Project Overview
(A) Genetic Analysis of Mood Disorders in Humans (B) Facial Recognition in Harbor Seals
Department(s)
Biology
Natural Sciences
Abstract
Project A: Genetic Analysis of Mood Disorders in Humans. The aim of this research project is to predict the risk of human mood disorders using SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genetic analyses and identification of novel gene variants associated with depression, anxiety and/or sleep disturbance. Students can genotype individuals, utiilize publically available genomic studies and analyze novel gene variants and polygenic risk of mood disorders across a growing sample of undergraduations and a local population who recently emigrated from Myanmar.
Project B: Facial Recognition in Harbor Seals. This project aims to revolutionize behavioral and population-level research on marine mammals by using machine learning-based facial recognition software to identify individual harbor seals. Students can assist in refining facial recognition software, photographing seals in natural habitats and analyzing data to assess basic population and behavioral questions about harbor seals.
Student Qualifications
Project A: Students can be trained in all benchwork analyses. BIOL, MBIO, NEUR/PBSC, MATH or COSC majors best suited for this project (Applied MATH minors also well-suited).
Project B: Students can be trained in all analyses; photographic and photo manipulation skills a plus. BIOL, MBIO, NEUR/PBSC, MATH or COSC majors best suited for this project (Applied MATH minors also well-suited).
Number of Student Researchers
4 (2+2) students
Project Length
8+ weeks
Applications open on 01/03/2021 and close on 03/22/2021