Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Rangaraju Laboratory in the Department of Neurology is Recruiting Undergraduates in MCDB 

     The Rangaraju laboratory focuses on exploring immune-mediated mechanisms of neurodegeneration in the brain. We leverage pre-clinical and in-vitro models as well as multi-omics modalities to assess molecular changes occurring in diverse classes glial cells, in different neurological disease contexts. We have also developed novel in vivo tools to assess protein-level (proteomic) mechanisms of disease that are unique to different brain cell types, in pre-clinical mouse models. To this end, we have developed novel approaches to label proteins in brain cell types of interest and apply mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify early molecular changes occurring in glial cells and neurons in different disease contexts, many of which can be high-value therapeutic targets for disease-modification.  We believe in multi-disciplinary and collaborative science and emphasize maintaining an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse perspectives and ideas. We prioritize mentoring of trainees using both individualized and group-based approaches. As a member of the Neurology and Neuroscience communities at Yale University, we always welcome interested trainees and scientists who wish to connect with us to explore opportunities in our laboratory.

Supervision (Dr. Jacob Stagray):

     Dr. Jacob Stagray is a postdoctoral associate in the department of neurology at Yale University under the guidance of Dr. Srikant Rangaraju. In this role, Jacob is characterizing behavioral, histological, and proteomic outputs involving alterations to astrocytic end feet during inflammation in both health and disease. His current research is aimed at characterizing physiological alterations involved in glial-vascular units (GVU) dysfunction associated with disrupted overall blood brain barrier (BBB) maintenance and integrity in Alzheimer’s disease.

Project Overview:

     This project’s research is centered around interactions between vasculature and astrocytic end feet (AEF) becoming altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In AD, vascular dysfunction is consistently observed presenting during late stages of pathology. Increased deposition of Aβ aggregates in vascular walls has been shown to lead to increase vessel stiffening. It is imperative we continue to gain greater mechanistic understandings of vascular compartment involvement as potential driving forces of AD. 

Responsibilities and Duties. 

1. Students will be trained/mentored in development of research skillsets including but not limited to basic lab safety and record keeping,  density gradient vasculature isolations, streptavidin pulldowns, and histological staining/imaging/quantification analysis.
2. Students will be expected to maintain lab notebook records consisting of project overview, experimental setups/observations, analysis parameters, and findings meanings where appropriate.  These files will be expected to progress in quality as the student’s tenure within the lab continues to progress.
3. Students will assess protein profiles associated with vasculature and astrocytes mediate Aβ pathology characterization studies assessing structural, proteomic, and histological changes in astrocytes and AEF in AD afflicted brain regions enriched in amyloid precursor protein (APP) mice models during the transition from early to late stages of AD. 
4. Adequate contributions and progression towards research datasets through collection/analysis completion will result in manuscript co-authorship at time of submission. 

5. Students who successfully become trained and successfully able to work semi-independently by the start of Summer 2027 will be offered a summer stipend to continue research with the lab during the summer months.

   Desired Qualifications/Skills:

• Students should be in their 2nd or 3rd year of studies.
• Seeking highly motivated individuals to work alongside our postdoctoral associate 12-15 hours per week on a set schedule.
• No previous experience working in laboratories outside of coursework is required to apply for this position.
• Students should be inquisitive with a resilience and eagerness to improve upon previous trials.  This will prove to be exceptionally vital when experiments go awry for one reason or another. During scheduled times, students will have direct access to their supervisor for insights/feedback. Individuals will meet regularly during the week to discuss experiments setup/progression.

          Where to Apply:

• Interested individuals can reach out to Dr. Jacob Stagray at Jacob.Stagray@Yale.edu  
• Applicants will be evaluated on a continuous rolling cycle for the Fall 2026 semester.  
• Applicants interested in being evaluated for the Spring 2027 semester need to apply by no later than October 31, 2026 to be considered for the interviewing stage of undergraduate placement within the lab.

ASBMB Student Chapter at Yale

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Student Chapter at Yale is a vibrant community of students passionate about biochemistry and molecular biology. Whether you’re just beginning your scientific journey or already deep into research, our chapter offers a space to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside peers and mentors who share your curiosity and love for molecular science.

Explore our site to learn more about upcoming events, how to get involved, and the exciting opportunities available through ASBMB at Yale.

https://campuspress.yale.edu/asbmbatyale/ 

Links to Summer Internship Opportunities 

AAMC: Undergrad Research Programs →

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: Education & Training →

National Institutes of Health: Training Programs →

NCI: Summer Internship Programs at CCR →