Multiple projects on malaria epidemiology

Multiple projects are available in our lab to work on research related to the diagnosis and epidemiology of malaria.

 

1) Systematic literature review on spatial heterogeneity of malaria transmission

Understanding where hotspots of transmission form is key for malaria control programs to direct their efforts. With the help of a current undergraduate researcher we started a systematic review to determine how heterogeneity in malaria prevalence changes when transmission declines. There are over 600 papers to screen and extract data from - we need to expand the team! We are looking for several students to work together on this project.

For an example of previous undergraduate systematic review please check out this publication: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0249382

 

2) Support PCR screening for multiple malaria parasite species

Six different parasite species can cause malaria in humans, but most research focusses on the dominant species, Plasmodium falciparum. As part of a major effort to determine the frequency of non-falciparum malaria infections, we screen blood samples from nearly a dozen African countries. You can learn different laboratory protocols, including advanced PCR methods for highly sensitive detection and quantification of parasites.

This project will require availability for at least a full day of lab work (ideally more) in addition to attending the weekly lab meetings. It is also highly recommended that students do focused lab work during spring break week.

 

In addition to their project work, students are encouraged to make every effort to attend the weekly lab meetings where we discuss all projects in the lab as well as relevant literature. 

Name of research group, project, or lab
Koepfli Lab
Why join this research group or lab?

Work in our lab spans from field collections in countries that are affected by malaria to cutting-edge molecular and genomic tools to study parasites. Be part of the team when we discuss anything from the logistics of field work to laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and how our findings can inform new control policies.

International field work during the summer might be possible in the future.

Representative publication
2025_Oduma_PlosNTDs.pdf
Logistics Information:
Project categories
Biological Sciences
Student ranks applicable
First Year
Sophomore
Junior
Student qualifications

Good organizational skills are required (we manage thousands of samples!), and clean work in the lab.

Hours per week
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Summer - Full Time
Summer - Part Time
Compensation
Research for Credit
Paid - General
Number of openings
5
Techniques learned

Laboratory methods including DNA extraction, qPCR and digital PCR, preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing, etc.

 

Project start
As soon as possible
This project will use an Expectations and Structure agreement.
Expectations and Structure

Our lab works on molecular and genomic analysis of infectious diseases, in particular malaria. Undergraduate projects typically include wet lab work (though supporting data compilation for literature reviews or similar might also be possible). Students are expected to work independently in the lab after they complete training. Often, lab working requires that student are available for a minimum of half day uninterrupted.

Beyond lab work, undergraduates will read  papers that are relevant for their projects. They are expected to make all efforts to be able to attend the weekly lab meeting (currently on Wednesdays from 9-10:30). They will present their work there on a regular basis.

Several undergraduate students have done research in international field sites over the summer. If they are interested in such work, students are responsible to obtain funding. There are several funding sources within ND, Dr. Koepfli will support the students in identifying them and applying.

Contact Information:
Mentor
Cristian Koepfli
ckoepfli@nd.edu
Research Associate Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Cristian Koepfli
Email address of project director or principal investigator
ckoepfli@nd.edu
5 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours per week
2 credits / 6-12 hours (+3)
2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hoursSummer - Full TimeSummer - Part Time
Project categories
Biological Sciences