| Affiliations: | Michael E. DeBakey Institute Undergraduate Research Program |
| Project Leader: | Scott Rohren scottarh@tamu.edu Biomedical Science |
| Faculty Mentor: | Christopher Quick, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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MW 3PM-5PM |
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Team Size:
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4 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team members have the chance to earn co-authorship in a paper, gain experience with data analysis and scientific writing, interact with faculty, and earn research credit. |
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Team Needs:
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Prior experience is not necessary. This team is looking for enthusiastic members with the ability to comprehend basic algebra, and use algebraic solutions as a basis to characterize physiological systems. A science, math, or engineering background would be helpful but is not required. Students will be expected to register for 3 ch of VTPP 291/491 or BMEN 291/491. |
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Description:
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Lymphangions, the functional units of a lymphatic vessel bound by two valves, actively contract and relax to propel lymph throughout the body, which prevents fluid from building up in the tissue (i.e., edema). Stroke work (SW) is a measure of how well a lymphangion is pushing lymph and is based on several parameters such as filling pressure, outlet pressure, systolic contractility, and diastolic stiffness. From the relationship of these parameters, an equation generalizing the conditions in which SW is maximized has been developed. Currently, a manuscript is being written describing this equation’s fundamental importance to lymphangion understanding as well as its relation to ongoing research and medical applications. In this project, members will work within a team alongside a faculty member to continue advancing the manuscript.
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