MURS Faculty
The following is a list of faculty members at Mercer University who have indicated that they are willing to take a student for the Mercer Undergraduate Research Scholar Training Initiative (MURS). The list is divided by location.
Students who are selected to participate in MURS will receive a $4000 taxable stipend for the 10-week program ($2000 if only participating in one summer session) for working ~40 hours per week with their faculty mentor. Students in MURS on the Macon or Atlanta campuses will also be provided housing in university facilities, although they are not required to stay on campus. Housing is not available in Columbus or Savannah, so these locations will be accessible to students living in those areas.
Any questions about MURS should be directed to Dr. Garland Crawford.
MURS Position in Macon
Dr. Frank McNally, CLAS, Physics, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Cosmic rays are the most energetic particles in the known universe. By studying the energy region where they transition from galactic to extragalactic sources, we hope to uncover their origins, unlocking a study of astrophysical laboratories impossible to replicate on Earth. Using simulation and data from the IceCube Observatory, students will work toward this goal in one of two ways: 1) testing improvements for a deep-learning-based reconstruction of cosmic-ray energy, or 2) studying time dependencies in sky maps of the cosmic-ray arrival direction. Both topics involve the processing and analysis of large amounts of data; prior programming experience is not required, but a willingness to learn is a must.
Dr. Amy Wiles, CLAS, Biology, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Abiotrophia defectiva is an understudied bacterium that is implicated in endocarditis. In silico, oimcs-level methods will be used to analyze the transcription and translation start sites, gene ontologies, and pathways of the species to begin to understand the relatedness of its protein coding genes. Multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) and phylogenetic trees will be created, with related genes further queried for significant trends in similar pathways, molecular functions, and biological processes. If time allows, in vitro validation of significant results will be conducted. Knowledge of SQL and/or R and comfort with or desire to learn molecular biology bench techniques highly preferred.
Dr. Cameron Kunzelman, CLAS, Communication Studies, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
The Rhetorical Capacity of Lifepath Generators in TTRPGs. This project centers on the “lifepath generator” systems of analog tabletop games. Where some games require players to write elaborate backstories or fit themselves into the “lore” of a given fictional world, lifepath generators use randomization and tables in order to create a programmatic narrative that players then use to inform their gameplay.
The research involved in this program is twofold. The first part of the summer will be used to develop a corpus of lifepath games and then to create a shortform typology of them. This have never been done before in an academic form, so it will involve students creating, shaping, and classifying different narrative and gameplay tools into different types and then sorting them. This is detailed work that requires a lot of reading and discussion about methods of sorting and typologizing. The second half of the summer will be dedicated to playing, and taking extensive notes on, the way that these different lifepath systems actually operate in play. This will give us the actual gameplay data that we can use in order to write and publish an article on lifepath systems, how they work, and our recommendations for more and less effective forms ways of designing and writing them. The project will produce at least one publication, but it could reasonably produce two: one about the how they operate and what makes them effective that is suited for an academic environment, and another on the pros and cons of using lifepath systems in games that is aimed at game designers themselves.
Dr. Katie Roseau, CLAS, Foreign Languages and Literatures, First session (May 19-June 20)
The selected student researcher(s) will receive training and mentorship, read scholarship on the history of rescue and welcoming of asylum seekers in France, read and watch Holocaust survivor testimonies, search online French archives for relevant primary sources such as census and civil records, and keep an annotated bibliography. I am beginning research that connects scholarship on the Holocaust to contemporary migration in France. I will examine written and oral narratives by Jews during or after the Holocaust and by contemporary migrant writers, as well as testimonies by rescuers/welcomers. The geographical focus is Paris, Marseille, and Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France. Grounded in cognitive approaches to literature—especially metaphor and the literary mind (Lakoff and Johnson 1980; Turner 2001), as well as cognitive psychology of autobiographical memory (e.g., Fivush et al. 2011), my resulting work will contribute to our understanding of the effects of migrants’ narratives on their identity, self-esteem, and community cohesion, and of how memory and collective identity influences present-day welcoming.
This research will take place in three sub-areas. First, expanding on my scholarship on identity renegotiation during the Holocaust, I will examine texts for master narratives and autobiographical reasoning (Fivush et al.) that reveal how the author perceives their identity. The second sub-area, situated in studies of hospitality (Altinay et al. 2023) relates to welcoming migrants with dignity and will explore how those in a host country can use metaphor and memory of the past to “flip the narrative.” I will study the case of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, a village in France known for rescuing Jews during the Holocaust and continuing to welcome asylum-seekers. The third sub-area centers reader response to narratives. For example, how do readers’/listeners’ perception of migrants shift when presented with recent migrant narratives in isolation versus in conjunction with Holocaust narratives that have similar themes?
Dr. Jackie Pinkowitz, CLAS, Journalism and Media Studies, First session (May 19-June 20)
The project examines the relationship between popular film and the African American civil rights movement, exploring how the film industry attempted to respond to the calls for racial progress and change as well as the radical social transformations enacted by the movement and the era’s other industrial and cultural developments and disruptions (the collapse of the studio system and flourishing of independent, exploitation, and foreign film; the women’s and queer movements and Sexual Revolution; the counter culture, etc.). Often, industrial responses to, and the films produced around, the civil rights movement were deeply compromised and contradictory, highly sensationalist and exploitative, and yet they transformed the forms and boundaries of filmic engagements with racial violence and white racism, slavery and segregation, and Black humanity, agency, and resistance. The project explores these developments through the films’ production, distribution, and marketing; the industrial strategies and logics which informed them, across Hollywood studies, smaller independents, and sensationalist exploitation and foreign circuits; and the various responses to them among critics, audiences, and cultural reception.
This summer we will be conducting archival research for two different chapters, on two different film cycles: one, a set of civil rights-themed exploitation films produced and released in the mid-1960s; and two, a set of integration-era melodramas I refer to as “neo-plantation” films. We will be tracking the films’ coverage and reception in local and national newspapers as well as the industry trade press, to assess how each film was produced, distributed, and exhibited, and how it was framed and understood within the industry and wider culture. Students will assist in conducting this research, and creating a record of the findings (in spreadsheets; file cataloguing; word documents organized by date and theme; etc.).
Dr. Paul Lewis, CLAS, Religion, First session (May 19-June 20)
Project on meaningfulness
Dr. Shan Ran, CLAS, Psychology, Second session (June 23-July 25)
This project is a continuation of the first session’s research on the meaningfulness of life conducted with Dr. Paul Lewis. In this session, selected student(s) will build upon qualitative data gathered on workplace meaningfulness by incorporating quantitative research through a continued study under the guidance of Dr. Shan Ran. The project will explore research questions such as:
- What constitutes a meaningful workplace and what factors contribute to it?
- How does workplace meaningfulness contribute to overall life meaningfulness?
Data will be collected from employees across various workplaces to ensure a diverse sample. We aim to obtain IRB approval prior to the session’s start, allowing students to focus on data collection and analysis. This project is designed to provide psychology students with hands-on experience in independent research, culminating in a final research paper and a debrief. Project checkpoints will be collaboratively determined by Dr. Ran and the student(s).
Dr. Anastasia Kerr-German, CLAS, Psychology, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25).
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is the most common developmental disorder in children. It’s comprised of three subtypes based on the cluster of behaviors dysregulated: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. There are differences in presentations, and in turn, diagnosis age, across sex. Typically, men present with the hyperactive subtype and are diagnosed earlier in life than females due to the outward nature of symptom presentation. Females, on the other hand, more often have an internal presentation of symptoms with the inattentive subtype. Because of this, they are more likely to be diagnosed later in childhood, or even in adulthood, than their male counterparts. Some research has been done on the difference in neural connectivity patterns between inattentive and hyperactive subtypes, pointing to hypo- and hyper- connectivity in the frontal attention networks, respectively. The purpose of this project is to analyze an existing data, as well as implement an 8 week intervention program for underserved middle Georgia families and children at risk for psychopathology recruited from local preschools, churches, and daycares. This study will allow us to more fully understand the intersection between parental sex, parental subtype, family dynamics, stress, patient sex, and patient subtype to understand which is the greatest predictor of ADHD risk, functional brain connectivity patterns, and long-term outcomes in toddlers and young children.
Dr. Donald Ekong (Engineering) and Dr. Johnathan Yerby (CLAS), Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25).
Title: AI and Cybersecurity for Service Learning and Study Abroad
Students would carry out research on available resources for teaching AI and Cybersecurity for elementary and middle school students. The resources will be used in creating curricula for outreach programs that introduce AI and Cybersecurity to elementary and middle school students. The curricula will be used in outreach programs in the Central GA area, and study abroad and Mercer on Missions programs.
Students will also carry out research on the state of AI and Cybersecurity education at elementary and middle school levels in Georgia (USA), Ghana, and South Africa.
Students will also present the results of their research at the Southern Conference Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) and Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (GURC).
Dr. Ha Van Vo, Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25).
This research aims to assess the impact of sciatica on the lower extremities and to design, construct, fabricate and evaluate the effectiveness of a universal brace designed to alleviate its effects. The target patient population includes individuals experiencing sciatica on either side of the body, with any lower extremity abnormalities directly linked to the condition. A custom-designed brace will be constructed and tested to reduce tingling, numbness, pain and correct abnormalities associated with sciatica. The brace will undergo evaluation over two-week intervals, with data collection and analysis at designated checkpoints to facilitate necessary modifications. Patients will also undergo physical therapy while using the brace to relieve tension and discomfort throughout the rehabilitation process.
Dr. Anthony Choi, Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
This summer, through the Mercer Undergraduate Research Summer Program (MURS), our primary goal is to advance the MLRust Project. By establishing a working version of MLRust, we not only contribute a valuable tool to the open-source community but also create a platform with potential for STEM outreach. Our vision is to eventually use MLRust as an educational resource that will let students learn and experiment with machine learning using the Rust programming language.
Alongside our work on MLRust, we plan to explore spiking neural networks (SNNs) and transformer architectures to investigate their applications in modern machine learning. In particular, we aim to implement these techniques within MLRust to highlight its versatility and performance. This integration will not only showcase the library’s capabilities but also enhance our educational efforts by demonstrating advanced machine learning concepts to students. Additionally, we will continue to work on the Vortex project.
Dr. Hunmin Kim, Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
This research project is designed to pioneer a state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) control system that seamlessly integrates human motion with both virtual and real-world environments, enabling enhanced and precise interaction in groundbreaking ways. Central to this research is its potential to fundamentally transform how we interact within virtual spaces and real environments. By merging human motion directly with environmental controls, this system significantly advances remote operations, such as multi-drone navigation, where precise and intuitive control is essential. The project’s broad applications range from improving the effectiveness of virtual training simulations to facilitating advanced remote exploration and surveillance operations. Moreover, it fosters the development of new, naturally intuitive human-computer interaction methods, potentially benefiting diverse sectors including entertainment, military, and emergency response.
Over the course of a concentrated 10-week summer period, we will develop a system where the Vicon motion capture setup records users’ physical movements. These movements will be instantly translated into a virtual environment, allowing users to interact with and control multiple drones in this space through precise hand gestures. Advancing further, the project will implement this technology in real-world scenarios. Here, multiple drones equipped with cameras will collect live environmental data, which will then be relayed to a user wearing VR goggles. This setup will empower the user to observe and interact with the environment captured by the drones, using refined hand motions to manage the drones’ movements and operations effectively.
We aim to continue this project beyond the initial 10-week research period to fully achieve all goals and ensure the successful implementation and refinement of this cutting-edge VR control system.
Dr. Ilana Chefetz Menaker, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Our laboratory recently demonstrated that chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSC) can be identified by a protein activity known as ALDH. The expression of ALDH in CSC allows a unique opportunity to develop therapeutics specifically targeting CSC, which are thought to be the cells involved in recurrence. Our laboratory focuses on stem cell and cell death in ovarian cancer and gynecological disorders. We use molecular, cell, and cancer biology techniques such as FACS, qPCR, Western and cell cultures of cancer and stem cells.
Dr. Pam Cook, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
The Cook lab is currently focused on developing novel approaches to knock down the expression of proteins encoded by LINE-1 retrotransposons in the human genome. This project involves the generation of a synthetic nanobody phage library and isolation of nanobodies specific for LINE-1 proteins. Plasmids encoding the nanobody cDNA will be engineered to contain fused F-box sequences, which will then be expressed intracellularly to promote targeted degradation of LINE-1 proteins.
Dr. Christy Bridges, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
My laboratory studies heavy metal toxicity in the kidney. We are focusing on the role of mitochondrial stress and cell injury after exposure to mercury. Specifically, this project will focus on the role of a transcription factor, Nrf2, in preventing mercury-induced kidney injury. We will utilize cell culture and animal models to test our hypothesis that activation of Nrf2 will activate antioxidant measures within the cell, subsequently protecting against mercury-induced injury. Furthermore, we will test the hypothesis that mercury can reduce the activation of Nrf2, which leads to cellular injury and death.
Dr. Ali Gheidi, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Our lab focuses on understanding the neurobiology of sugar and cocaine addiction. Using animal models with a history of drug and sugar self-administration, we investigate the neural mechanisms underlying relapse. The MURS student will have the opportunity to engage in various aspects of the research, including animal surgery and histological analysis. Additionally, they will collaborate and network with graduate and undergraduate students, gaining valuable research experience.
Dr. Sung-Jae Cha, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical infectious disease caused by Leishmania, a protozoan parasite transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. Leishmaniasis affects ~350 million people in 102 endemic countries, accounting for 20,000 to 30,000 deaths yearly. There are three species-specific disease forms: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (ML), and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Of these, VL is the most devastating form, and CL is the most common form and causes ulcer-like skin lesions that leave life-long scars and stigma. The delivery of flagellated motile metacyclic promastigotes (MP) from the anterior gut of the infected sand fly to the bite site initiates vertebrate infection. MPs are internalized by phagocytic host cells at the bite site, which is the first obligatory step for disease development and is a prime target for protection via immunization. The MP flagella tip triggers receptor-mediated host cell phagocytosis. Of note, the parasite distribution route in the body differs for each species and explains the species-specific disease forms (i.e., CL, ML, and VL). Therefore, characterization of the initial ligand-receptor interaction of each parasite species is likely to lead to mechanistic insights into downstream disease pathways and may identify candidate MP antigens for vaccine development. We plan to identify species-specific MP flagella ligand molecules and matching host cell receptors.
MURS Position in Atlanta
Dr. Samantha Waters, Professional Advancement, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
The project will investigate survivability of a bacterial model organism, which was exposed to an extreme environment, focusing on survival assays. Student(s) will assist professor in microbiological methodologies, which will include serial dilutions, plating and counting colonies, basic statistics on survival assays, and literature reviews for publication.
Dr. Clinton Canal, Pharmacy, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Validation and exploitation of new pharmacotherapeutic targets are needed to treat the millions of Americans who suffer from epilepsies and anxiety disorders. There is a resurgence of interest in targeting serotonin (5-HT) receptors to treat them, owing to recent successful drug development programs. Still, the distinct receptors that contribute to the neurotherapeutic efficacies of serotonergics remain unknown. Based on rigorous examination of 5-HT receptor subtypes, this project focuses on inhibitory serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D GPCRs as pharmacotherapeutic targets for seizures and anxiety. We will synthesize unique, brain-penetrating 5-HT1 subtype-selective agonists and test them in several predictive models. Essential for clinical translation is utilizing an in vivo model that recapitulates the neuronal hyperexcitability pathophysiology of epilepsy and anxiety. To this end, we will utilize Fmr1 KO mice. Loss of FMRP—an mRNA-binding protein that regulates the synthesis of numerous proteins implicated in epilepsy and anxiety—leads to hyperexcitability in several neural systems. Individuals with full and even premutations in the FMR1 gene are susceptible to seizures and most have anxiety disorders. Importantly, Fmr1 KO mice exhibit both seizures and anxiety-like behaviors, validating this model. We developed an orally active, brain-penetrant 5-substituted-2-aminotetralin (5-SAT), FPT, that potently and efficaciously activates 5-HT1A/B/D receptor subtypes (a pan-agonist). When tested in Fmr1 KO mice, FPT blocked 100% of sensory-elicited seizures and reduced marble burying by >50% compared to vehicle controls, without affecting locomotor activity or inducing head-twitching (indicative of no hallucinogenic/5-HT2A activation liability). This project further evaluates FPT and, to probe receptor mechanisms, also evaluates new 5-HT1 subtype-selective agonists in clinically predictive models, including, for seizures, the acute PTZ and the PTZ kindling models and, for anxiety, marble burying and predator stress models, in Fmr1 KO and wild-type mice. We will also examine the pharmacokinetics of FPT and new ligands that meet defined in vivo efficacy criteria and test ligand effects on cortical EEG (pharmacoEEG), endocrine and inflammatory responses (plasma biomarkers), and cardiovascular function. Our goal is to deliver a safe, first-in-class candidate for epilepsy and/or anxiety, addressing a critical unmet need for millions of patients. The new compounds developed will also serve as valuable tools for researchers to explore further the role of 5-HT1 receptor subtypes in brain function and disease.
Dr. Deborah Wendland, Physical Therapy, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
The student will work with several ongoing projects that will facilitate growth in the understanding of research, especially that involving clinical populations. The targeted population for two of the studies is people with diabetes. The main project is designed to establish psychometric properties for outcome measures when used in people with diabetes. The outcome measures assess different components of fitness across several sessions. For this project, the student will participate in literature review, subject recruitment, data collection, data input, and components of data analysis. Another project the student may be involved in is the “Time to Exercise And Move (TEAM) Diabetes Telehealth Program: A Feasibility Study.” This program aims to safely support individuals in increasing their physical activity through asynchronous education, including written and video-based instruction.
The student may also work to support a project assessing the activity levels in children who are non-ambulatory. This project involves the use of activity monitors (activPAL) to better understand the intensity of activity during a physical therapy session. Working with the monitors will help the student better understand activity monitoring in general and its usefulness for research.
Together, these studies will facilitate the student’s learning of the literature review, institutional review board processes, protocol development and revision, data collection, and data analysis. This is an ideal position for someone interested in a role in research and health care.
Dr. Gail Kemp, Clinical Psychology, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
This research training opportunity will take place in the Department of Clinical Psychology on Mercer’s Atlanta campus and will provide two to three undergraduate students with immersive, full-time experience in community-based psychological research. Students will engage in five key research activities: (1) conducting literature reviews to synthesize existing research and inform project development, enhancing their critical thinking and academic writing skills; (2) developing church partnerships to support the implementation of mental health literacy workshops, (3) assisting with Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, gaining firsthand experience in ethical research processes, (4) supporting the implementation of racial stress and trauma groups, contributing to intervention-based research, and (5) assisting with data collection for the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP), an initiative focused on interdisciplinary behavioral health approaches.
Students will be based in the Clinical Psychology department, where they may also have opportunities to collaborate with other faculty members on research initiatives related to mental health, psychological interventions, and assessment. This experience will equip students with practical research skills, community engagement experience, and knowledge of culturally responsive psychological interventions, aligning with Mercer’s mission to integrate research and service. Through this placement, students will develop essential competencies in applied research, ethical review processes, literature synthesis, and program implementation, preparing them for future careers or graduate training in psychology, public health, or related fields. This hands-on summer research experience will also enhance their ability to translate psychological research into meaningful, community-centered applications, fostering long-term professional growth.
Students will receive structured mentorship as they contribute to advancing mental health equity through research, service, and clinical practice. This placement will both support the students’ academic and professional development and also is well-aligned with Mercer’s commitment to community-driven, impact-oriented research.
Dr. Mahavir B Chougule, Pharmacy, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Dr. Chougule’s laboratory’s interdisciplinary biomedical research is focused on drug, gene, protein, and vaccine delivery products and is characterized using pharmaceutics, bioengineering, pharmacology, and molecular biology. The projects are focused on the development of a lipidic, polymeric nano, or microparticle-based product or vaccine to overcome the challenges associated with current therapies and systems. The oral, nasal, parenteral, and inhalable suspension, nano or microparticle particle-based product will be developed and characterized using various interdisciplinary methods. The research is focused on COVID-19, asthma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
The MURS student/s will get experience and gain skills in Pharmaceutical Product development, characterization, and evaluation for treating COVID-19, asthma, cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, students will gain experience in designing experiments and testing hypotheses, writing scientific lab notebook oral or poster presentations, and research and or review articles. In my lab, I had 2 MURS students and currently pursuing or have planned to focus on research-oriented programs. I am proud to have met and mentored 42 students. I mentored, 17 Ph. D. students, 6 master students, 4 undergraduate students, 19 PharmD or pharmacy students, 4 high school students, and 13 postdoctoral/visiting fellows.
MURS Position in Columbus
Dr. Chang Chung, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Neuro-inflammation is a key component of pathophysiology of both acute injuries and chronic neurological diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Inflammation in neuronal injuries and neurodegeneration involves important roles for resident inflammatory cells known as microglia. Microglia activation is prerequisite for microglia function whether it is neuroprotective or inflammatory. Therefore, understanding microglial activation is essential for designing rational approaches for therapeutic modulation of neuroinflammatory responses, and better understanding of the regulation of microglia activation has important therapeutic implications. However, it is not fully understood how the signaling pathways inducing activation of resident microglia in the brain is controlled at early stage of neuroinflammation. Our study focuses on the role of microglia in neuroinflammation: 1) extracellular vesicles in the regulation of the blood-brain barrier after ischemic stroke. 2) investigation of the role of microglia in the correlation between obesity and the onset of Parkinson’s disease. 3) role of microglia activation in the decline of sensory-motor proficiency in sleep-interrupted mice.
Dr. Wendy Walker, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
Dr. Walker’s lab investigates sepsis: a condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection induces a dysregulated immune response, culminating in organ damage. We are studying how sleep affects sepsis, and vice-versa, as well as some related projects. For our research we use mouse models, cell culture and molecular biology assays.
Dr. Ahmed Eltokhi, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
This project focuses on the behavioral analysis of a mouse model carrying the autism-related NaV1.2(R1630H) mutation, which introduces a gating pore current. Gating pore currents arise from mutations in voltage-gated ion channels, leading to an unintended “leak” of ions through an alternate pathway in the channel. These aberrant currents can disrupt neuronal excitability and have been implicated in various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy. The NaV1.2(R1630H) mouse model enables the investigation of how gating pore currents contribute to ASD-related phenotypes and broader neurodevelopmental impairments. This study will assess key behavioral domains affected by ASD, including social interaction, activity levels, motor function, cognitive abilities, and communication. Student Expectations: Assist in designing and conducting behavioral assays, such as social interaction tests (e.g., three-chamber sociability), open-field tests for activity levels, and motor coordination tests like the rotarod. Additionally, they will collect and interpret data, correlating behavioral outcomes with underlying neurobiological mechanisms and engage in discussions of findings and contribute to drafting reports or presentations.
MURS Position in Savannah
Dr. Jinoh Kim, School of Medicine, Full Summer (10 weeks) (May 19-July 25)
CUL3-KLHL12 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates substrate degradation through ubiquitylation. It is known to ubiquitylate Dishevelled (DVL), a key protein in the canonical WNT signaling pathway, which plays a role in various cancers. Our preliminary data suggest that CUL3-KLHL12 may also ubiquitylate an additional protein within the WNT signaling pathway. This project aims to investigate this potential new interaction and characterize the relationship between CUL3-KLHL12 and the newly identified target protein.