Fellow Bios
Joshua Blazek
Thesis Title:
Graduate Dept: Biology
Degree Sought: PhD
Research Advisor: Dr. Randall J Roper
Lab Website: Click Here
Teacher Partner: Dr. Carl Snipes
Partner School: Arsenal Tech High School
School URL: Click Here
Research Goal
Understand the genetic basis of the craniofacial phenotypes observed in individuals with DS.
Description of Your Research
Currently, I am conducting a study of the effects of trisomy on bone homeostasis in the Ts65Dn mouse model for DS. My work consists of dissecting the femurs out of 6 and 16 week old mice and conducting uCT analysis and mechanical testing on these bones to determine the composition of the bone.
Examples Of How My Research Is Integrated Into My GK-12 Experience
I am co-teaching a class at Arsenal Tech entitled introduction to scientific research. As a scientist I have been able to aide the students in obtaining critical lab skills as well as understanding the importance of both accurate and precise measurements. I have used my knowledge of writing scientific papers to aide the students in writing a formal lab write-up. I intend to design experiment using images from my bone experiment that will allow my students to make measurements and state conclusions about the differences observed in the femur between normal and trisomic mice.
Currently, My GK-12 Classroom Is Investigating
Currently my class is investigating the plant growth cycle of mustard plants as well as looking at the effects of different wavelengths of light on plant growth.
Links of Interest