1. Molecular Modeling Project: In this project students will learn about Polycythemia Vera, a rare blood disorder. They will learn how to investigate for scientific studies how to use the scientific literature to support their findings. In addition, students will learn how to perform a molecular modeling technique known as Docking to help determine which small molecule best binds to the target receptor as an alternative treatment for Polycythemia Vera. In this study, the students will analyze their results using Binding Energy, Surface Energy, and statistical tests to determine which small molecule is most significant as an alternative treatment for Polycythemia Vera. Finally, the students will prepare a poster for presentation at a scientific conference or science fair detailing their results and conclusions.
2. Nano 3D Printing Project: In this project students will learn the basics of 3D printing as it applies to the small scales (200 nm - 3000 nm) appropriate for tissue engineering of the extracellular matrix design (ECM). In this study, the students will learn how to develop novel scaffolds which mimic natural ECM (dentin) of the tooth at off campus facilities such as at City University of New York (CUNY) Advanced Science Research Center. Then they will take their prepared scaffolds to Stony Brook for studies with stem cells to see if these surfaces can support stem cell culture, and if any of the cells differentiate in response to the topography of these surfaces. Finally, the students will prepare a poster for presentation at a scientific conference or science fair detailing their results and conclusions.