Fall 2020 CST Faculty Research Projects Faculty Email ... 2020 CST Faculty Research...Project title Project Description Project Location Important selection criteria Student Majors

Fall 2020 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty

Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t

Project title Project Description Project

Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eAllen

Nicholson

anichol@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Analysis of a

Gene-regulatory

Ribonuclease

Complex

Proteomic analyses of protein-protein interactions in the

bacterium Escherichia coli suggest that two ribonucleases,

RNase III and RNase II, as well as the protein YmdB, function

as a complex to process RNA molecules. We will investigate

how RNase III and RNase II may work in concert to process

RNA, and how YmdB regulates the action of RNase III. These

experiments will use purified recombinant proteins and RNA

substrates to examine the activity of the protein complex and

the individual proteins.

Main Interest in

biochemistry

and molecular

biology; strong

foundation of

basic

biochemical/bio

logical

concepts,

critical thinking

skills, attention

to detail,

willingness to

tackle an early-

stage research

project.

Biology,

Biochemistr

y - Biology

2112,

Genetics,

Chemistry

Allen

Nicholson

anichol@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Understanding

ribonuclease

mechanism and

function in gene

regulation

We apply biochemical and molecular genetic techniques to

probe the mechanism of ribonucleases and their function in

gene expression and RNA stability. Our primary system is the

bacterial cell, and we seek to understand how bacterial cell

motility, biofilm formation, and response to stress are

regulated by ribonucleases.

Main Strong

performance in

biology and

chemistry

courses

(including at

least one

semester of

organic

chemistry)

Biology and

Biochemistr

y, Biology,

Chemistry

majors

3/11/2020 1


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eAmy

Freestone

amy.freest

one@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Temple Ambler

Field Station

To expand opportunities for environmental research and

education, Temple recently established the Temple Ambler

Field Station on the Ambler Campus. Located about a 50-

minute drive north of Main Campus, the Field Station is

situated within the 187-acre Ambler campus and arboretum,

with over 75 acres of woodland, 12 cultivated gardens, over

300 woody plant species, ephemeral streams, a greenhouse,

and a research garden. We are excited to have

undergraduate researchers join our team to assist with data

collection as we build data resources and a biodiversity

inventory and collection in support of research and

educational activities at the Field Station. Students will learn

about ecological methodologies for field research and

taxonomic identification of species, while exploring our local

biodiversity.

Main A strong

academic

record, a strong

interest in

ecology and

conservation,

and a desire to

apply these

interests in a

research

setting.

Relevant

coursework

(Principles of

Ecology, upper

level ecology

and/or

conservation

electives,

statistics, etc.) is

helpful but not

required.

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 2


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eAmy

Freestone

amy.freest

one@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Biogeographic

variation in

interaction

strength and

invasions at the

ocean's

nearshore

(BioVision).

Global patterns of biodiversity demonstrate that most of the

species on earth occur in the tropics, with strikingly fewer

species occurring in higher-latitude regions. Biologists predict

that this global pattern of species diversity is likely shaped by

ecological species interactions. Yet few detailed experimental

data exist that demonstrate how species interactions

influence ecological communities from the tropics to the

arctic. Therefore, a significant opportunity exists to

transform our understanding of how these fundamental

species interactions shape patterns of biodiversity across the

globe. Furthermore, these species interactions have the

strong potential to limit biological invasions by non-native

species, which are often transported by human activities that

breach historical dispersal barriers, such as ocean basins and

continents. Biological invasions can cause undesired

ecological and economic effects and are considered one of

the primary drivers of global change. Through extensive field

research on marine ecosystems along the Pacific Coast of

North and Central America, from the tropics to the subarctic,

this project is elucidating ecological factors that shape global

patterns of diversity and limit biological invasions.

Main A strong

academic

record, a strong

interest in

ecology and

conservation,

and a desire to

apply these

interests in a

research

setting.

Relevant

coursework

(Principles of

Ecology, upper

level ecology

and/or

conservation

electives,

statistics, etc.) is

helpful but not

required.

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 3


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eAnanias

Escalante

Ananias.Esc

alante@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Phylomedicine

of vector-borne

pathogens

It is increasingly evident that genomic information, together

with concepts from epidemiology and evolutionary biology,

allows for testing of hypotheses and exploration of scenarios

that otherwise could not be investigated by traditional

approaches. Our lab characterizes the processes shaping the

genetic variation of vector-borne parasites and viruses. In

particular, we utilize genetic data to learn how pathogen

populations respond to the selective pressures exerted by the

host immune system or antimicrobial drugs. By comparing

genetic data derived from historical samples and/or

comparing pathogens genomes, we expect to provide

information regarding which types of parasite

populations/dynamics are most prone to the emergence of

drug resistance or how genes encoding antigens that are

vaccine (or diagnostic) targets change in time and space

compromising the efficacy of those public health

interventions/tools. We also utilize the parasite genetic

information to ascertain ongoing epidemiological processes

such as outbreaks or disease transmission patterns in space.

Our approach involves a suite of methods and models that

include population genetics/genomics analyses,

phylogenetics, and experimental work. The students’ main

role will be to assist in evolutionary genetic analyses. We are

looking for 1 or 2 students interested in analyzing genetic

data (target gene and genomic data) of malarial parasites

(protozoa from the genus Plasmodium) and flaviviruses. Both

pathogens are vector-borne and are actively transmitted

worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. The students

will assist in analyzing data generated in our lab and from

public databases.

Main I am looking for

highly

motivated

students who

are interested

in gaining

research

experience. A

minimum of 3.7

GPA is required.

Basic

knowledge on

biology

(transcription/tr

anslation; DNA

structure and

replication) and

analytical/comp

utational skills

will be

considered as

selection

criteria.

Programming at

a basic level is

considered a

plus, but it is

not required.

Students should

interview with

the PI. Our

Biology,

Biochem,

Applied

Mathematic

s, Natural

Sciences

3/11/2020 4


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eAnanias

Escalante

Ananias.Esc

alante@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Evolutionary

Bioinformatics

and Molecular

ecology of

parasites

Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of parasites

demand integrating complex data. These projects require the

curation and organization of molecular data from public

databases and their analysis using a suite of bioinformatics

and phylogenetic methods. The projects involve human

malarias and related parasites in wildlife. By interrogating

single gene and genomic data, students will participate in an

individual research project seeking to understand any of the

following questions: the origin of mutations linked to

antimalarial drug resistance, the evolution of genes encoding

antigens considered vaccine candidates, genes involved in the

parasite invasion process to their host red blood cell or

vector, phylogeographic and community-level (ecological)

patterns of parasite biodiversity, and molecular dating. These

questions relate to a variety of topics encompassing diverse

fields from public health to one health for those parasites

linked to diseases and from molecular evolution to

community ecology. Students will participate in regular lab

meetings. An interview with the PI is required.

Main No prior

experience is

required.

Biology majors

should be

interested in

learning

bioinformatics

while no-

biology majors

are expected to

learn relevant

concepts in

biology and

genomics. The

students in our

lab participate

in peer review

publications, so

organization

and good work

ethic are

required.

Biology,

Math

(applied or

basic),

Computer

Science,

Data

Science,

other

majors

could be

considered

Freshman -

Sophomor

e

preferred -

or Juniors

3/11/2020 5


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eAng Sun angsun@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Generate cell

models by using

CRISPR-cas9 to

knock out the

RBL2 gene in

normal and

cancerous

colorectal cell

lines

As a member of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene

family, RBL2, which encodes pRb2/p130, has been

investigated over 20 years. It is believed works as a tumor

suppressor. Its function in cell cycle regulation and histone

methylation has been widely reported. However, its

potential role in epigenetics, in particular regulating DNA

methylation, especially at the genome level, remains to be

well studied. As a portion of a larger project, this project for

undergraduates is going to focus on employing CRISPR-cas9, a

revolutionary genome-editing tool being developed in recent

years, to knockout RBL2 in a normal human colon epithelial

cell line (FHC) as well as a few colorectal cancer cell lines. This

will prepare good cell models for further investigating the

role of RBL2 in epigenetic regulation. In the future, by

comparing wild-type with RBL2 knockout cell lines, the DNA

methylation level in the promoter region of a few critical

tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes will be examined

using a quantitative, fluorescence-based, real-time PCR

method (MethyLight), and then confirmed by pyrosequencing

Main Biology

Anna

Moore

annarmoor

e@temple.

edu

CST Biology Unraveling the

mechanisms of

neuronal

plasticity

Students will use molecular biology and genetic approaches

to investigate how different molecules regulate the

excitability of individual neurons. Techniques in the lab will

include PCR, subcloning, tissue culture, immunolabeling, and

confocal imaging.

Main A basic

understanding

of molecular

biology and

genetics is

encouraged. A

desire to learn

new techniques

Neuroscienc

e, Biology,

Biochemistr

y

Blair

Hedges

sbh@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Building a tree

of life with DNA

data

This project involves working with DNA sequence data of

diverse organisms, and software, to help build the tree of life

and better understand evolutionary principles. It takes place

in the Center for Biodiversity and mostly involves learning

and using new computer tools and applications. The center is

located in SERC Building

Main strong

academics

normally

biology but

could be

any major

3/11/2020 6


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eBlair

Hedges

sbh@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Conserving the

biodiversity of

Haiti

This project involves helping efforts in Temple’s Center for

Biodiversity to learn more about the biodiversity of Haiti, and

to protect it. The multi-faceted team efforts include

discovery of new species, mainly through DNA sequencing of

samples collected in Haiti, ecological and evolutionary

studies, and educational and outreach components. The

center is located in SERC Building

Main strong

academics

normally

biology but

could be

any major

Brent

Sewall

bjsewall@t

emple.edu

CST Biology Large-scale

analysis of

correlates of

susceptibility to

white-nose

syndrome, an

emerging

pathogen in

hibernating bats

White-nose syndrome is an emerging fungal pathogen

affecting hibernating bat populations of eastern North

America. Although it only appeared for the first time in 2006,

it has already spread rapidly and has had devastating effects,

including the death of millions of bats across hundreds of

caves and mines. Such losses have important implications for

endangered species management, conservation biology, and

the ecology of natural communities in North America. Little

is known about the disease, but most research to date has

focused on bat-to-bat transmission and site-level effects.

Recently, however, the disease has spread across a broad

geographic area, and an improved understanding of factors

influencing both the impacts and spread of the disease is

needed. We will investigate factors that may influence the

susceptibility of bats to the disease and its spread across

large geographic scales.

Main Coursework,

training, or

experience in

relevant

subjects such as

statistics,

Geographic

Information

Systems,

epidemiology,

public health,

ecology, or

conservation

biology. Also

strong

motivation for

research and

strong interest

in this topic.

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science,

Mathematic

s, Computer

Science, or

related -

Statistics,

Geographic

Information

Systems

(GIS), or

Epidemiolog

y (PBHL

3101)

courses or

equivalent (

already

taken or

concurrent

with first

semester on

project)

strongly

preferred

3/11/2020 7


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eBrent

Sewall

bjsewall@t

emple.edu

CST Biology Influence of

vertebrate

frugivory on

plant seed

dispersal and

germination

Vertebrate frugivores (fruit-eating mammal and bird species)

play an essential ecological role, by facilitating the dispersal

and germination of the seeds of a diversity of plant species.

Vertebrate frugivory is therefore a key determinant of the

reproduction of many plants. Frugivory is especially

important in the tropics, where frugivorous primates, birds,

and bats disperse seeds for up to 90% of tree species in some

forests. The foraging behavior and community ecology of

most species of frugivore, however, are poorly understood.

This lack of understanding hinders our ability to quantify the

impact of specific frugivore species on the plant community

or to conserve threatened frugivore species. In addition,

frugivores are particularly vulnerable to hunting,

fragmentation, and other human-caused threats, but we still

have only a rudimentary ability to predict the effects of the

loss of a specific frugivore species on the plant community.

The objectives of this study, therefore, are (1) to investigate

the influence of frugivore feeding preferences and frugivore

interspecific interactions on seed dispersal and germination,

Main Coursework,

training, or

experience in

relevant

subjects such as

ecology,

statistics,

Geographic

Information

Systems, animal

behavior,

conservation

biology, and/or

French

language. Also

strong

motivation for

research and

strong interest

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science,

or related -

Intro Series

in Biology

(Bio 1111,

2112) or

equivalent

required.

Principles of

Ecology (Bio

2227)

strongly

preferred.

Statistics,

Animal

Behavior

(Bio 3254), Brent

Sewall

bjsewall@t

emple.edu

CST Biology Conservation

biology and

community

ecology

My lab is investigating multiple questions in the fields of

conservation biology and community ecology, focusing on

understanding human drivers of change in ecological systems

and developing effective conservation strategies. Ongoing

research projects focus on (1) understanding pollination and

seed dispersal interactions among species in ecological

communities, (2) clarifying the influence of emerging

infectious diseases on wildlife populations, and (3) identifying

management strategies to mitigate the negative effects of

human activities on plant and animal communities. Research

takes place both on campus and off-campus at field sites.

Work may require travel to remote sites, hiking, and long

hours of data collection in hot and sunny or rainy conditions.

Work may also require data entry, manipulation of data in

spreadsheets, and/or statistical analysis.

Main and

off-

campus

at field

sites

(may

involve

travel)

Interest in the

field of

conservation

biology or

community

ecology;

experience and

skills in biology,

math, and other

relevant fields;

ability to

conduct field

work or engage

in data

manipulation or

both;

willingness to

work hard

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science,

Mathematic

s, or related

fields

3/11/2020 8


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eDarius

Balciunas

darius@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Redundant roles

of Fli

transcription

factors in

regeneration

We are using a combination of molecular genetics

techniques, from conditional gene traps to CRISPR/Cas9

mutagenesis, to analyze the potential roles of two closely

related transcription factors, fli1a and fli1b, in fin and heart

regeneration in zebrafish. The project is currently being

carried out by a graduating senior, and should be taken over

by a junior or sophomore.

Main For more

information,

please see the

lab website

Biology,

Biochemistr

y

Darius

Balciunas

darius@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Precision

genome editing

using

CRISPR/Cas9

Unlike humans, zebrafish possess a remarkable regenerative

capacity, including the ability to regenerate their hearts after

severe injury. We are working to figure out which genes

control this process and precisely how. To achieve this goal,

we are using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce precise

changes into the zebrafish genome, including integration of

sequences coding for epitope tags. We are looking for several

students to join this effort. One sub-project is to compare the

efficiency of Cas9 nucleases from two different species,

Streptocossus pyogenes and Streptocossus thermophilus.

Other sub-projects include screening for CRISPR/Cas9-

induced genome editing events and analysis of generated

mutant lines.

Main For more

information,

please see the

lab website

Biology,

Biochemistr

y

Erik Cordes ecordes@t

emple.edu

CST Biology Ecology of Deep-

Sea

Chemosynthetic

Ecosystems

Deep-sea methane seeps are highly productive areas, where

specialized communities thrive on energy produced

chemosynthetically.

Foundation species such as large tubeworms, mussels and

clams host dense assemblages of deep-sea fauna that vary

depending on the successional stage. Once analyzed, these

communities can be mapped to show the distributions of

organisms across different environmental conditions, as well

as increase our understanding of trophic dynamics and

energy flow across methane seep landscapes. The research

scholar would be responsible for processing samples in the

laboratory for isotopic analysis, genetic analysis (DNA

barcoding) and video analysis that will contribute to our

research on how deep-sea chemosynthetic communities are

structured.

Main

Campus

We are

primarily

interested in

students who

intend to

pursue

graduate school

in the natural

sciences,

ecology and

evolution.

Biology and

environmen

tal science

majors are

preferred,

but the

position

would be

open to

other

students as

well.

Freshman,

Sophomor

e Junior

3/11/2020 9


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eGianfranco

Bellpanni

gianfranco.

bellipanni

@temple.e

du

CST Biology pygo2

regulation of

WNT/ b-Catenin

pathway in

zebrafish

b-catenin plays essential roles in cellular physiology being the

pivotal player for Ca+-dependent cell-cell adhesion and for

transduction of Wnt signaling. In the cytoplasm b-catenin

interacts with a-catenin and type I cadherins mediating cell-

cell adherence junctions adhesion, but, in response to Wnt

signaling, it is also transduced into the nucleus where binds

to DNA binding factors of the lef/tcf family and activates

transcription of a battery of Wnt target genes. Aberrant

activity of this factor has been linked with congenital birth

defects and cancer. In our lab we are interested to study the

molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to the induction

and specification of D/V patterning in the zebrafish embryo

via Wnt/ b-catenin activity. One of the aspects of our

research is to understand at molecular and biochemical level

how b-cat ability to act as transcription factor is regulated by

different splicing variants of the nuclear factor Pygo2. The

goal of this project is to create by CRISPR/Cas9 induced

deletion a Null mutant for the pygo2 gene in the zebrafish

and compare the phenotypes of this mutation with the

phenotypes of other (milder) mutations in the pygo2 gene.

Main

3/11/2020 10


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eGregory

Smutzer

smutzerg@

temple.edu

CST Biology Examination of

Human

Chemosensory

Function

Humans perceive five basic taste qualities, which include

sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami taste. In addition,

humans readily detect chemosensory irritants in the oral

cavity, in the nose, and on the surface of the skin. One

important chemical irritant is capsaicin, which is the pungent

chemical that gives chili peppers their unique taste. Capsaicin

is a vanilloid compound that activates TRPV1 receptors in

trigeminal nerves in the oral cavity, and causes a stinging or

burning sensation in the mouth. We recently developed a

novel delivery method for examining capsaicin perception in

the human oral cavity by incorporating this hydrophobic

compound in edible taste strips. In addition, we recently

identified compounds that temporarily block the stinging

sensation of capsaicin in the oral cavity. Finally, we have

found that capsaicin chemosensation contains both an

olfactory and a trigeminal component. The goal of this

research project is to examine the effect of inhibitors on

capsaicin perception in the oral cavity by means of threshold

studies, whole mouth suprathreshold taste studies, and

regional studies on the tongue surface. Experiments will also

be undertaken to examine how these inhibitors block TRP

receptors when these gene products are expressed in a stable

cell line. Results from this study could lead to effective oral

and topical treatments for chronic pain.

Main Grade point

average of 3.0

or higher.

Ability to learn

basic lab

techniques.

Standard lab

skills include

ability to

prepare

solutions, ability

to use pipettes,

and ability to

carry out

protein assays.

Willingness to

learn new lab

techniques such

as mammalian

cell culture and

fluorescence

microscopy.

Biology,

Biochemistr

y, Chemistry

-

3/11/2020 11


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eGregory

Smutzer

smutzerg@

temple.edu

CST Biology Inositol 1,4,5-

Trisphosphate

Signaling in

Mammalian

Odontoblast

Cells.

Although calcium is critical for the formation of dentin, the

origin and regulation of calcium during dentinogenesis is not

known. Odontoblasts are specialized cells that secrete

proteins and other molecules during the formation of dentin

in mammalian teeth. We reported that secretory

odontoblasts express high levels of the inositol 1,4,5-

trisphosphate (IP3) receptor/channel, along with an

associated GTP-binding protein. This receptor/channel

releases calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum of cells. We

are currently using cultured MDPC-23 cells as a model for

dentin formation. The goal of this research is to demonstrate

that the IP3 receptor, and a related GTP-binding protein are

expressed in differentiated MDPC-23 cells. In addition,

calcium flux will be measured in differentiated MDPC-23 cells

by the calcium indicator dyes Fura-2 and calcium green-1.

These experiments will demonstrate the importance of IP3

signaling in controlling intracellular and extracellular calcium

flux during the formation of dentin by odontoblast cells

Main Willingness to

learn new lab

techniques. -

Standard lab

skills including

ability to

prepare

solutions, ability

to use pipettes,

ability to carry

out protein

assays, ability to

carry out SDS-

gel

electrophoresis,

and basic

computer skills

GPA of 3.0 or

higher in

science.

Biochemistr

y - A year of

General

Biology.

Biology

Chemistry

Jay Lunden jlunden@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Stress hardening

in a model

marine

invertebrate

species

Marine environments are currently experiencing rapid

changes including elevations in temperature, depletions in

oxygen concentration, and increasing acidity. Current theory

suggests that limited acute exposures to stressful conditions

during the larval stage - known widely as â€œhormesisâ€• -

can act to increase species tolerance to stressful

environmental conditions related to global climate change.

This project will explore this question in a model marine

invertebrate, Nematostella vectensis, that is easily cultured in

the lab. The incumbent student will spawn Nematostella

larvae in the lab and develop different culturing and

experimental conditions to test this idea, which will have

broad implications to understanding how marine species will

be able to tolerate future ocean conditions.

Main

Campus

Students who

are interested

in pursuing

graduate school

in the natural

sciences,

ecology and

evolution.

Biology and

environmen

tal science

majors are

preferred,

but the

position

would be

open to

other

students as

well.

Freshman,

Sophomor

e Junior

3/11/2020 12


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eJocelyn

Behm

jebehm@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Urban birds as

ecosystem

service

providers

Birds are important components of biological diversity in

urban areas. Our goal is to better understand how urban

birds benefit people through ecosystem services and how

people can benefit them by improving their habitats. To

accomplish this, we are conducting field studies of birds and

their habitats throughout Philadelphia. Our research spans

green spaces across the city, including Jefferson Square,

Fairmount Park, and Wissahickon Valley Park, as well as an

array of residential neighborhoods. This project will involve

sampling birds through point counts and transects, sampling

trees and other habitat features, and applying geographic

information systems (GIS) tools to assess landscape-scale

habitat.

Main No prior

experience

conducting field

research

necessary,

however

students are

expected to be

organized,

detail-oriented,

and have

interest in

spending time

outdoors.

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science

Sophomor

e, Junio,

Senior

Jocelyn

Behm

jebehm@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Lyme disease

ecology

Lyme disease impacts hundreds of thousands of people

annually, but human risk of getting the disease is related to

complex interactions between ticks, deer, mice, and their

predators. This project involves extensive field work to survey

multiple Lyme disease vectors and hosts. You will learn skills

including vegetation sampling, tick sampling, small mammal

trapping, and camera trapping. There is also the potential for

involvement in future lab work related to this study.

Main Attention to

detail and

ability to work

independently.

Must be able to

work outside.

Age 21+ and

able to drive a

car preferred,

but not

Biology,

Environmen

tal Science

Sophomor

e, Junio,

Senior

Jody Hey hey@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Evolution and

the Human

Genome

Student's will work on questions about how the human

genome has evolved. Some of the work may involve

comparisons with Ape genomes. Freshmen and sophomores

with interest in bioinformatics or in using computers to

address important biological or medical questions.

Main all majors

Jody Hey hey@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Evolutionary

Genomics

Students will use genomic data to address questions about

natural selection and adaptation Freshmen and

sophomores with interest in bioinformatics or in using

computers to address important biological or medical

questions.

Main all majors

3/11/2020 13


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eJody Hey hey@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Population

Genetics

Students will help develop mathematical and statistical

models of evolutionary processes

Main Freshmen and

sophomores

with interest in

mathematical

and

computational

biology

Biology/Mat

h/Computer

Science

Joel

Sheffield

jbs@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Scanning

Electron

Microscopy of

Developing

Chick Retina

We wish to expand our immunofluorescence studies of the

vascular structure of the chick retina with correlative electron

microscope analysis.

Main Fine Motor skills Biology or

Biochem

Junior or

senior

Joel

Sheffield

jbs@templ

e.edu

CST Biology Analysis of

microglia in

retina and

pecten

Immunohistochemical localization of specific antigens during

development of the chick retina.

Main Electrophoresis,

microscopy -

Bio 3096 is a

plus.

Biology

Joshua

Schraiber

joshua.schr

aiber@tem

ple.edu

CST Biology Detecting

inbreeding in

ancient humans

We now have ancient DNA sequences from hundreds of early

modern humans spanning the last ~50 thousand years of

human evolution. Many of these individuals come from

nearby sites (such as individuals buried at the same

graveyard), raising the possibility that they are related to

each other. The student will develop an algorithm that

estimates the relatedness of ancient samples while

accounting for genotype uncertainty due to low coverage

sequencing data, and use it to determine how inbred humans

were during the colonization of Eurasia.

Main Some

programming,

some math,

willingness to

bang head

against hard

problems BIOL

2112 OR MATH

1044 OR CIS

1057

Math,

computer

science

3/11/2020 14


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eKaren B.

Palter

palter@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Does

hyperinsulinemi

a affect the

basal and

induced levels

of Upd2 (leptin)

in Drosophila?

Patients who are obese are at an increased risk of developing

metabolic syndrome, characterized by impaired glucose

tolerance, abnormal plasmid lipids, hypertension and

development of Type II diabetes. Our laboratory has shown

that Drosophila melanogaster lacking a functional sialic acid

pathway display a range of metabolic defects, that are similar

to those observed in patients with Type II diabetes. We have

demonstrated that one target of sialylation is a potassium

channel in the nervous system. We propose that the

metabolic defects are a result of excess insulin secretion from

insulin producing cells (IPC), due to channel dysfunction.

Marban and Roth (1996) have shown that transgenic mice

that secrete excess insulin (hyperinsulinemic) become insulin

resistant, the hallmark of Type II diabetes. The mechanism of

how hyperinsulinemia leads to Type II diabetes is not

understood and is being actively studied. In both Drosophila

and humans, the fat body (flies) or adipose tissue (humans) is

a nutrient sensor, and in flies remotely conveys the nutrient

status to the insulin producing cells. Under conditions of

nutritional surplus, upd2, a petide hormone is secreted from

Main Motivation,

interest in

project and

academic

accomplishmen

t. Quick

learner, careful

and good at

quantitiative

skills.

Bio,

Biochem or

Neuroscienc

e -

Completed

Biology

1111 and

2112

Karen B.

Palter

palter@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Is there a

functional sialic

acid pathway in

the insulin

producing cells

(IPCs) of

Drosophila?

Our laboratory has previously shown that Drosophila

melanogaster lacking a functional sialic acid pathway display

a range of metabolic defects, that are similar to those

observed in patients with Type II diabetes. We have

demonstrated that one target of sialylation is a potassium

channel in the nervous system. We hypothesize that the


insulin producing cells (IPC), due to channel dysfunction.

However, we have been unable to detect any RNA encoding

the sialic acid pathway enzymes by in situ hybridization in IPC

cells in adult brains, and therefore, cannot rule out that the

metabolic defects could result from defects in other brain

neurons impacting the IPC cells. In order to establish

whether the sialic acid pathway is functional in IPC cells, we

Main Motivation,

interest in

project and

academic

accomplishmen

t. Quick

learner, careful

and good at

quantitiative

skills.

Bio,

Biochem or

Neuroscienc

e -

Completed

Biology

1111 and

2112

3/11/2020 15


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eKaren

Palter

palter@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Investigating the

mechanism of

insulin

resistance in

Type II diabetes

Our laboratory has previously shown that Drosophila

melanogaster lacking a functional sialic acid pathway display

a range of metabolic defects. We hypothesize that the


the insulin producing cells (IPC). We have generated

transgenic flies carrying an ectopic copy of the sialic acid

synthase gene (SAS) under a Dilp2 (insulin promoter) that is

active only in IPC cells. Fly strains were generated that have

Main Motivation and

interest in

research.

Biology 2112

Biochemistr

y or Biology

Maria

Pacheco

tug00270@

temple.edu

CST Biology Biodiversity and

evolution of

parasites

All known multicellular organisms harbor diverse

assemblages of dependent species, many of which are

considered parasites. Despite a growing awareness of the

importance of dependent species for biodiversity,

parasitological investigations have largely focused on the

harm caused by parasites to their hosts. However, the

ecology and evolutionary biology of parasitic organisms are

worthy of study in their own right despite the challenges that

these organisms pose as relatively unknown elements of

biodiversity. Indeed, our ability to understand the processes

shaping parasite diversity and to mitigate threats to that

diversity is limited by gaps in our knowledge of issues such as

species delimitation, population structure and spatial

distribution, and the dynamics of assemblages which include

multiple parasite and multiple host species. This project

seeks to characterize multiple dimensions of the eukaryotic

Main Highly

motivated. A

minimum of 3.7

GPA. Basic

knowledge on

biology

(transcription/tr

anslation and

DNA

replication),

analytical/quant

itative skills and

curiosity are

required.

Programming at

a basic level is

Biology,

Applied

Math,

Natural

Sciences,

Information

Science and

Technology,

Computer

Sciences

Matthew

Helmus

mrhelmus

@temple.e

du

CST Biology The invasion

meltdown and

how to stop it

In Pennsylvania, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is

a particularly worrisome invasive. In 2014, it invaded Berks

County on material imported from Asia. It destroys vineyards,

orchards, and timber (industries worth $18 billion to

Pennsylvania). It rains showers of sticky sap on homeowners

and can spread to new locations by hitchhiking on anything

kept outdoors like a car. It has spread outside the

Commonwealth, to Virginia; economic losses across the U.S.

will be disastrous if it expands unchecked. Contact Dr. Helmus

to help the iEco Lab stop the meltdown.

Main BIO, Math,

CIS,

EES,Phys, &

Chem

3/11/2020 16


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eMatthew

Helmus

mrhelmus

@temple.e

du

CST Biology The genomics of

scared tadpoles

Tadpoles just want to grow up to become frogs, but in nature

there are plenty of predators. Luckily, tadpoles have a

defense--when exposed to predators, tadpoles can radically

change their body shapes and musculature so that they are

harder for predators to catch. The goal of this project is to

analyze experimental genomic data (already collected) to

determine gene expression during body changes.

Bioinformatics that may be used are: R statistical

programming, Galaxy bioinformatic pipelines and BLAST2GO

software.

Main Basic computer

programming

Courses in

Genomics or

Computer

Programmin

g

Matthew

Helmus

mrhelmus

@temple.e

du

CST Biology Are there

universal

patterns in

biodiversity?

Natural selection has caused a spectacular amount of

biodiversity, from flying frogs to legless lizards, yet this

evolution is not random. For example, on distant oceanic

islands, species have evolved from the same types of natural

selection, converging to similar body shapes and sizes. The

goal of this project is to identify these universal patterns in

biodiversity using specimens of lizards and frogs from across

the Caribbean. The student will measure the body traits of

the specimens and then build, using the R statistical

programming language, genetic trees of evolutionary

relationship of species to identify convergence in

biodiversity.

Main Basic excel Biology,

Environmen

tal Science

Rachel

Spigler

rachel.spigl

er@temple

.edu

CST Biology Plant

Demography

This project will investigate the impact of inbreeding on

seedling germination of a native plant. Students will conduct

field work to create experimental populations from seed and

to monitor germination over the summer. Students will also

have the opportunity to assist on greenhouse experiments.

Main

Campus

Enthusiasm.

Attention to

detail. Ability

and eagerness

to work

outdoors in

summer for

long periods of

time.

BIO, EES Freshman,

Sophomor

e Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 17


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eRob

Kulathinal

robkulathin

al@temple.

edu

CST Biology Visual genomics:

Design and

development of

a population-

based

visualization

platform

Identifying an individualâ€™s unique genetic signature via

genotyping technology has become relatively easy, fast, and

cheap. While genotyping platforms will eventually be

subsumed by complete sequencing solutions, the sequencing

and assembly of whole genomes remain relatively costly,

error-prone, heterogenous (e.g., many platforms exist in the

sequencing ecosystem), and computationally intensive.

Furthermore, the lack of additional informative variants in

most species as well as the recent advancement of

imputation methods make full sequencing unnecessary.

Currently, microarray chips remain the most effective

genotyping platform and over the past decade, Illumina has

effectively cornered the market, offering hundreds of low-

cost chips across many different species. Such personal

genomic companies as 23andme and Ancestry.com, and

other enterprises with such varied foci as agriculture,

forensics, and basic research employ Illumina beadchips for

their genotyping needs. Each chip sample and its resulting

raw data costing less than $50 an array providing an

inexpensive platform for genotyping. While this genotyping

assay has revolutionized the field, the emerging field of

personalized genomics currently lacks effective tools to

describe oneâ€™s genotypic data within the context of the

population that it originates from. Illumina offers proprietary

software (Genome Studio) limiting the user to this single

source of tools and analyses. The dearth of open-source

informatics tools to analyze these Illumina chip data has been

recently reported (Smith et al. 2013) and several groups have

begun to develop basic tools to handle raw Illumina beadchip

data (ADD references here). But still there remains a lack of

analytic tools that assess and visualize a sample within its

Main

Campus

We seek an

enthusiastic,

hard-working,

and

independent-

minded student

who is up for a

unique

challenge in

coding. Some

coding will be

required as well

as some

website

development.

Biology,

CompSci,

Math

Freshman

Sophomor

e Junior

seniors

3/11/2020 18


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eRob

Kulathinal

robkulathin

al@temple.

edu

CST Biology Sutra2DNA Encoding analog data into digital code has facilitated the

democratization of information. Yet, the storage half-life of

digitized data is finite. For example, data on optical and

magnetic devices are generally considered unreliable within

50 years. In addition, digital data may be susceptible to

censorship or falsification, especially when cultural heritage

data is produced, distributed, and stored on the internet. In

this project, we are developing novel methods to encode

digital text into DNA, a new emerging medium for data

storage with a proven track record of long-term stability. The

goal of the summer project is to help develop these

algorithms and, ultimately, to build an online web portal to

demonstrate, to the public, the state-of-the-art in text>DNA

encoding.

Heath

Science

Campus

We seek an

enthusiastic,

hard-working,

and

independent-

minded student

who is up for a

unique

challenge in

coding. Some

coding will be

required as well

as some

website

development.

CompSci,

Math,

Bio(informat

ics)

Freshman

Sophomor

e Junior

seniors

Rob

Kulathinal

robkulathin

al@temple.

edu

CST Biology Genomics of

speciation

Is speciation driven by genes involved in reproduction? In

this project, the student will: 1) identify genes under

selection using evolutionary genomic approaches and/or 2)

knock-down those genes using ready-made RNAi lines via our

high-throughput behavioral arenas. The student will be

trained by an active team of undergraduate and doctoral

students who are already applying these powerful

approaches using Drosophila.

Main Determination,

curiosity, and

computationally-

inclined

Biology,

Computer

Science

Rob

Kulathinal

robkulathin

al@temple.

edu

CST Biology Genomics of

speciation

Is speciation driven by genes involved in reproduction? In

this project, the student will: 1) identify genes under

selection using evolutionary genomic approaches and/or 2)

knock-down those genes using ready-made RNAi lines via our

high-throughput behavioral arenas. The student will be

trained by an active team of undergraduate and doctoral

students who are already applying these powerful

approaches using Drosophila.

Main Determination,

curiosity, and

computationally-

inclined

Biology,

Computer

Science

3/11/2020 19


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eTonia Hsich sthsieh@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Control

mechanisms for

counting

unexpected

perturbations

during bipedal

running in

lizards

Main Biology

Vincenzo

Carnevale

vincenzo.ca

rnevale@te

mple.edu

CST Biology Catalytic role of

alumina in

prebiotic

polymerization

of biomolecules

Polymerization of amino acids into polypeptides is a

thermodynamically disfavored process with remarkably slow

kinetics. In cells, this process is catalyzed by the ribosome, a

large protein-RNA complex harnessing energy from the

hydrolysis of ATP. This begs the question: how could ancestral

proteins, which enabled the emergence of life, be synthesized

in absence of these molecular machineries? We are

investigating the hypothesis that the catalytic properties of

mineral-water interfaces (in particular those involving

alumina) might have favored the synthesis of polypeptides.

This computational research project uses molecular dynamics

simulations and free energy calculations as primary tools of

investigation.

Main Interest in

computational

research,

chemistry and

biochemistry.

Basic

computational

skills preferred

but not

required. The

project is in

collaboration

with the lab of

Eric Borguet

from the

Chemistry

Physics or

Chemistry

sophomor

e, Juniot

or senior

Weidong

Yang

weidong.ya

ng@temple

.edu

CST Biology Super-

resolution study

of interactions

and

competitions in

normal and

cancer cells

Super-resolution light microscopy won the Nobel Prize in

Chemistry in 2014. In our lab, we combine super-resolution

microscopy with single-molecule tracking, fluorescence

recovery and innovative molecular biology techniques to

study the following projects: 1) interactions between human

cells (normal and cancer cells) and viruses. 2) trafficking of

RNAs, vesicles and proteins through the nuclear pore

complexes in live human cells. 3) the gating mechanism for

macromolecules transport into the cilium of human cells.

Main Biology,

biochemistr

y, biophysics

and the

relevant

3/11/2020 20


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eWeidong

Yang

weidong.ya

ng@temple

.edu

CST Biology Study protein

and RNA in

cancer cells

We are highly motivated to develop innovative research tools

to meet the needs of solving challenging biological and

biomedical problems, as we have done in the past and will be

doing in the future. Currently, by developing and employing

high-speed super-resolution microscopy techniques, our

research aims to solve two critical transport mechanisms

involving three sub-cellular organelles in eukaryotic cells:

nucleus, cytoplasm and primary cilium. Macromolecular

trafficking among these compartments is suggested to be

gated by two unique machineries. One is the nuclear pore

complex (NPC) embedded in the nuclear envelope that

mediates the bidirectional trafficking of proteins and RNAs

between the cytoplasm and the nucleus; the other is the

Main Biology,

Biophysics,

Physics,

computer

science

Sergei Pond spond@te

mple.edu

CST Biology and

iGEM

Software

development

and

Bioinformatics

Utilize and develop open-source software to explore DNA

mutations. Using high-performance computing, statistical

techniques, and the latest web technologies, we provide

methods that researchers use to answer questions about

their genetic sequence data. All computational development

and research takes place within iGEM located in the SERC

building (igem.temple.edu).

Main Computer

Science,

Mathematic

s, Biology,

Physics

Sudhir

Kumar

s.kumar@t

emple.edu

CST Biology and

iGEM

Software

development

and

Bioinformatics

We develop software (including smartphone apps) for

analyzing biological data in the fields of Genomics and

Medicine. All developments will be in a new institute in SERC.

Main Knowledge of

computer

programming

and/or app

development

All majors

Sudhir

Kumar

s.kumar@t

emple.edu

CST Biology and

iGEM

Personalized

medicine and

evolutionary

link between

DNA and

disease

We all have many DNA differences from others. Which of

these personal differences cause disease? We use computers

to study disease variation in humans and compare it to

differences humans show with other species. We also build

predictive methods and tools. All computational research will

be in a new institute in SERC.

Main Interest in the

field,

knowledge of

computers

All majors

3/11/2020 21


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eSudhir

Kumar

s.kumar@t

emple.edu

CST Biology and

iGEM

Genomics,

Medicine, and

Evolution

(computer

based)

Students will carry out biological and biomedical research

using computers with emphasis on DNA data analysis.

Biomedical questions will be focused on Genome Medicine.

Biological questions will be on building the tree of life.

Depending on the student's background, you may conduct

primary data analysis research and/or assist in developing

new methods, software, and databases.

Main Freshmen and

sophomores

with interest in

biology,

medicine, or

computers. No

requirements,

as the projects

will be tailored

to the students'

level of

preparation.

Biology,

Computers,

Physics,

Anthropolog

y,

Pharmacy,

Chemistry

Sudhir

Kumar

s.kumar@t

emple.edu

CST Biology and

iGEM

Genomic

Medicine and

Tree of Life

Evolutionary analytics of mutations, genomes, and species is

the primary focus of my research group. We use integrative

and comparative approaches to make fundamental

discoveries in the fields of medicine, evolution and genomics.

The common theme of all our research is the use of

comparative analysis to reveal genome differences that are

outcomes of natural selection on novel mutations arising in

all species during their propagation from generation to

generation and in an individual’s lifetime. The resulting

patterns of conservation and divergence of our DNA enables

us to conduct research investigations ranging from

establishing the tree of life scaled to time (TimeTree of Life)

and to forecasting disruptive mutations found in personal

germline and somatic genomes (Phylomedicine). In these

pursuits of biological discoveries, we are also developing new

statistical methods and computer algorithms to quickly

analyze large-scale datasets in these disciplines. We also

develop and disseminate many high-impact software tools

(MEGA and myPEG) and databases/applications (TimeTree

and FlyExpress).

Main Prefer freshmen

or sophomores

interested in

devoting

multiple years

working in our

group so they

can carry out

real research

and

development

projects,

including the

writing of

research papers

and/or

development of

software and

database tools.

Successful

students will be

provided year-

long wage-

Biology,

Computer

Science,

Chemistry,

Physics,

Biomedical

engineering,

and other

biology-

related

department

3/11/2020 22


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eSteve

Flemming

sfleming@t

emple.edu

CST Chemisry Virtual Reality

(VR) of Bio-

Organic

Reaction

Animations

(BioORA)

In collaboration with Gillian Queisser. The teaching tool Bio-

Organic Reaction Animations (BioORA) has been developed to

assist student learning. BioORA is available online and it

covers topics that include enzyme chemistry, lipids, nucleic

acids, and carbohydrates. The animations that are included in

the program are based on 3D data from crystal structures

found in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). This research project

involves developing a pipeline from PDB files to 3D

visualization using Unity3D and Oculus Rift Virtual Reality

hardware. The ultimate goal would be to generate a new VR-

based teaching tool for bio-organic chemistry.

Main Students

working on this

project would

need to have a

basic

knowledge

of scripting

and/or object-

oriented progra

mming languag

es and an

interest in

learning virtual

reality. A good

foundation in

organic

chemistry,

biochemistr

y, CIS, math

Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Ann

Valentine

ann.valenti

ne@temple

.edu

CST Chemistry Bioinorganic

Titanium

Chemistry

The Valentine Lab is interested in hydrolysis-prone metal ions

of biological relevance. The student will investigate possible

ligand systems for stabilization of titanium(IV) in a water

environment, will make and characterize new inorganic

coordination compounds, and will evaluate their interactions

with biomolecules

Main intelligence

enthusiasm

conscientiousne

ss - will teach

skills necessary

chemistry

biochemistr

y

Sophomor

e, Junior

Carol

Manhart

carol.manh

art@templ

e.edu

CST Chemistry DNA Mismatch

Repair

Mechanisms

The Manhart Lab is interested in how proteins that spellcheck

and repair the DNA code identify targets and act with the

required precision necessary to maintain genomic integrity.

Students will investigate catalytic mutants of repair proteins

in in vitro repair reactions and other biochemical assays.

Students will learn molecular biology, protein purification,

and biochemical techniques to characterize these proteins.

Intelligence, organization, enthusiasm for learning new

things, conscientiousness/good lab citizenship are required.

Also required is a strong interest in biochemistry and enzyme

function.

Main Chemistry,

biochemistr

y

Sophomor

e, Junior

3/11/2020 23


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eDaniel

Strongin

dstrongi@t

emple.edu

CST Chemistry Reactivity of

Pyrite and Acid

Mine Drainage

The iron sulfide, pyrite, is found at active and abandoned coal

mining sites. Its decomposition in the environment leads to

acid mine drainage (sulfuric acid generation) which is a

significant problems for coal mining companies and the

surrounding environment. The goal of the project is to look

into strategies to suppress the oxidation of pyrite and the

resulting acid generation.

Main Motivation

Academic

performance -

Introductory

Chemistry

Courses with

Laboratory.

Chemistry

ESS

Eric

Borguet

eborguet@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Combining

Photons,

Electrons and

Nanoparticles

for Plasmonic

Sensing and

Catalysis

Students will develop and use nanoscale plasmonic materials

for rapid, high sensitivity detection of biological and chemical

agents, as well as catalytic conversion. They will learn to use a

variety of analytical techniques such as spectroscopy,

Atomic Force Microscopy Curiosity and persistence - Interest

in research - Aptitude for careful laboratory research - -

Undergraduate researchers in my group typically present at

local, regional and even national conferences. Many have

been co-authors on publications.

Main Chemistry,

Physics

Sophomor

e or Junior

Eric

Borguet

eborguet@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Laser

Vibrational

Spectroscopy

and Dynamics of

Molecular

Species at Bio

and

Geochemical

Interfaces

Research involves learning to use ultrafast lasers (we make

some of the shortest infrared pulses in the world) to perform

vibrational Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) a technique that

provides sensitivity to single molecualr layers. Students will

investigate water, arguably the most important molecule on

the planet at interfaces of biological and geochemical

relevance. Students will learn about surface chemistry,

biointerfaces, geochemistry and laser spectroscopy.

Main Curiosity and

persistence -

Interest in

research -

Aptitude for

careful

laboratory

research - -

Undergraduate

researchers in

Chemistry,

Physics

Sophomor

e or Junior

Frank

Spano

spano@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Photophtsical

Properties of

Histochemical

Dye Aggregation

Main Chemistry

3/11/2020 24


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eGeorge A.

Petersson

gpetersson

@temple.e

du

CST Chemistry Making high

accuracy

affordable

through DFT

The coupled-cluster singles and doubles with perturbative

triples complete basis set limit, CCSD(T)/CBS limit [J. Chem.

Phys., 138, 144104 (2013), J. Chem. Phys. 143, 214110

(2015)] offers very high accuracy for much of

thermochemistry, but these calculations are very expensive.

If we limit the CCSD(T) calculations to the valence electron

correlation energy, the remaining small corrections can be

treated by DFT with little loss of accuracy at dramatically

reduced cost. For example, we recently published [J. Chem.

Phys. 143, 214111 (2015)] a core-valence density functional

that requires less time than a single SCF iteration, but

reproduces the CCSD(T)/CBS core-valence correlation energy

to within ±0.27 kcal/mol rms error. We are now developing

density functional methods covering the elements H through

Kr for the geometry (±0.011 Å which corresponds to ±0.065

kcal/mol rms error in the energy), zero-point-energy (±0.063

kcal/mol rms error), scalar relativistic corrections (±0.18

kcal/mol rms error), and spin-orbit coupling (±0.21 kcal/mol

Main The

undergraduate

research

participant

should have a

basic

knowledge of

quantum

mechanics and

computer

programing.

Chemistry,

Physics,

Computer

Science

sophomor

es or

Juniors

George

Petersson

tue44197@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Spectra of

Acridone D

erivatives

Sub tituted acriones are useful as fluorescent dyes for studies

of protein folding. A collaboration with experimental studies

at the University of Pennsylvania will employ ab initio

caculations of

electronic absorption and emission specra to determine what

structural modifications would enhance the useful ness of

these dyes. Method

will include CIS(D), EOM- CSD, and TDDFT. The student will

learn to create input and interpret output using

the program GassView, and learn to run the program

Main The

undergraduate

research

participant

should have a

basic

knowledge of

quantum

mechanics such

as having

Chemistry

or CS

Junior or

Senior

3/11/2020 25


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eGeorge

Petersson

tue44197@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Interface

between

Gaussian16

WindNMR

Ab initio calculated nmr spectra are useful for the

interpretation of expe rimental spectra and m lecular

structural assignments. However, it is very tedious to paste

calculated chemical shifts and spin-spin coupling constants

into a program that simulates a high resolution nmr

spectrum. This project involves writing computer code to

read a Gaussian16 output file and create a data file for the

pro ram WindNMR. This work is a collaboration with

colleagues at the Kitas to Institute in Tokyo. The

undergraduate research participant’s background in

Chemistry and Spectroscopy is far less important than an

aptitude for writing computer code. The departmental major

or class year are unimportant.

Main Chemistry

or CS

Junior or

Senior

Graham

Dobereiner

dob@temp

le.edu

CST Chemistry Exploring the

influence of

Lewis Acids on

Organometallic

Compounds

Organometallic complexes, which feature metal-carbon

bonds, underpin key catalytic reactions in chemical industry.

This project will explore the synthesis of new complexes using

air-free technique, and investigate the reactivity of these

complexes in new chemical reactions.

Main Prior classroom

laboratory

experience

(General

Chemistry, and

preferably

Organic

Chemistry).

Chemistry

3/11/2020 26


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eKatherine

(Kallie)

Willets

kwillets@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Plasmonic

nanomaterial

fabrication and

synthesis

In the first semester of research, students learn how to

prepare gold and/or silver nanoparticles using wet chemistry

and templated fabrication techniques (plus we tell you what

a plasmon is!). Students who show interest and aptitude for

research will then work with the PI and their graduate

mentor to design independent research in subsequent

semesters based on their interests (see willetslab.com for

more details on what we do).

Main Interest in

physical/analyti

cal chemistry.

Many

undergraduate

students from

our lab move on

to Ph.D.

programs so

students with

interest in

performing

research for

multiple

semesters and

moving on to

graduate-level

research are

especially

encouraged to

contact us.

Attention to

detail, a

willingness to

ask questions,

and a good

attitude are also

important.

Rising

sophomores

and juniors are

Chemistry

(top

priority).

Physics (if

space).

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 27


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eMichael J.

Zdilla

mzdilla@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Preparation and

testing of solid

electrolytes for

battery

applications

We are seeking undergraduates to aid in the synthesis of salt-

organic hybrid electrolyte materials by co-crystalizaiton

methods, and the assessment of their conductivity using

electrochemical techniques.

Main GPA,

Intent to pursue

Graduate

education.

Skills from

General

Chemistry and

Organic

Chemistry

laboratory.

Chemistry -

General

Chemistry

completed,

Organic

chemistry

completed

or in

progress.

Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Robert J.

Levis

rjlevis@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Stand-Off

Detection of

Molecules using

Advanced Laser

Technology

The ability to detect molecules at distances up to 50 meters is

valuable for many applications including explosives detection,

analyzing smoke stacks and probing urban environments. This

project will involve working with femtosecond laser

filamentation ("a light saber") and a new Raman spectroscopy

method developed in the Center for Advanced Photonics

Research. Interested students should read the publications

on the Center's web site

Main independent

motivation

Neuroscienc

e, Cell and

Developmen

tal Biology

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

Robert J.

Levis

rjlevis@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Nanomaterials

by Design

Nanomaterials include size as a design parameter for a

material’s properties. For instance the color of a quantum dot

changes as the size changes from 100nm to 10nm. The aim of

this project is to discover new nanomaterials using

femtosecond laser processing of precursors including

chemical compounds, bulk metals, semiconductors and

organic materials. The project involves the use of lasers and

state of the art optics as well as characterization methods

including UV-VIS, mass spectrometry, transmission electron

microscopy, dynamic light scattering and a nanoparticle size

analyzer.

Main independent

motivation

Neuroscienc

e, Cell and

Developmen

tal Biology

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 28


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eRobert

Stanley

rstanley@t

emple.edu

CST Chemistry Promiscuous

enzymes and

cofactor analogs

Enzymes are considered to be very specific chemical

factories, recognizing and processing only very specific

substrates. In contrast, cold-adapted enzymes, from

organisms living at or below 0C, are rather promiscuous,

opening up the possibility of generating product analogs of

greater variety. You will exploit this characteristic by cloning,

overexpressing, and characterizing a few cold-adapted

enzymes that make potential useful cofactor analogs.

Main Experience with

protein

biochemistry

and molecular

biology

techniques a

real plus.

Biochemsitr

y,

Chemistry,

Physics,

Biology

Sophomor

e, Junior

Ross Wang rosswang@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Chemical probes

to study post-

translational

modifications

Chemical biology approaches to the mechanism study,

diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases

II. Chemical proteomics to identify key proteins for the onset

of cancer and inflammatory disorders.

Main Having

completed

General

Chemistry,

Organic

Chemistry I with

a grade of B or

higher.

Chemistry,

Biology,

Biochemistr

y,

Pharmaceuti

cal

Sophomor

e,

Junior, or

Senior

Ross Wang rosswang@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Development of

novel imaging

agents for

image-guided

cancer therapy


diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases

Main Having

completed

General

Chemistry,

Organic

Chemistry,

Biology,

Biochemistr

y,

Pharmaceuti

Sophomor

e,

Junior, or

Senior

Ross Wang rosswang@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Design and

synthesis of

antibody mimics


diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases Having

completed General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry I with a

grade of B or higher. Preferably with prior laboratory

experience in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Main Chemistry,

Biology,

Biochemistr

y,

Pharmaceuti

cal

Sophomor

e,

Junior, or

Senior

Sarah

Wengryniu

k

sarahw@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Synthesis of

Novel "PyIX"

Halogenating

Agents

This project involves the development of a new class of bench

stable halogen transfer reagents based on a hypervalent

iodine scaffold. Halogenation of organic molecules is of

fundamental importance to organic synthesis as these serve

as key functional handles in medicinal chemistry. Students on

this project would be trained the executing multi-step

synthetic sequences and small molecule characterization.

Current team consists of one graduate student and one

undergraduate.

Main

Campus

Preferred

Coursework:

Organic I&II

(2202) and

associated labs

with B or higher

Chemistry Freshman,

Sophomor

e Junior

3/11/2020 29


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eSpiridoula

Matsika

smatsika@t

emple.edu

CST Chemistry Modeling

reactions in

chemistry and

biology

Processes initiated by light play an important role in

biological systems with primary examples found in

photosynthesis, vision, and photochemical damage and

repair in DNA. We use computational methods to study

processes important in biology, chemistry, astrochemistry,

and other areas. Part of this research facilitates development

of new fluorescent probes.

Main Chemistry,

Physics,

Biochem,

CIS

Freshman,

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

Spiridoula

Matsika

smatsika@t

emple.edu

CST Chemistry Studying the

photophysics

and

photochemistry

of DNA using

quantum

mechanics

Processes initiated by light play an important role in

biological systems with primary examples found in

photosynthesis, vision, and photochemical damage and

repair in DNA. A fundamental understanding of these

processes reveals the way nature works and also provides

ideas on how to mimic or alter these mechanisms to our own

benefit. The current project focuses on studies of the

photophysical behavior of DNA bases and their fluorescent

analogs. When UV radiation is absorbed by DNA,

photochemical reactions may occur which can lead to

photochemical damage. DNA, however, is proven to be quite

photostable, since the absorbed energy can be converted to

harmless heat. We examine what happens after one or two

bases absorb light, and what is the fundamental mechanism

for making these molecules photostable. We use quantum

mechanics to study these processes. Large scale

computations are employed to solve the Schroedinger

equation approximately, and the results are analyzed to

provide the electronic structure, properties and reactivity of

the molecules studied. Apart from quantitative answers we

Main Students should

be motivated,

interested in

research and

computational

work, with an

aptitude for

math.

Chemistry,

Physics

Junior or

Senior

3/11/2020 30


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eStephanie

Wunder

slwunder@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Nanopartile/Lipi

d Project

Nanoparticles have high surface/volume ratios so that

characterization of the material on the surface is very

important in applications such as drug/DNA delivery and

nanocomposites. The phase transitions, conformations and

adsorption isotherms of lipids and polymers (both natural-

proteins, DNA, RNA and synthetic-polymers) on silica

nanoparticles of different sizes (from 5-500nm) will be

investigated by a variety of analytical techniques such as

HPLC, FTIR, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies, and

thermal analysis.

Main Willingness to

work hard,

understanding

of experimental

techniques and

the importance

of obtaining

reproducible

data - wet

chemistry

techniques

Chemistry,

Biochem -

organic

chemistry I,

analytical

chemistry

Junior or

Senior

Stephanie

Wunder

slwunder@

temple.edu

CST Chemistry Lithium

Batteries & Fuel

Cells: Materials

preparation &

Characterization

In order to improve the performance of lithium ion batteries

and fuel cells, it is critical to make advances in many aspects

of the materials used in the electrodes, electrolytes and

separators. This project involves preparing and characterizing

novel nanomaterials to be employed as separators for NaBH4

fuel cells and lithium ion batteries. In particular we have

functionalized what are called polyoctahedral silsesquioxanes

(POSS), which are nano silica (SiO1.5) cubes with eight groups

at the corners that contain dissociable Li+, OH- ions or

polyethylene glycol. The project(s) involve incorporation of

these POSS materials with polymers, and the characterization

of the nanocomposites by calorimetric and electrochemical

methods.

Main Willingness to

work hard,

understanding

of experimental

techniques and

the importance

of obtaining

reproducible

data - wet

chemistry

techniques

Chemistry,

Biochem -

organic

chemistry I,

analytical

chemistry

Junior or

Senior

Vincent

Voelz

voelz@tem

ple.edu

CST Chemistry Molecular

simulation of

proteins and

peptide mimics

This work involves computational modeling of proteins and

peptide mimics. We simulating the molecular dynamics of

molecules on high-performace computing platforms, to make

predictions about folding and binding.

Main Some

combination of

programming

experience,

math skills and

physics

knowledge are

important

Math,

physics,

computer

science and

chemistry

Sophomor

e or Junior

3/11/2020 31


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eYugang Sun ygsun@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Understanding

transformation

of colloidal

nanoparticles

The behavior of colloidal nanoparticles in liquid solution is

very complex and the accurate description of their behavior is

still absent. This project will target this ground-challenging

problem by working with senior graduate researchers. This

research will rely on the group's unique ability to use the in

situ high-energy synchrotron x-ray techniques to probe the

nanoparticle evolution processes in real time and even under

real reaction conditions. This capability enables the collection

of the unprecedented data, which are impossibly achieved

with traditional methods, from colloidal nanoparticles. We

will process the in-situ data to develop appropriate models to

understand the complex behavior of colloidal nanoparticles.

The understanding will be helpful to design the synthesis

protocol for producing the best nanomaterials.

Main Chemistry Junior,

Senior

Yugang Sun ygsun@te

mple.edu

CST Chemistry Microfluidic

synthesis of

graphene-

supported

quantum dots

for

photocatalysis

This project seeks to use the home-built microfluidic reactor

for synthesizing graphene-supported semiconductor

quantum dots, which can adsorb solar energy to drive useful

chemical reactions (i.e., photocatalysis). The student will use

the method recently developed in my group to synthesize

graphene-supported semiconductor quantum dots including

CdSe and CdS

Main Wet Chemistry chemistry Seniors

Anduo

Wang

adw@temp

le.edu

CST CIS A Consistent

SDN

Management

Plane with Logic

Reasoning

My research interests center around improving networked-

systems with database techniques and formal methods. My

current research projects focus on software-defined networks

(SDN).

Main good math,

programming

with Python,

some

understanding

of networking

and database

computer

science

seniors

3/11/2020 32


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eBo Ji boji@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Human behavior

recognition and

tracking

This project aims to develop human behavior recognition and

tracking systems using wireless sensing technologies such as

mmWave Radar.

Main Self-motivated;

hard-working;

Experienced in

Matlab; Basic

knowledge of

signal

processing and

machine

learning is

preferred but

not required.

CIS Junior or

senior

Bo Ji boji@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Quantum

Machine

Learning

Students will investigate the design of Machine Learning

algorithms in the quantum domain that outperform (e.g.,

providing exponential or quadratic speedup) their classical

counterparts. Examples include solving linear system of

equations, principle component analysis, support vector

machine, reinforcement learning, etc.

Main Basic

knowledge of

machine

learning and

quantum

physics is

preferred but

not required.

CS or Math Junior &

Senior

Bo Ji boji@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Data freshness

optimization

Students will investigate the problem of optimizing data

freshness/timeliness in information-updating systems and

design efficient algorithms for the problem.

Main Basic

programming

experience in

Python or Java

or C++.

CS or Math Junior &

Senior

Bo Ji boji@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Knowledge-

Defined

Networking

Students will work on applying machine learning techniques

to computer networks (e.g., resource allocation and network

operation). Further, using network theory guided approach to

enhance the developed solution.

Main Python

programming;

Matlab

programming;

basic

knowledge of

machine

learning is

preferred but

CS or Math Junior &

Senior

3/11/2020 33


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eBo Ji boji@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Silent speech

recognition

using wireless

sensing

This project aims to develop silent speech recognition and

human identification/authentication using wireless sensing

technologies such as mmWave Radar.


hard-working;

experienced in

Matlab;

basic

knowledge

about signal

processing and

machine

learning is

preferred but

not required

CIS Junior or

senior

Chiu C. Tan cctan@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Security of

civilian-captured

videos

There is a rise in everyday people using their smartphones to

record potential criminal acts, e.g. people rioting, violence in

public spaces, and so on. Smartphones cameras are not

designed to provide evidence of wrongdoing. The project will

explore the potential security issues related to civilian

captured videos (e.g. potential for fake/tampered videos) and

possible solutions to address them.

Main General interest

in security.

Some familiarity

with video or

photo

manipulation

software like

Photoshop will

be preferred.

CIS, Math,

Physics

Sophomor

e, Juniors,

Seniors

Chiu C. Tan cctan@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Wearable

Computers for

Health Care

The project studies the use of wearable computing devices to

monitor

patients with dementia disorders. The goal is to develop

systems and

algorithms that can enable unobtrusive, long-term

monitoring of high

risk patients to improve early detection and measure

effectiveness of

treatment. The project is suitable for participants with strong

prototyping skills.

Main Familiar with

Android

programming

and/or Web

programming

CIS/IST,

Math,

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 34


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eChiu C. Tan cctan@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Reminder

systems for

patients with

cognitive

problems

Patients with cognitive problems sometimes have difficult

remembering to complete everyday tasks like taking

medication, consuming adequate fluids, and so on. Reminder

systems are systems that help these patients keep track of

these tasks. The project will involves studying currently

available systems and designing better alternatives.

This project is open to students with or without computer

Main Students from

CS backgrounds

should be

comfortable

with Android

application

programming

and/or web

CIS, Pre

Med

Sophomor

e, Juniors,

Seniors

Eduard

Dragut

edragut@t

emple.edu

CST CIS Identifying

Entity Mentions

in Social

Networking

Streams

The project aims to develop methods that are capable to

recognize substrings in user messages that refer to an entity

(e.g., Phila or Philly refers to Philadelphia).

Main Good

programming

and analytic

skills. Ideally, a

student who

would like to

pursue grad

studies.

Math, CS,

ECE

Sophomor

e, Juniors,

Seniors

Eduard

Dragut

edragut@t

emple.edu

CST CIS Herveting User

Comments from

the Social

Networking

Websites

This project aims to develop techniques that allow automatic

harvesting of user comments from microblogs and other

social networking websites. You will work with Java,

Javascript, JSON, MySQL, and other modern Web

programming tools.

Main Good

programming

and analytic

skills. Ideally, a

student who

would like to

pursue grad

studies.

Math, CS,

ECE

Sophomor

e, Juniors,

Seniors

3/11/2020 35


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eJamie

Payton

payton@te

mple.edu

CST CIS Pervasive

Computing

Community

Networks to

Increase Child

Indepdence

This project will build a pervasive computing technology

infrastructure and associated community connections to

increase social and mobile independence in children. The

project seeks to provide a balance between fine-grained

location tracking using wearable devices capable of sensing

and communication versus completely untethered,

untracked, "free-range kids". We address engagement and

retention of children to the system using gamification and

incentivization to promote physical and social independence

to achieve clearly stated health, social, emotional, and

educational goals. This project focuses heavily on safety and

privacy and on connecting those elements to parent comfort

and peace of mind.

Main some

programming

experience

ability to apply

math concepts

to solve

problems and

evaluate

solutions

Cs, ISST or

Math

Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Jie Wu jiewu@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS WiFi and mobile

phone app

We focus on building a robust and accurate WiFi sensing

platform for various applications, such as activity recognition

and indoor localization. This project seeks to largely reduce

the training cost of current WiFi sensing system with the help

of transfer learning techniques. Specifically, we will study

what is the minimal number of training instances needed to

ensure good performance for a new environment. In

addition, we will investigate what domain knowledge in

exiting environment can be transferred to new

environments.

Main Strong

programming

skills (perferred

C and Matlab)

and signal

processing

experience

CIS, ECE Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

Jie Wu jiewu@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Online Job

Scheduling with

Machine

Learning

Techniques

This project aims to develop an online job scheduler for

cloud/edge computing clusters using machine learning or

reinforcement learning techniques. Online job scheduler is

used to determine the priority and the amount of resource

allocated to each job in computing clusters, which is an

important but challenging problem. An efficient scheduler

could significantly reduce the average job finish time. In the

project, we would like to apply machine learning or

reinforcement learning techniques to solve the scheduling

problem.

Main Programming

experience in

Python or

Matlab; Basic

knowledge of

machine

learning

CIS/IST,

Math,

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 36


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eJie Wu jiewu@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Network

security and

forensic

This research focuses on a regular DDoS and transit-link DDoS

mitigation mechanism using a special type of router called

filter router. We are developing a model in which a victim

can protect itself and reduce useless congestion in the

network by sending filters to filter routers for blocking attack

traffic. In this research, the victim selects a subset of filter

routers optimally to minimize attack traffic and blockage of

legitimate users.

Main Basic

IP/Network

knowledge,

linux

shell/terminal,

Programming

languages

(C/C++/JAVA/Py

thon)

CIS/IST,

Math,

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

Jie Wu jiewu@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Datacenter and

SDN

This research focuses on efficiently and innovatively

leveraging SDN technology in a large-scale datacenter

network. SDN is essentially a way of making a network

programmable by decoupling control from the underlying

hardware and assigning it instead to a software-based

controller. With SDN, updating a policy or optimizing for

resource allocation in a datacenter is a matter of

programming the software, rather than buying a new

appliance or wrangling with a proprietary physical interface.

This project can have multiple interesting topics of SDN in

datacenters, including traffic engineering, network updates,

and resource allocation. Our computing cluster has already

installed a testbed of a datacenter network, which is able to

practically evaluate a lot of novel research in the rising field


hard-working;

Experienced in

python; Basic

knowledge of

networking and

algorithms is

preferred but

not required.

CIS Juniors or

Seniors

Jie Wu jiewu@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Blockchain and

its applications

Blockchain technology has been widely adopted, ranging

from cryptocurrency, financial services, Internet of Things

(IoT) to public and social services, while still at an early stage

of its development. Thus, lots of design details of this

technology need be perfected. In this project, students may

consider to modify existing consensus protocols to improve

Blockchain transaction throughput or propose new

transmission policy to decrease information propagation

delay in Blockchain networks, both of which would improve

the liveness of Blockchain.

Main Solid math

background

CS or Math Junior or

senior

3/11/2020 37


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eJustin Y. Shi shi@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Digital Currency

and Distributed

Computing

The lack of robust security in physical assets fostered the

research in distributed crypto systems like block-chains. It

has been shown that trust in distributed computing is a

better form of currency than the physical currencies.

However, while double-spending can be eliminated by the

use of block-chains, challenges still exist in preventing money

laundering, theft and other forms of cybercrimes.

Main Basic

knowledge of

programming

and

cryptographic

methods.

CIS, Physics,

Math,

Engineering -

CIS 2168

Juniors or

seniors

Justin Y. Shi shi@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Digital Currency

and Distributed

Computing

The lack of robust security in physical assets fostered the

research in distributed crypto systems like block-chains. It

has been shown that trust in distributed computing is a

better form of currency than the physical currencies.

However, while double-spending can be eliminated by the

use of block-chains, challenges still exist in preventing money

laundering, theft and other forms of cybercrimes.

Main Basic

knowledge of

programming

and

cryptographic

methods.

CIS, Physics,

Math,

Engineering -

CIS 2168

Juniors or

seniors

Krishna

Kant

kkant@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Quality of

Service in

Storage Systems

This project involves the implementation of end to end

quality of service (QoS) in accessing emerging storage

technologies (Flash, 3D Crosspoint, PCM, etc.) over high

speed data center network. The project will involve working

with cutting edge equipment (e.g., 100 Gb/sec Intelligent

NICs) and emerging storage protocols such as NVMe over

Fabric. Knowledge in systems is a plus, and C-programming

experience is required.

Main Good

programming

abilities are a

must and

familiarity with

communication

s protocols is a

plus.

CS Majors Junior or

Senior

3/11/2020 38


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eKrishna

Kant

kkant@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Building

Magnetic

Communication

Boards

The project concerns the development of circuit board and

protocol for electronic communication through magnetic

induction. The application of interest includes through the

body communications, and will require considerable effort in

enhancing the communications range. You will be working

closely with a Ph.D. student who is doing research on this

topic. The project will require familiarity with basic

background in electronics and digital circuits and hands-on

experience, including ability to program FPGAs using Verilog

or VHDL. Good programming abilities are a must and

familiarity with communications protocols is a plus.

Main Good

programming

abilities are a

must and

familiarity with

communication

s protocols is a

plus.

CS Majors Junior or

Senior

Lognin Jan

Latecki

latecki@te

mple.edu

CST CIS Deep Neural

Networks and

their

Applications

One of the most innovative and transformative technologies

of our time is deep learning, a form of machine learning that

uses neural networks containing many hidden layers, which

are called deep neural networks (DNNs). Recent success has

led to breakthroughs in applications in particular in computer

vision. In this project, we will focus in applying DNNs to

various computer vision tasks.

Main Programming

skills in Python

or C or Matlab.

CS, Math Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Longin Jan

Latecki

latecki@te

mple.edu

CST CIS Deep

Convolutional

Neural

Networks for

Computer

Vision

One of the most innovative and transformative technologies

of our time is deep learning, a form of machine learning that

uses neural networks containing many hidden layers, which

are called deep neural networks (DNNs). The recent success

of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has led to

breakthroughs in applications in particular in computer

vision. In this project, we will focus in applying CNNs to

various computer vision tasks.

Main Linear Algebra.

Programming

skills.

Knowledge of

Python and

Matlab are a big

plus.

Computer

Science,

Math

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 39


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

ePei Wang pei.wang@

temple.edu

CST CIS Testing an

intelligent

reasoning

system

NARS is an intelligent reasoning system that accepts

knowledge and problems in a formal language, and uses

some inference rules to derive new knowledge and to solve

the problems (see online publications and demo). This system

will be applied to various practical situations to test the

expressive power of the language and the inferential power

of the rules. Also under study will be the possibility of using

this logic to reason on structured knowledge sources, such as

databases and the Semantic Web.

Main Strong interest

in science,

especially in

human and

machine

intelligence;

solid

background in

mathematics

and computer

science. -

knowledge of

formal logic,

probability

theory, and

computer

programming

computer

and

information

sciences,

mathematic

s

Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Richard

Souvenir

souvenir@t

emple.edu

CST CIS Identifying

Indoor Scene

Attributes from

Images

The student will apply and adapt recent techniques from

computer vision and machine learning to identify attributes

from images of indoor scenes. This work is part of an ongoing

project to (http://traffickcam.org/about) to combat human

trafficking by identifying hotel room features from images.

Main Strong

programming

skills (preferably

Python),

interest or

experience in

image

processing

Courses taken

CIS 3223 -

Strong

programming

skills (preferably

Python),

interest or

CS

3/11/2020 40


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eRichard

Souvenir

souvenir@t

emple.edu

CST CIS Identifying

Indoor Scene

Attributes from

Images

The student will apply and adapt recent techniques from

computer vision and machine learning to identify attributes

from images of indoor scenes. This work is part of an ongoing

project to (http://traffickcam.org/about) to combat human

trafficking by identifying hotel room features from images.

Main Strong

programming

skills (preferably

Python),

interest or

experience in

image

processing

Courses taken

CS

Slobodan

Vucetic

vucetic@te

mple.edu

CST CIS Data Science Scientific and technological advances have allowed us to

collect massive amounts of diverse types of data. There is an

increasing recognition that data created by scientists, mobile

apps, internet, social media, crowdsourcing, healthcare could

be translated into valuable insights. A data scientist is a

person who has the skills, knowledge, and ability to extract

actionable knowledge from the data -- either for the good of

society, advancement of science, or profit in business. This

project will be custom-made to suit the background and

interest of a student and give an opportunity to get an

expertise in all aspects of data science including collecting,

accessing, and processing large and complex data, applying

methods from machine learning and statistics to analyze

Main Some

programming

experience,

good math

background -

Programming in

any language

(Python, Java, C,

Matlab)

Calculus 1

Any CST

major might

find this

project

valuable

Xiaojiang

Du

dux@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Mobile cloud

computing.

Mobile cloud computing is one of today's hottest new

technology markets. In mobile cloud computing, users lease

computing/storage services from cloud service providers, and

access the cloud from their mobile devices (smart phones,

tablets). Gartner (2011) predicts that mobile cloud computing

will reach a market value of US$9.5 billion by 2014. Mobile

cloud computing shares with cloud computing the notion that

some level of service is provided by a cloud but accessed by

mobile platforms. Typical mobile cloud computing platforms

include smart phones and tablets. The most-used mobile

operating systems are UNIX variations such as Google

Android and Apple iOS. Tablets are larger than a smart phone

but interact with the user in a similar way, using a touch

screen as the primary input device. As of October 2011, the

top-selling tablets are the Apple iPad and Android tablets

made by Samsung, Motorola, and Acer.

Main Good

programming

skills - High

GPA -Solid math

background -

Good

communication

skills - Team

working skills

CS/IST/Math-

CS majors

Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

3/11/2020 41


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eXiaojiang

Du

dux@templ

e.edu

CST CIS Security and

Privacy Issues of

Android

Phones/Tablets

In this project, the undergraduate student will work with Dr.

Du and his Ph.D. students on Security and Privacy Issues of

Android Phones/Tablets. First we will identify possible attacks

on Android Phones security and privacy. Second, we will

design effective security schemes to defend these attacks.

Third, we will implement the security schemes in real Android

Phones. Fourth, we will perform real experiments on Android

Phones to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed security

schemes. If the experimental results are good, we will write

research papers based on the design and experiments, and

submit to ACM/IEEE conferences.

Main Good

programming

skills - Good

communication

skills

Team working

skills

High GPA

Sound math

background

CS Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Xiaojiang

Du

xjdu@temp

le.edu

CST CIS Internet of

Things (IoT)

Security

Internet of things (IoT) have approached us in the last few

years. For example, Apple Inc. released its first smart watch in

April, 2015; Nest Labs (acquired by Google in 2014) released

its 3rd generation learning thermostat in September 2015. In

October 2015, Philips released a new smart light network

bridge that lets you control the Philips Hue lights using

mobile apps. More and more giant IT companies added their

IoT products line. IoT devices and systems have been widely

deployed in various domains. There will be 20.8 billion IoT

devices in total by 2020. Needless to say, it’s a huge market

and a new technology innovation field.

Main Good

programming

skills High GPA

Sound math

background

CIS, Math

3/11/2020 42


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eZoran

Obradovic

zoran.obra

dovic@tem

ple.edu

CST CIS Predictive

analytics in big

data

Predicting the system behaviors by analyzing big data.

Applications include social networks, medicine, climate and

environment.

Main Interdisciplinary

interests; Self-

motivation;

Problem solving

skills; Some

programming

experience in

any language -

the projects will

be tailored to

the students'

level of

preparation.

Computer

Science,

Statistics,

Physics,

Biology,

Chemistry,

Pharmacy,

Geology,

Environmen

tal Science

Alexandra

Davatzes

alix@templ

e.edu

CST EES Provenance of

Mecca Hills

Thin section preparation and analysis of coarse sandstones

from the San-Andreas bounded basin of the Mecca Hills, CA.

Requires extensive knowledge of petrography and

sedimentology.

Main Petrography,

thin-section

preparation,

excel

EES Juior,

Senior

Alexandra

Davatzes

alix@templ

e.edu

CST EES Provenance of

Mecca Hills

Thin section preparation and analysis of coarse sandstones

from the San-Andreas bounded basin of the Mecca Hills, CA.

Requires extensive knowledge of petrography and

sedimentology.

Main Petrography,

thin-section

preparation,

excel

EES Juior,

Senior

Laura

Toran

ltoran@te

mple.edu

CST EES Stormwater

monitoring

Use data loggers, sampling, and other instruments to

understand how stormwater moves through and affects

urban ecosystems

Philadelp

hia

Comfortable

with field work

and with using

computers to

analyze data.

Geology,

Environmen

tal Science,

Physics

sophormo

re or

higher

3/11/2020 43


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eSujith Ravi sravi@tem

ple.edu

CST EES Opportunities

for co-location

of solar energy

(PV) with

agriculture for

cost reductions

and carbon,

water, and

energy footprint

mitigation

Solar energy installations are rapidly increasing, due to

technological advances and policy support. Even though solar

energy provides several benefits such as reduction of

greenhouse gases, reclamation of degraded land, and

improving the quality of life in developing countries, the

deployment of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure

may negatively impact land and water resources. A major

challenge for the future is how to meet the ever-expanding

energy demand with limited land and water resources, in the

context of increasing demand for alternative uses such as

agricultural and domestic consumption. This project will

explore opportunities to co-locate solar infrastructures and

agricultural crops to maximize the efficiency of land and

water use. The undergraduate student will involve in data

collection, data management, and visualization. Other duties

may be assigned.

Main Experience in

data analysis

and data

visualization (in

R or Python) or

interest in

learning these

skills.

Environmen

tal Science,

Geology,

Biology

Sophomor

e & Junior

Sujith Ravi sravi@tem

ple.edu

CST EES Impacts of

biochar

application on

soil hydrologic

properties

Novel carbon sequestration strategies such as large-scale

biochar application may provide sustainable pathways to

increase the terrestrial storage of carbon in agricultural areas

along with increasing crop production. Biochar has a long

residence time in the soil and hence the environmental

impacts of biochar addition needs to be investigated to

identify the tradeoffs and synergies. This project will

investigate the impacts of biochar application on soil

hydrologic properties. The undergraduate student will assist

in laboratory activities including soil sample preparation,

measuring soil hydrologic properties, data management and

visualization. Other duties may be assigned.

Main Undergraduate

course in

Hydrology/soil

science, interest

in laboratory

experiments.

Environmen

tal Science

or Geology

Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 44


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eIlya

Buynevich

coast@tem

ple.edu

CST EES/Geolog

y

Neoichnology:

Imaging of

Animal Traces in

Coastal

Sediments

Analysis of modern structures (casts) and georadar images of

several large organisms (crustaceans, reptiles) that produce

bioturbation structures (burrows, nests) in coastal settings

(beaches and dunes). The findings will have implications to

geomorphology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, petroleum

geology (macroporosity), geoarchaeology, geoforensics, and

conservation (e.g., sea turtle nests).

Main Ability to work

both

independently

and as part of a

research team,

with a

possibility of

field data

collection.

Computer skills

Geology,

Environmen

tal Science,

Biology, Civil

Engineering

Sophomor

e, Junior

or Senior

Bojeong

Kim

bkim@tem

ple.edu

CST Geology Phytotoxicity of

metal oxide

nanoparticles

Ecological toxicity of nano-sized materials hasn't been

thoroughly evaluated. Through this project, plant toxicity of

metal oxide nanoparticles will be systematically examined.

Main I will train

students for

proper skills

that need for

the project. No

skills needed.

Geology,

Environmen

tal Science,

Chemistry,

Biology

Sophomor

e or

Higher

ILYA

BUYNEVICH

coast@tem

ple.edu

CST Geology Zoogeomorphol

ogy

Analysis of impact of native and invasive species on landforms

(beaches, dunes, river banks), with the goal of assessing their

role in geomorphic cascades and identifying relict analogs.

Main Ability to work

as part of a field

team, analysis

of aerial

photography

and satellite

images. This

project may

lead to a

research

publication in a

scientific

journal.

Geology,

Environmen

tal Science,

Ecology,

Zoology

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

3/11/2020 45


Name

Email

Address

Faculty

College

Faculty

Departmen

t


Location

Important

selection

criteria

Student

Majors

Desired

Class

Preferenc

eBenjamin

Seibold

seibold@te

mple.edu

CST Mathemati

cs

Understanding

Traffic Flow and

Autonomous

Vehicles via

Robotics,

Simulation, and

Visualization

This project focuses on developing better models and

planning platforms for traffic flow and connected and

automated vehicles. Possible research directions are: (a)

Construct and program robot vehicles to behave like human

drivers or automated vehicles. (b) Devise better models for

stop-and-go traffic waves using real traffic data. (c) Visualize

traffic waves in a virtual reality environment. No specific

course or technical background is required; but the projects

require a keen interest in mathematical models, simulations,

data, programming, and hardware (all or some of the above).

Students will work in the Center for Computational

Mathematics and Modeling.

Main Experience in

robotics, data

processing,

and/or

visualization

(particularly

Unity) is very

welcome.

Mathematic

s, Computer

Science,

Physics

Sophomor

e, Junior,

Senior

Benjamin

Seibold

seibold@te

mple.edu

CST Mathemati

cs

Real-Time

Interactive High-

Performance

Computing with

Virtual Reality

The traditional paradigm of high-performance computing is

that computations are run on a parallel computer for some

time, and then the simulation results are visualized for a

human user afterwards. Students participating in this project

will help develop a new paradigm: to run a computation on a

virtual reality (VR) environment that enables the user to be

immersed in the simulated world and to affect the simulation

while it is running. The project requires a keen interest in

programming (particularly Unity), using VR hardware, and

mathematical modeling and simulation. Students will work in

the Center for Computational Mathematics and Modeling.

Main

Campus

Good

programming

skills and firm

proficiency in

Calculus are

required.

Experience in

Unity, and

background in

differential

equations,

numerical

analysis, or

related courses

are very

Mathematic

s, Computer

Science,

Physics

Sophomor

e, junior,

senior

3/11/2020 46

Documents

Fall 2020 CST Faculty Research Projects Faculty Email ... 2020 CST Faculty Research...Project title Project Description Project Location Important selection criteria Student Majors