| Faculty Advisor |
Dr. Amy Desaulniers
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | desaulniers@unl.edu |
| Advisor College: |
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
|
| Potential UCARE Research Position? |
Yes! Student(s) must apply to UCARE by February deadline.
|
| Paid or Volunteer |
Paid by UCARE Stipend
|
| Hours Per Week |
10-20
|
| Acceptable Undergraduate Majors |
Any!
|
Position Description
Approximately 48.5 million couples worldwide experience infertility, and reproductive failure is a major challenge in livestock production. Our research group studies how conditions before and shortly after birth can shape the male reproductive system for life. This process is called developmental programming, which means that during early-life exposures (such as heat stress, bioactive compounds, or chemicals) can permanently change how organs develop and therefore function in adulthood.
We focus on how these early-life exposures affect the development and function of the testis. Using mouse and pig models, we investigate physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that link early-life exposures to later reproductive health and sperm production. Understanding these mechanisms can help develop strategies to protect or improve fertility in both animals and humans.
Students will contribute to ongoing projects that examine how early-life genetic and environmental factors influence testis development, hormone production, and sperm formation. Students will gain both technical and critical thinking skills valuable for careers in biology, biomedical research, medicine, veterinary medicine, and animal science.
Training may include laboratory techniques such as hormone assays, histology, protein extraction, immunoblotting, cell culture, serum isolation, and essential lab skills (e.g., pipetting, buffer preparation). Students may also have opportunities to assist with animal work in pigs or mice, if interested. Lab maintenance tasks related to research (e.g., labeling tubes, autoclaving, dishwashing) are expected.
The ideal student is detail-oriented, motivated, dependable, and curious about how the body works (physiology). Interest in biology, reproduction, physiology, human or veterinary medicine, or animal science is preferred.
Faculty Advisor Mentoring Philosophy
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.