Peter G Okkema
Email Address: okkema@uic.eduCollege: Liberal Arts and Sciences Department: Biological Sciences
Title: Professor
Office: 4052 MBRB M/C 567 Phone: 4137445
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
Control of organ development and function in C. elegans-- We are interested in how complex organs form during animal development, and how their function is controlled. To address these questions, we study the pharynx of the nematode C. elegans. The pharynx is a neuromuscular feeding organ, and we are using molecular and genetic techniques to understand how muscle cells differentiate, and how pharyngeal neurons control muscle cell contractions. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10 Qualifications of a Student:
- interest in developmental biology - credit or concurrent registration in Genetics - a class schedule that allows you to work at least two half-days/week - ability to work 2 semesters, or a semester and summer Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Students will carry out an independent research project in the lab. Typical duties include molecular cloning, generating transgenic C. elegans, and optical microscopy.
NOTE: This researcher is currently not accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research Experience program.
