Training an all-female undergraduate team to design a microscope incubator and microfluidic devices for single-cell studies

Individual cells exhibit a range of responses when exposed to the same external stimulus. Currently, many research techniques allow scientists to study ensemble averages of cellular responses, but few techniques exist that allow scientists to study the response of individual cells non-invasively. In...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Johnson, Jolene L., Anderson, Emily, Klukas, Erin, Chan, Christina, Hanson, Rachel, Sinyigaya, Peace, Tong, Renee
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Cellular manufacture
Computer programming
Fluoroscopic imaging
Histograms
Microfluidic devices
Nanofabrication
Nanotechnology
Scientists
Training
Viruses
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Summary:Individual cells exhibit a range of responses when exposed to the same external stimulus. Currently, many research techniques allow scientists to study ensemble averages of cellular responses, but few techniques exist that allow scientists to study the response of individual cells non-invasively. In our research, we are attempting to collect histograms of viral production versus time from individual cells transfected with the HIV-1 structural protein Gag. Our technique combines custom-built microfluidic devices with fluorescent imaging. Characterization of differences across a cell population will provide insight into specific cellular mechanisms involved in virus production. Our research team works at St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s), a university with a small women’s liberal arts college at its core. The mission of our institution requires that the goals of our research team are to not only conduct scientific research, but also to prepare traditionally underrepresented women for graduate work and employment in STEM fields. In the past five years, 10 women with diverse backgrounds have contributed significantly to our group, with training in nanofabrication, computer programming, machine shop work, biochemistry, and other skills as needed. The projects and techniques that our group focuses on are specifically designed to provide an environment that encourages women to consider careers in nanotechnology and engineering. Even with limited funding and program size, our research program is achieving our goals to develop new biophysical techniques to study viral production and increase the number of women interested in nanotechnology and physics.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/1.5110159