| Faculty Advisor |
Amy Desaulniers
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | desaulniers@unl.edu |
| Website | |
| Advisor College: |
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
|
| Potential Student Tasks |
Students may be trained in a variety of laboratory techniques including cell culture, protein extraction, immunoblotting, general lab skills (e.g., pipetting and making buffers), serum isolation, hormone assays, histology, immunohistochemistry, CASA etc. Students may also assist with animal (e.g., pigs and/or mice) work if desired. Some lab maintenance related to your research will be expected (e.g., autoclaving tips, labeling tubes, washing dishes etc). |
| Student Qualifications |
The student should be detail-oriented, motivated to learn, dependable and organized. A genuine curiosity about how the body works (physiology), reproduction and/or animals as well as a professional interest in biology, human/veterinary medicine, animal science or related field is preferred. |
| Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community |
I am committed to fostering a positive environment where students can grow professionally through this program. In terms of student learning, my team and I prioritize individualized attention and guidance. I understand that each student has unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. Therefore, I will work closely with you to understand your goals, aspirations, and research interests, and tailor my mentorship to suit your needs. I will provide guidance on research methodologies, help you develop critical thinking skills, and support you in exploring new areas of physiology research. There is a possibility for a faculty paid extension of the position beyond 1 year if mutually agreeable. Past FYRE mentees successfully applied for UCARE grants and stayed in my lab another 1 year plus after the FYRE program ended. Secondary contact: Caitlin Ross, caitlin.ross@huskers.unl.edu |
| Available Positions |
2
|
Approximately 48.5 million couples struggle with infertility worldwide. In addition, reproductive failure is a major constraint to the efficiency of livestock production. The broad focus of my research program is understanding the biology of male reproduction and endocrinology in order to improve fertility. More specifically, we study the development and function of the mammalian testis, especially Leydig cells which produce steroid hormones (e.g., testosterone) that are critical for reproductive success. In my lab, we are investigating physiological, cellular, and molecular factors involved in Leydig function using murine and porcine models. A deeper understanding of the factors that affect Leydig cell function is essential to the development of novel therapies or intervention strategies to maximize fertility in both animals and humans.
FYRE students will be involved in on-going projects examining genetic and environmental factors that impede normal testis development and function. Students will gain both technical and critical thinking skills that will benefit future careers in human and/or veterinary medicine as well as clinical and biomedical research.