy for preventing infections caused by contact lens wear. In addition to learning basic cell and molecular biological techniques, this project involves the opportunity to learn about infectious eye disease. The student would contribute in all levels of the experimental work, including cell culture, bacterial interaction assays, and data analysis.
Minimum qualifications are at least one semester of microbiology, cell biology or biochemistry.
One semester of lab in one of those areas would be an advantage. Students applying for this position should be able to devote at least 12 hours a week to research during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Myopia or short-sightedness has become the focus of increasing concern as its prevalence steadily climbs. Myopia is a problem of the eye growing too long for its optical power, with a typical onset around adolescence. The posterior vitreous chamber of the eye is the site of this growth and in its extreme, it carries an increased risk of retinal detachment and other complications that may lead to blindness.