UROP Project
Biochemical Techniques to Investigate Heart Disease Mutations
Cardiac muscle, biochemistry, molecular biology, protein, biology, muscle mechanics
Research Mentor: Ms. Rhiannon Crawford,
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rqc18@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: rqc18@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biology, Exercise Physiology, Biochemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biology, Exercise Physiology, Biochemistry
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92992167705
Project Description
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common inherited heart disease and is often caused by mutations in proteins that help organize the heart's contractile machinery. This project will investigate how a mutation in the protein α-actinin-2 affects its interaction with actin and contributes to changes in cardiac muscle. This project will allow students to gain experience in fundamental laboratory techniques, basic laboratory organization and documentation, and assist with biochemical experiments like protein purification, solution preparation, co-precipitation, and more.Research Tasks: Learn basics of lab work, prepare buffers and solutions, assist with experiments and biochemical assays, and data collection and analysis
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in learning about biomedical and biochemical research and lab techniques, willing to learn and ask questions
Mentoring Philosophy
I believe that effective mentoring creates a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes as beginner scientists. Research can be intimidating, especially for students who are working in a lab for the first time, so I strive to make the experience approachable and enjoyable. My goal as a mentor is not only to teach lab techniques but also to help students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the scientific process.I take a learner-centered approach to mentoring by recognizing that each student comes with different experiences, strengths, and career aspirations so, I work to understand their individual goals and tailor my guidance accordingly. I encourage students to participate in discussions about experiments and ask questions about why techniques are performed. Even when students begin with observational roles, I want them to understand the purpose behind each experiment and how their contributions fit into the larger research project.