| Faculty Advisor |
Wen Qian
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | wqian2@unl.edu |
| Website | |
| Advisor College: |
Engineering
|
| Potential Student Tasks |
As a student trainee, the FYRE student will receive hands-on training in advanced microscopy and nanoscale materials characterization techniques used in biomaterials and bone research. The student will assist with specimen preparation, experimental setup, microscopy imaging, and collection of nanoscale compositional and mechanical data. Additional responsibilities may include image processing, data organization, basic data analysis, and maintaining research records. The student will work closely with the faculty mentor and experienced undergraduate researchers in a collaborative research environment. Regular participation in lab meetings and research discussions will help the student develop scientific communication and critical thinking skills. The student will also have opportunities to present research progress during the semester, gaining valuable experience in research presentation and teamwork. |
| Student Qualifications |
We are looking for students who are responsible, motivated, detail-oriented, and interested in learning advanced microscopy and materials characterization techniques. Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and willingness to learn in a hands-on research environment are important. Students should also be comfortable reading scientific literature and participating in research discussions. Students from all majors are welcome to apply. This opportunity may be particularly well suited for students interested in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related STEM fields. |
| Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community |
Our research group and facility are committed to providing a supportive, collaborative, and hands-on learning environment for undergraduate students. New students receive individualized training in laboratory safety, microscopy techniques, experimental procedures, and research data organization/analysis. Students work closely with the faculty mentor and experienced undergraduate researchers, allowing them to gradually build confidence and technical skills through guided participation in ongoing research projects. Regular lab meetings and research discussions provide opportunities for students to ask questions, share progress, and develop scientific communication skills. We value curiosity, teamwork, professionalism, and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences. Student schedules are considered carefully to support a healthy balance between academics, research responsibilities, and personal commitments. Depending on the project needs, some data analysis and literature review activities may also be completed remotely. Our goal is to help students gain meaningful research experience, develop practical technical skills, and explore future opportunities in graduate school, research, engineering, and related STEM careers. |
| Available Positions |
1
|
This research project investigates nanoscale compositional and mechanical changes in bone tissue associated with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and skeletal fragility. Using advanced characterization techniques including Nano-IR spectroscopy and nanoindentation, we study how bone material properties vary spatially around osteocyte lacunae and how these changes may contribute to increased fracture risk beyond what is captured by conventional clinical bone density measurements.
Our recent findings demonstrate selective alterations in peri-lacunar bone composition and mechanical behavior in T1D samples, including reduced mineral-to-matrix ratio and decreased local hardness. Spatial analysis further revealed well-defined distance-dependent gradients in bone composition and mechanics surrounding the lacunae. These results suggest that diabetes alters the local quality of bone tissue at the nanoscale while preserving the overall spatial organization of peri-lacunar properties.
This is an ongoing project, and additional human bone specimens will continue to be analyzed to further understand the relationship between nanoscale bone quality and skeletal fragility in aging populations. The FYRE student will participate in various aspects of the project, including specimen preparation, microscopy and nanoscale characterization, experimental data collection, image processing, and data organization/analysis. Through this experience, the student will gain hands-on exposure to advanced materials characterization techniques and interdisciplinary research in biomaterials and bone mechanics.