Yuwei Jiang
Email Address: yuweij@uic.eduCollege: Medicine Department: Physiology and Biophysics
Title: assistant professor
Office: 1097 Phone: 37261
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
The Jiang lab has broad interests in adipose tissue development, homeostasis, and expansion, with particular focus on elucidating the roles of adipose stem cells in obesity and its associated metabolic comorbidities. We aim (1) to explore the mechanisms that control adipocyte development and maintenance and (2) to understand how these mechanisms go awry in response to metabolic diseases.
Within white adipose tissue, tissue-resident adipose stem cells proliferate and differentiate into either white (energy-storing) or beige (energy-burning) adipocytes, which may hold therapeutic potential to curb the obesity epidemic. Recent work from us and others start to uncover the origins of adipose stem cells and their roles in the formation and maintenance of adipose tissue.
Using cutting-edge tissue-specific, inducible knockout and lineage tracing mouse models, coupled with advanced genomic and imaging approaches, the Jiang laboratory is currently working on two projects: 1) the molecular underpinnings of adipose stem cell lineage control in white adipose tissue development; 2) the mechanisms of beige adipocyte development and maintenance under physiological and pathological conditions. This research will advance our knowledge on adipose stem cell biology and its controlling mechanisms, and will ultimately facilitate the development of therapies to combat obesity and metabolic disease. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 12 Qualifications of a Student:
* Preferred majors: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering.
* Minimum GPA: 3.5
* Qualifications:
- Prior lab experience is not required but is a plus.
- Strong willingness to learn new techniques and not be afraid to work with mice.
- A successful candidate will follow directions precisely and pay close attention to details.
Honors College/GPPA students will be given priority.
Students who are motivated and have experience in our lab will become eligible to work half- or full-time during the summer as hourly paid employees. Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
We are looking for students who desire a long-term laboratory experience in preparation for admission into graduate school or medical school.
Time commitment:
We are expecting students to commit to working in the lab ~12 hours per week and to be able to be in the lab for periods of 3 to 5 hours per day on at least two consecutive days.
Classroom is the priority for a student. But we expect students to be at work on time and to devote work time to work tasks.
Sophomores: We are looking for students who are willing to commit to working in the lab for 2+ years, pending an initial evaluation period.
Juniors need prior research experience in specific research areas (e.g. standard molecular biology techniques like PCR, rtPCR, cell culture work, or working with mice).
* Training plan:
Initially, you will learn basic lab techniques and assist with routine maintenance of the lab. You will then choose a specific project to work on that is appropriate for your time commitment, skill set, and research interest.
The student is expected to attend the weekly research meetings, participate in journal club, and gain the necesssary skills to significantly contribute to at least one project. Students unable to maintain a weekly commitment will not be considered for renewed participation in subsequent years.
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