EAGER: Building a Framework to Advance Research through Undergraduate Participation: Investigating pH in 3D Tissue Test Systems

建议：1451319PI：Burg，KarenTITLE：EARGER：通过本科生参与建立一个框架来推进研究：调查3D组织测试系统中的pH这一渴望获奖的奖项将导致开发出既可以构建复杂的三维组织，又可以在使用后解构组织的方法，以便可以分析组织的每一层。开发新的组织构建技术，可以方便地逐层分解或拆解组织，这将使研究人员首次研究化学物质的空间梯度以及细胞与细胞接触的作用如何影响组织内个别细胞的生存和功能，并最终影响整体组织功能。除了这个创新的研究项目，PI还将为从事研究的本科生开发新的指导策略。她对融合的研究和指导方法提出了一些非常规的假设，她认为这将导致STEM领域更多不同学生的留住。在这个奖项的资助下，PI的目标是开发一个可扩展的融合研究和指导的模式，这将对本科生的研究和培训以及留住从事此类活动的学生产生重大影响。拟议工作的首要主题是量化和评估PH值在组织系统应用中的作用。为此，将开发一种新颖的、不同种类的3D工作台系统来模拟组织工程化的乳房和骨骼。与传统的3D组织系统不同的是，乳房模型将包括具有可剥离设计的堆叠层，其中每一层都有特定的特征。这种设计也是独一无二的，因为模型可以很容易地拆解和分析。整形外科模型将包括凝胶和陶瓷植骨填充物，并将探索酸碱范围的变化。乳房模型将包括凝胶和聚合物珠子，并将探索pH值变化的中性到酸性范围。在任何一种模式的培养之后，系统将被逐层解构，并将pH测试液应用于每张纸上的斑点。以这种方式，将构建一张pH图。如果成功，堆积方法将首次允许绘制组织工程系统的内部图。同时，PI将建立在以前的少数群体研究经验(REM)计划的基础上，测试新的方法，为从事研究的本科生提供批判性思维技能。她将使用一种科学的方法来收集和分析与当前本科研究课程的有效性相关的数据，并以团队为基础的本科研究机会作为通过研究教授批判性思维的手段。这项研究的结果将有助于指导如何利用有限的大学资源为本科生提供广泛的研究参与，并最大限度地提高研究成果，同时满足提高参与者批判性思维技能的需要。

Proposal: 1451319PI: Burg, KarenTitle: EAGER: Building a Framework to Advance Research through Undergraduate Participation: Investigating pH in 3D Tissue Test SystemsThis EAGER award will lead to the development of methods for both constructing complex three dimensional tissues, but also deconstructing the tissues after use such that each layer of the tissue can be analyzed. Developing new techniques for tissue construction that allow facile layer by layer deconstruction or dis-assembly of tissues will allow investigators to ask for the first time how the role of spatial gradients of chemicals, along with cell to cell contacts, impacts the survival and function of individual cells within the tissue and eventually overall tissue function. Along with this innovative research program, the PI will also develop novel mentoring strategies for undergraduates engaged in research. She poses some unconventional hypotheses about a fused research and mentoring methodology which she believes will lead to greater retention of diverse students in STEM fields. With funds from this award, the PI aims to develop a scalable model of fused research and mentoring that will potentially have a high impact on undergraduate research and training, and retention of students engaged in such activities.The overarching theme of the proposed work is to quantify and evaluate the role of pH in tissue system applications. To this end, a novel, heterogeneous 3D bench-top system will be developed to model tissue engineered breast and bone. Unlike conventional 3D tissue systems, the breast model will incorporate stacked layers with "peel-able" design, in which each layer has specific characteristics. This design is also unique in that the model may be easily taken apart and analyzed. The orthopedic model will incorporate gel and a ceramic bone graft filler and will explore acidic to basic ranges of pH shift. The breast model will incorporate gel and polymeric beads and will explore neutral to acidic ranges of pH shift. Following culture of either model, the system will be deconstructed, layer by layer, and pH test liquid applied to spots across each paper. In this manner a pH map will be constructed. If successful, the stacking approach will allow, for the first time, mapping of the interior of tissue engineered systems. At the same time the PI will build on a previous Research Experience for Minorities (REM) program to test new methods to provide critical thinking skills to undergraduates engaged in research. She will use a scientific approach to gathering and analyzing data related to the efficacy of current undergraduate research courses and a team-based undergraduate research opportunity as the means to teach critical thinking through research. The results of this study will help provide guidance as to where limited university resources should be applied to provide wide-scale research participation by undergraduates and maximize research results while addressing the need to improve the critical thinking skills of the participants.