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DoD Cellular Biology Undergraduate Internship

The Environmental Health Effects Laboratory at the Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton researches the physical,physiological and cognitive effects of exposure to environmental stressors, to include chemicals, particulate matter, noise, temperature/humidity and altitude effects, in addition to other physiological stressors (such as fatigue, dehydration, etc).

During the Persian Gulf War, United States service members were exposed to many different types of environmental toxins that caused a variety of symptoms including inflammation, depression, and other neurological maladies. Furthermore, many of the symptoms experienced by Gulf War Veterans are similar to individuals who suffer from these diseases. These diseases are associated with the malfunction of specialized proteins, including glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). GSK3 is a major metabolic protein that regulates many cellular functions. In fact, aberrant GSK3 activity has been implicated in the progression of neurological, psychiatric and inflammatory diseases. Inhibition of GSK3 with lithium or other small-molecules is being investigated as a potential therapy against multiple inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. The overall objective of this project is to characterize the potential role of GSK3 in the pathogenesis of Gulf War Illness (GWI) using an in vitro cellular model. The participant will aid the principal investigator by learning and performing various laboratory tasks including but not limited to cell culturing, treatment of cells, Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and other biochemical methods that may be necessary to elucidate mechanisms of action involving the role of GSK3 in the onset of the pathology of GWI. 
 
Appointment Length

An ORISE appointment period can be up to one year in length. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by NAMRU-D. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
  • Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Training and Travel Allowance

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.