How to Apply
Interested students should send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to mattbush@uw.edu. The letter should outline which aspect of our research interests you most, how much time you would have to devote to the project, your relevant coursework, any research experience you may have, and how this experience will help you achieve your long-term goals.
- Interested students are also encouraged to attend our weekly group meeting.
- Resources for Current UW Students: The Undergraduate Research Program offers tips, info sessions, and advising on identifying your interests, preparing a resume, and writing a cover letter. The Career & Internship Center offers resources on resumes, cover letters, and interviewing for positions.
Mass Spectrometry: Structural Biology, Instrument Development, and Software Development
Most proteins, particularly those that accomplish complicated tasks, form assemblies with other proteins and molecules that are critical for their function. Our research focuses on the development and application of mass spectrometry technologies to elucidate the structures and assembly of protein complexes and subcellular machines.
Projects can be developed to fit to your background and interests, i.e., there are no special prerequisites other than enthusiasm for research and a good work ethic. In addition to students with interests in chemistry and biophysics, our lab currently has opportunities for students with experience in computer-aid design (CAD of a new scientific instrument) and computer programming (development of software to interpret mass spectrometry data).
Effects of Wildfires on Indoor Air Quality
Wildfires emit complex mixtures of gases and particles, but the component with the most-negative impacts on human health is fine particulate matter less than ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5). PM2.5 can penetrate deep into lungs and is associated with impaired lung function and increased cardiovascular disease. Indoor air quality is a complex function of indoor sources, outdoor air quality, ventilation, filtration, and other factors. There are opportunities to design and prototype a scalable sensing system to monitor particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, CO2, and other aspects of air quality.