UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1115

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Jingjiao Guan
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: Prof.
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: guan@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): guan@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Florida State University
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/20171/Phagocytosis%20Picture.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Determine if phagocytosed insulin amyloid damages phagosomal membranes of macrophages
Project Keywords: insulin, diabetes, phagocytosis, macrophage
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Biology

Project Location:: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Yes
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 10
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
Insulin-derived amyloidosis (“insulin balls”) develops at sites of repeated subcutaneous insulin injection and can impair insulin absorption and glycemic control. However, the cellular mechanisms that allow these deposits to persist remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that when macrophages phagocytose insulin amyloid, the fibrils inflict both physical and chemical damage to phagosomal membranes, resulting in lysosomal dysfunction and pro-inflammatory signaling that impairs clearance. To investigate this, we will employ a novel approach to synthesize insulin amyloid aggregates with precisely defined compositions and structures, enabling controlled studies of their interactions with model macrophages. Our research has two primary objectives: (1) to optimize methods for producing synthetic insulin amyloids with reproducible properties, and (2) to determine whether these aggregates cause measurable phagosomal damage in macrophages. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying insulin amyloid–induced cellular injury, this work aims to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of insulin-derived amyloidosis and to inform strategies for preventing or mitigating these lesions in diabetes management.

Research Tasks:
Conducting experiments including fabricating microparticles and culturing cells.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Recommended skills: 
Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
Data analysis and lab documentation
BSL-2 safety practices and chemical handling


Mentoring Philosophy:
My approach to mentoring undergraduate researchers centers on fostering curiosity, independence, and resilience. I begin by identifying each student’s goals, strengths, and areas for growth, then tailor opportunities to build on their talents while expanding their skills. I believe in creating a safe and respectful environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, and perseverance is celebrated. I provide structured guidance at the start, gradually granting greater ownership of projects to promote accountability and confidence. Through regular feedback, I help students critically evaluate their understanding, refine their experimental approaches, and connect their work to broader scientific questions. I share my own experiences including challenges and failures to normalize the learning process and model professional integrity. Ultimately, my goal is to equip students with the technical skills, problem-solving mindset, and self-motivation needed to thrive in research and beyond, while cultivating a genuine enthusiasm for discovery.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_8QHCAgAAAAJ&hl=en
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: No
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
N/A

UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes

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Year: 2025
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=CLoeSRy6Hy6fkOiW2nnwiaGeh3r6k4XFTSn8osut7zQ