Project Overview
Clemson University, University of Delaware, Tulane University, and Delaware State University are collaborating to better understand the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, which is used to manufacture most biopharmaceuticals.

This project studies genomic instability in CHO cells by developing a quantitative understanding of the complex interactions between the genome and environment that generates the variable phenotypes. CHO cells provide a unique opportunity to address the complex interactions between the genome and phenome, as CHO cells can be cultured in very tightly controlled environments (bioreactors) to generate variable phenomes due to genome instability.

Students will be exposed to this cutting-edge research working with graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and professors. Projects are highly integrated such that REU students will work in one area, but will have opportunities to interact with researchers in other areas that include the bioreactor optimization, transcriptome analysis, multivariate analysis, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and product characterization teams as well. A major emphasis of the grant includes broadening participation for which all participants must take an active role.

Education and Experience Requirements
We are seeking rising juniors and rising seniors from accredited undergraduate institutions who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents to work on a research protocol with senior faculty members. Applicants should have a strong academic record in chemical engineering, bioengineering, math, computer science, biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology or other related disciplines. Underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as those from academic institutions with limited research opportunities. Each selected participant will receive a $4500 stipend and travel costs to the CHOg2p research symposium held in Newark, Delaware at the end of summer that will include faculty, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

Dorm housing fees will be covered. Various meal plans are available to the students, but will need to be covered by the students from their stipends. A la carte plans are available at each institution.

Contact
Nicholas Sandoval | Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Tulane University
300 Lindy Boggs Building| New Orleans, LA 70118-5674
CHOg2p@tulane.edu | 504.862.3261

* Actual start and end date based on the student's and site's academic schedule.