Research Intern (unpaid)
Overview of Department & Mentor
Please provide an overview or description of the department, research/administrative/clinical area, and Sponsor/Mentor.
The Heart Institute is comprised of 16 centers and programs to diagnose and treat an array of heart conditions in all types of patients. Led by Dr. Eduardo Marban, the center provides expertise in specialties including transplantation, stem cell therapy, congenital heart disease, women's heart health, valve disorders, arrhythmia, and hypertension. Not only is the Heart Institute committed to caring for patients they are committed to conducting cutting edge research. Due to the extensive research being conducted right here at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute patients have access to pioneering research techniques.
Dr. Goldhaber's lab focuses on studying the regulation of cardiac excitation- contraction coupling in health and disease, with a particular focus on the effects of metabolic inhibition, ischemia and heart failure on sodium-calcium exchange. A new focus has been on the genesis of pacemaker activity in the sinus node which has led to an NIH funded project to understand the heart's natural pacemaker activity using laser scanning confocal microscopy, voltage mapping, and single cell electrophysiology using a patch clamping technique.
Dr. Goldhaber was among the first to describe the effects of metabolic oxidative stress on cardiac excitation - contraction coupling and calcium regulation. He was also a leader in the study of sodium-calcium exchange and its effects on excitation-contraction coupling in genetically modified mice.
Role Summary & Objectives
Provide a description of overall role including goals and objectives. This should highlight how this role will be an educational opportunity or foster collaboration. Include specifics of the project, skills, and techniques the candidate will learn or be trained on.
This internship in Dr. Goldhaber's lab will provide an opportunity to explore complex scientific research learning experiences as well as well as potential career opportunities. The internship will consist of intensive hands on training in research on two novel mouse models: The H165A pH-insensitive sodium-calcium exchange mouse, and the PMCA1 knockout mouse. The trainee will learn, practice and administer various techniques such as cell isolation and voltage mapping as well as analysis of cardiac conduction using MatLab software.
Role Activities & Timeline
Provide a detailed description of the activities that will be completed during this appointment. For interns, this should include specific information regarding mentorship and curriculum, including an intended timeline for the activities. If this is a hybrid role, please indicate what activities will be on-site and which will be remote.
Required Education & Experience
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
• Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
• INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
• VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
Preferred Education & Experience
Basic biology-related, chemistry, physics or math college curriculum with lab exposure in college including advanced lab courses; Prior experience in a cardiac electrophysiology research laboratory.