Prof. Vechetti: Investigating the Role of Mitochondria in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

Nutrition and Health Sciences
Faculty Advisor
Ivan Vechetti
Contact Email ivechetti@unl.edu
Website
Advisor College:
Education & Human Sciences
Potential Student Tasks
  • Learn general laboratory safety and organization;
  • Prepare reagents and laboratory materials;
  • Assist with skeletal muscle tissue processing;
  • Learn protein quantification techniques;
  • Perform and optimize western blot experiments;
  • Organize and record experimental data;
  • Assist with image analysis and quantification;
  • Attend lab meetings and research discussions;
  • Read introductory scientific literature related to muscle biology and mitochondria
Student Qualifications
  • Interest in biomedical research, physiology, or molecular biology;
  • Willingness to learn laboratory techniques;
  • Strong attention to detail and organization;
  • Ability to commit consistent weekly time in the laboratory; No prior research experience required
Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community

My goal as a mentor is to provide students with an early and supportive introduction to biomedical research. First-year students will gain hands-on laboratory experience while developing critical thinking, scientific communication, and problem-solving skills. I aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes, and gradually building confidence as young scientists. Through regular guidance and mentorship, students will learn not only technical skills, but also how scientific research contributes to understanding human health and disease.
Available Positions
2

Skeletal muscle atrophy occurs during conditions such as inactivity, aging, and disease, leading to muscle weakness and loss of function. Mitochondria are important organelles responsible for cellular energy production and may play a critical role in regulating muscle health during atrophy. This project will introduce first-year undergraduate students to basic biomedical research techniques used to study skeletal muscle biology and mitochondrial function.

Students will participate in laboratory activities focused on protein analysis using western blotting, tissue processing, data organization, and basic scientific interpretation. The project is designed to provide hands-on research experience while teaching fundamental concepts in muscle physiology, cell biology, and experimental design.

Over the course of the academic year, students will first learn and optimize laboratory techniques and later assist in generating and analyzing experimental data related to skeletal muscle atrophy.