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Identifying In Vivo Changes in the Tumor Microenvironment and Sensing with Metallic Nanoparticles
keywords CHOLESTEROL, GOLD NANORODS, NANOMEDICINE, NANOTECHNOLOGY, RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Reference persons DANILO DEMARCHI
External reference persons Carly Filgueira (csfilgueira@houstonmethodist.org)
Research Groups MiNES (Micro&Nano Electronic Systems)
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description We are seeking a highly motivated nanotechnologies for ICTs or biomedical engineering student to join our team at Houston Methodist Hospital and work on a project focused on lung cancer and the changes that occur in fluid pressure and velocity across the tumor microenvironment as tumors grow and their vasculature undergoes remodeling. The student will collaborate closely with Dr. Filgueira as the Principal Investigator and supervisor, as well as with a diverse team of experts at Houston Methodist Research Institute, including a theoretician, a veterinary staff team, and Filgueira lab staff.
The main objective of this project is to assess 2D and 3D changes that occur in tumor vasculature, capillary size, and perfusion as solid lung cancer tumors growth over time. The study will use a combination of histology and CT imaging on live rodents harboring solid tumors to assist in generating data for the development of 2D and 3D mathematical models. The student will also have the opportunity to work with metallic (gold) nanoparticles and learn about their properties for enhanced sensing and detection. Ideally, the student should have knowledge of Matlab for image postprocessing and quantification using color thresholding to remove background noise, segmentation software (3D Slicer), statistics, proficiency in English (oral and written), knowledge and/or willingness to expand their knowledge on use of a microscope, instrumentation to quantify nanoparticles in samples (ICP-OES), working around small animals, effective communication across multiple departments and individuals with various backgrounds.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled nanotechnologies for ICTs or biomedical engineering student to work on a cutting-edge project with world-class clinicians and researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital. This project offers the possibility to perform segmentation or histological analyses remotely or in person at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, USA. For those who are willing to travel, a minimum period of 6 months in the USA is required. Our institute is highly diverse and collaborative, with a strong Italian community, making it an ideal environment for learning and growth.
Required skills This project requires experimental work to be performed at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston (TX), US. A period of at least 9 months is required. For Master’s students, analysis performed remotely is possible. This project would involve collection and processing of rodent and porcine blood and tissue; therefore, the student would need to be comfortable working with animal blood and tissue samples. The student will assist with performing analyses and data collection. The student will be trained on wet chemistry techniques such as ultracentrifugation and thin layer chromatography. The student will work in a team that includes Dr. Filgueira as PI, Dr. Hafner as Co-I (a Physics Professor and collaborator from Rice University), Filgueira lab staff, and students from the Hafner lab. Good knowledge of basic physics and chemistry is required; familiarity with MATLAB programming, modeling, CAD, are a plus. Excellent English level is required (oral and written) and positive attitude to work in a diverse and heterogeneous environment.
Deadline 14/12/2024
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA