Prof. Lee: Nutrient dysregulation in metabolic diseases and cancer

Biochemistry
Faculty Advisor
Jaekwon Lee
Contact Email jlee7@unl.edu
Website
Advisor College:
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Potential Student Tasks

Responsibilities of undergraduates involved in the research include (1) reading literature on nutrient metabolism, metabolic diseases, cancer, and cell signaling, (2) learning experimental techniques, (3) conducting experiments to collect data, both in collaboration with graduate students and the mentor and independently, (4) analyzing and presenting data, (5) maintaining a lab notebook, and (6) attending lab meetings and presenting their progress.

Student Qualifications

Interest in and enthusiasm for learning, research, and creative activity are required.  Students from biology-related disciplines, such as biochemistry, biological sciences, nutrition, and microbiology, who are pursuing graduate study (e.g., graduate or medical school) are preferred.

Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community

Students will meet weekly with their mentor and collaborate daily with senior undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. They are encouraged to attend weekly lab meetings. The mentor will help students hone their critical-thinking, research, and presentation skills.

Available Positions
2

Metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and cancer, are widespread and severe health issues worldwide. The research projects in Dr. Lee's lab in the Biochemistry department aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases using microorganisms, mammalian cells, and animal models. Another objective is to conduct preclinical studies to develop intervention strategies and therapeutics. A diverse array of research techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics is used. The anticipated results could enhance our understanding of many diseases and potentially lead to the development of new treatments.