| Faculty Advisor |
Hideaki Moriyama
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | hideaki@unl.edu |
| Website | |
| Advisor College: |
Arts and Sciences
|
| Potential Student Tasks |
The FYRE Scholar will work on protein engineering to produce channelrhodopsins from Chlamydomonas. Under the supervision of Dr. Hideaki Moriyama, the student will conduct research in compliance with UNL’s safety regulations. This project involves international collaboration with Italy and Japan. The channelrhodopsins designed by the FYRE Scholar may undergo artificial evolution and contribute to the development of novel materials. To study their structure and function, high-intensity light facilities (e.g., free-electron lasers) or microgravity environments (e.g., the International Space Station) may be used. |
| Student Qualifications |
Scholars must commit to two consecutive research days per week, with at least three hours each day. The research period will cover the first 10 weeks of the semester. I understand this is a significant time commitment, but it is essential for maintaining safety in the lab. Scheduling will be discussed in advance. If you cannot meet this time requirement, you will not be able to join the project. |
| Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community |
The FYRE Scholar will gain knowledge and training in the following areas: UNL safety policies; Ethics of genetic engineering; Emotional literacy; Basics of artificial intelligence; Aseptic techniques; Recombinant DNA methods; Protein structure and function; Fundamentals of light quantum physics; Use of space environments; Computer programming; Machine learning; Scientific communication. |
| Available Positions |
1
|
Channelrhodopsins are light-activated ion channels found in green algae such as Chlamydomonas. These proteins serve as light switches for controlling specific neurons in optogenetics. For medical applications, it is ideal to use light wavelengths that can penetrate tissues effectively. However, current channelrhodopsins are limited to wavelengths around 700 nm (1 nm = 10^-9 m). This project aims to overcome that limitation and develop ultra-absorptive channelrhodopsins that are more suitable for therapeutic use.