Sample Preparation and Analysis for Genomics/Analytical Chem/Ecology

We are seeking two undergraduate researchers to assist a graduate student with sample preparation for analysis. The project will involve fish tissue homogenization, PFAS extraction, and fish tissue RNA extraction samples for bulk and 16S analysis. The project will also have a computational molecular dynamics aspect. This is an excellent opportunity to expand and apply your skills in a real research setting, particularly if you are interested in environmental toxicology, genomics/transcriptomics, or analytical chemistry instrumentation. 

Undergraduate researchers will work closely with a biology graduate student as a day-to-day mentor, with guidance from Dr. Daniele Miranda and Dr. Mike Pfrender.

Name of research group, project, or lab
Stream and Wetland Ecology Lab (Lamberti/Miranda Lab) and Pfrender Lab
Why join this research group or lab?
  • This project straddles two labs in two different buildings. By nature, this project is variable day to day
  • Offers great experience in a multitude of biological field contexts from environmental toxicology to genomics.
  • Understanding how PFAS affects the fish and their microbial transcriptomes can help pave the way for improved fishery management and better understanding of the ecotoxicology of PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Logistics Information:
Project categories
Biological Sciences
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  • General willingness to learn
  • Organizational Skills
  • Ability to work independently with guidance
  • Basic understanding of biological and chemical concepts
  • Must be able to safely and effectively handle biological or hazardous materials as required by the role
  • Computational skills in python or R are a bonus, but not required
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned
  • PFAS extraction
  • Basic LC/MS-MS concepts
  • RNA extraction
  • 16S RNA sequencing concepts
  • Bulk RNA sequencing concepts
  • Computational molecular dynamics basic concepts
Project start
Spring Semester 2026
Contact Information:
Mentor
klawson2@nd.edu
Graduate Student
Name of project director or principal investigator
Daniele Miranda, Mike Pfrender
Email address of project director or principal investigator
ddealmei@nd.edu
2 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
Project categories
Chemistry and Biochemistry (+1)
Biological SciencesChemistry and Biochemistry