| Faculty Advisor |
Amy Desaulniers
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | desaulniers@unl.edu |
| Website | |
| Advisor College: |
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
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| 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 etc. Students may also assist with animal (e.g., pigs and/or mice) work if desired. 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. |
| Available Positions |
1
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Did you know that infertility affects millions of families worldwide and costs the livestock industry billions of dollars each year? Our research seeks to understand how the male reproductive system develops and functions, with the goal of improving fertility in both animals and humans.
Using pigs and mice as research models, we investigate how environmental factors influence the development of the testis and the production of hormones that support reproduction. We ask questions such as: How does early-life nutrition affect reproductive health later in life? Can environmental exposures during pregnancy have lifelong consequences for fertility? What biological processes are required for normal reproductive development?
A current project in our laboratory examines whether exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics during early life affects reproductive development. As plastic pollution becomes increasingly common in our environment, understanding its potential impacts on health has become an important global challenge. Students may have the opportunity to contribute to this exciting and emerging area of research.
FYRE students will join an active research team working to answer these important questions. Students will gain hands-on experience in biomedical research, learn laboratory techniques, analyze data, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. No prior research experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
This opportunity is ideal for students interested in human or veterinary medicine, biology, animal science, public health, or biomedical research. Students will contribute to research that addresses global challenges in reproductive health while building skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.