Summer research scholarships at the Diamantina Institute are designed to expose high-quality motivated students with an interest in pursuing a research career in the biomedical sciences to the Institute’s vibrant research environment. This allows students to gain invaluable laboratory skills, career mentoring and networking, and immersion in the research culture of a world-class research institute.
We have state-of-the-art facilities and a close relationship with the PA Hospital, providing an ideal environment to obtain valuable experience in translational medical research. Translational research attempts to connect basic scientific research with real patient outcomes. Bringing our discoveries quickly to the aid of patients is central to our mission, so you can be assured that your contribution to research during your internship is for a worthy cause.
The Diamantina Institute combines molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and human clinical studies in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment to unlock the mysteries of disease in order to bring about new potential therapeutics and prophylactics.
Scholarship and benefits
One scholarship will be offered each year, and the successful applicant will chose which laboratory they will work in. Over a period of ten weeks, the successful applicant will contribute to one of our many ground-breaking research projects under the supervision of our highly trained staff. In addition, successful applicants will receive a scholarship to the value of $300 per week (tax free). The successful student may also be able to obtain credit (or milestone requirements) towards your undergraduate degree (subject to degree rules and structure).
Eligibility
• Australian and international undergraduate students;
• who are currently enrolled in universities in Australia; and
• who are completing the second, third or honours year of a full-time undergraduate degree program.
Current Projects
Professor Ranjeny Thomas [Dendritic Cell Biology Group]
Pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis in skg mice
Self-reactive T cells with a low signalling capacity through the T cell receptor have been observed in the SKG mouse model of rheumatoid arthritism, and have been linked to a spontaneous mutation in the ZAP-70 signal transduction molecule. This project examines the role that antigen presenting dendritic cells play in the development of arthritis in this model, and whether dendritic cell immunotherapy can be used to treat arthritic mice.
Dr Ray Steptoe [Dendritic Cell Biology Group]
NKT cells and control of DC-induced tolerance
Dendritic cells (DC) under steady-state conditions induce peripheral tolerance in naïve T cells. NKT cells are a population of unconventional T cells that have been demonstrated to mediate immunomodulatory effects on DC. In this project ligands will be used to specifically activate different subpopulations of NKT cells and the effect on DC antigen presentation examined.
Associate Professor Nigel McMillan [Molecular Virology Group]
Gene Silencing to treat Cancer
We have previously shown that silencing the viral oncogenes E6E7 by using short-interfering RNA (siRNA) results in cancer cells dying in the tissue culture dish. In small animal models the effect is good but we wish to improve the therapy by adding in another mode of action. Bcl-2 is a gene that protects cancer cells from apoptosis and is highly expressed in a number of cancers including cervical cancer. We want you to test out the idea of using 2 siRNAs, one against E6E7 and the other against Bcl-2 , and se if this is a better therapy than single siRNAs. You will undertake cancer cell culture, gene delivery, and perform a number of assays to look at whether cells are being killed by treatments.
Dr Wenyi Gu [Molecular Virology Group]
Cloning shRNA into inducible expression systems
We have in the laboratory very good systems to knockdown gene expression of cancer causing genes but we want to develop a system by which we can turn this on and off in a cell. Such systems have been developed and they use the antibiotic drug, tetracycline, to turn on and off expression of genes cloned into this plasmid. You will clone into this plasmid the shRNAs which will be used in future projects.
Dr Michelle Hill [Metabolism Group]
The role of cholesterol and caveolin in prostate cancer progression
Elevated cholesterol is associated with aggressive prostate cancer while cholesterol reduction by statin therapy reduces the risk. We have recently shown that modulating the subcellular structure of caveolin, a protein on the cell surface that binds cholesterol, can reduce the aggressiveness of a metastasis-derived prostate cancer cell line. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms linking cholesterol levels with caveolin structure/function and prostate cancer progression. A summer project is available to perform part of this study. The techniques used will include cell culture, molecular biology and cell-based functional assays.
Dr Michelle Hill [Metabolism Group]
Tear biomarkers for diabetic neuropathy
Nerve damage affects up to 50% of patients with diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major cause of limb amputations and mortality. We have demonstrated that corneal nerve damage correlates with peripheral nerve damage. The accessibility of patient tears makes it an attractive source for discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. A summer project is available to compare the proteome of tears obtained from patients with diabetic neuropathy and controls (collected by the Anterior Eye Laboratory, QUT). The techniques used will include 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis, in-gel tryptic digest and mass spectrometry.
How do I apply?
1. To apply, students need to choose a laboratory in which they wish to undertake the Summer Internship.
2. Visit the UQ Scholarships website for information on how to apply and the application form.
For any queries email our Postgraduate Administrative Officer, Samantha Dyson, at s.dyson”at”uq.edu.au or phone 07 3240 5490.