| Detector to 'See' Particle Identity |
| Project Description: The high energy physics laboratory
at Syracuse University is presently engaged in the R&D project to design
and build a novel detector to identify particular species, called RING IMAGING
DETECTOR. This detector will be used in a high energy experiment. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: There is a great variety
of projects in which the students can be involved and they will be chosen
according to the best match to the student's skills. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Some previous experience, either
with mechanical tools or with electronic test instruments, or the ability
of doing some simple programming is desired. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Marina Artuso, 201 Physics Bldg.; x2356
|
|
|
| Role of Nitric Oxide in Primitive Eukaryotes |
| Project Description: Nitric oxide is a relatively newly discovered
second messenger in the brain and other places (responsible for vasodilation
and male erection for example). Its role in primitive eukaryotes is not
clear and deserves investigation. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: Standard laboratory work-ups will
be done. For each credit hour, 42 hours of laboratory time is expected,
but except for the preparation of reports, no outside time is anticipated.
At the end of the research period a final or progress report is required. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Curiosity, enthusiasm, reliability and
ability to handle and keep track of a number of simultaneous experiments.
Ability to learn strictly aseptic technique is essential. Science experience
helpful. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Kenneth Foster, 225 Physics Bldg.; x9220,
446-6538; e-mail: kwfoster@syr.edu |
| Evolution of Visual Receptors |
| Project Description: G-protein coupled receptors account for about
1000 different sensory receptors in humans (sight, smell, chemical, etc.).
It is hypothesized they have a common origin with the Archea bacteria's
bartworhrdopsin receptor. Many other eukargotes like us should have them.
By studying the common elements of diverse groups one can hope to trace
the evolution of the visual receptors like rhodopsin. We propose to test
the hypothesis that many microorganisms guide their crawling using reception
of light by rhodopsin. Students will experience doing research where the
answer is not known, and the findings must stand the test of time. Learn
about techniques in evolutionary studies. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: Draw organisms and test their behavior.
Instruction in these tasks would be given. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Interest and one year of laboratory science. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Kenneth Foster, 201 Physics Bldg.; x9220,
446-6538;
e-mail: kwfoster@syr.edu |
| Retinoid Synthesis |
| Project Description: Seek mutants and construct strains of the
uni-cellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for biophysical, molecular biological,
and biochemical experiments to understand the molecular basis of retinoid
synthesis and regulation. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: Standard lab work-ups done. For
each credit hour 42 hours of laboratory time is expected, but except for
the preparation of reports, no outside time is anticipated. At the end of
each research period a final report is required. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Curiosity, enthusiasm, reliability and
ability to handle and keep track of a number of simultaneous experiments.
Ability to learn strictly aseptic technique is essential. Science experience
helpful. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Jureepan Saranak, 201 Physics Bldg.; x4464,
x9105; 446-6538
e-mail: jsaranak@syr.edu |
| Responses to Far-red Light Alga Chlamydomonas |
| Project Description: We have cloned a gene which is optimally stimulated
by far-red light. As a complement to that study, we are seeking to establish
a convenient behavioral assay for the response of the cells to far-red light. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: Standard lab work-ups done. For
each credit hour 42 hours of laboratory time is expected, but except for
the preparation of reports, no outside time is anticipated. At the end of
each research period a final or progress report is required. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Curiosity, enthusiasm, reliability and
ability to handle and keep track of a number of simultaneous experiments.
Ability to learn strictly aseptic technique is essential. Science experience
helpful. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Jureepan Saranak, 249 Physics Bldg.; x4464,
x9105; 446-6538
e-mail: jsaranak@syr.edu |
| Experimental Gravitational Physics |
| Project Description: The search for gravitational waves, and other
tests of Einstein's theory of gravity, require exquisitely sensitive mechanical
systems. Research at Syracuse focuses on understanding and reducing two
of the largest sources of noise, seismic vibration and Brownian motion. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: Students can select from a variety
of tasks, depending on their interests and experience. Possibilities include
design of sensors or electronic circuits, computer interfacing and data
analysis, control systems, and measurements of properties of mechanical
systems. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Laboratory skills are a plus but the only
requirement is a willingness to learn new things in a laboratory setting. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Peter Saulson, 201 Physics Bldg.; x5994,
449-9423; e-mail: psaulson@syr.edu |
| Laboratory Astrophysics |
| Project Description: Current research is focused on learning
how molecules are formed in interstellar space. Experiments are being
carried out to measure the efficiency of formation of molecular hydrogen
an other key interstellar molecules on analogues of dust grains under astrophysically
relevant conditions. The experimental set-up consists of atomic hydrogen
beam lines, low temperature instrumentation, lasers, and surface characterization
probes. |
| Student Roles/Responsibilities: Interested students and the faculty
advisor will discuss the best project depending on students' interest, experience
and ability. Possible tasks: assemply/use of vacuum equipment,
sample preparation and characterization, participation in on-going experiments,
work on data collection and analysis, and computer interfacing. Students
participating in this program will be working in a team with undergraduate
and graduate students. |
| Minimum Qualifications: Previous laboratory experience is desirable
but not necessary. Good working habits, curiosity and willingness
to work and learn in a laboratory seting are a must. |
|
Sponsor: Professor Gianfranco Vidali, 201 Physics Bldg.;
x9115; e-mail: gvidali@syr.edu |
|