Work-Study Research Assistant Program

Faculty Name: Anna Tarakanova

Faculty Department: Biomedical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering

General Research Focus: Our research areas include: molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning for materials, biophysics, biomaterials, and biochemistry. 

Brief Position Description: Our group specializes in molecular and multiscale modeling & simulation to study biomaterials, biomechanics and biophysical processes associated with the body’s function in health and disease. Multiple projects are available, depending on student interest and fit. Students will work directly under the supervision of the faculty member -- we are always interested in mentoring self-motivated undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. The student will gain experience in molecular model development, atomistic modeling, molecular dynamics, coarse-graining approaches, molecular simulation setup and implementation on supercomputers, molecular visualization software, MATLAB/Python/bash scripting, and scientific writing. The student will have a chance, if successful, to contribute to a scientific publication and present their work at a conference.

A "Student Laboratory & Field Analysis Assistant - 203" will assist faculty in research efforts within a laboratory or other research-specific environment. A student in this position may: 

• Read and summarize related literature
• Build and iterate molecular models
• Perform simulations on computing cluster
• Post-process data
• Visualize and analyze data
• Meet weekly with faculty member
• Contribute to a manuscript
• Present poster/talk at a conference