RichCo Laboratories Zebrafish Research Award
Using Zebrafish To Uncover Developmental Effects of Environmental Toxicant Exposure
In partnership with the Departments of Biology and Environmental Health Sciences, Richco Laboratories (https://richcolabs.com/) is sponsoring a 2-year award to support undergraduate research aimed at uncovering developmental defects associated with embryonic exposure to environmental pollutants. We are looking for two outstanding rising Juniors (e.g. students with 2 years to graduation) who can help advance a collaborative project across three zebrafish laboratories at UMass (Timme-Laragy, Karlstrom and Downes Labs). The project will be focused on examining developmental defects associated with exposing zebrafish embryos to different toxicants. The student will also interact with Richco to explore applied/entrepreneurial aspects of the project. The student will be expected to sign up for 3-6 independent study credits per semester during their Junior and Senior years, attend and present their work at the weekly Fish and Friends journal club, contribute to routine zebrafish care and maintenance, and perform summer research as a rising senior. At least two weeks of lab research work during January term of each year is recommended. While a specific major is not required, the selection criteria include relevant coursework and/or experience, a statement explaining interest in the project and career goals, and an interview of finalists for the positions.
Full-time summer research between the Junior and Senior years will be supported by a stipend of $5000 to cover living expenses and allow the students to concentrate on lab research. Dr. Steve G. Richter (UMASS 1977), Founder and CEO of RichCo Laboratories, will personally convey the student research awards.
Thanks to the generosity of Steve Richter and RichCo labs, this fellowship provides an opportunity to dive deeply into basic research while also exploring biotech entrepreneurship. The award supports a 2-year undergraduate research project and includes support for summer research as a rising Senior. The awardee will join two previous Richco Awardees (rising Seniors) in a team effort to uncover developmental defects associated with embryonic exposure to chemicals such as PFOS, "forever chemicals" that are increasingly in the news as potential hazards to human health. The applicant and will learn a wide variety of zebrafish lab techniques and interact with Richco laboratories to explore possible entrepreneurial aspects of the research.