Project Openings

Below are currently advertised UROP projects available to MIT, CME and cross-registered Wellesley College undergraduates. All projects, regardless of mode (pay, credit, or volunteer) are expected to be worth MIT academic credit and be supervised by MIT faculty. Projects appear on this list in the order they have been received.

NOTE: These projects do not represent all available UROPs as many faculty do not submit project listings for this site. Rather, they expect interested students to contact them based on their general research to discuss potential UROPs.

Available UROPs

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Mitchel Resnick

Online Community for Youth

Are you interested in online collaboration? Would you like to explore using Web 2.0 technologies to allow teens to share their creativity and ideas online? The Computer Clubhouse Village is a site used by thousands of teens from 21 different countries around the world. We're looking for people to help take creative collaboration on the site to the next level. Starts ASAP, with the possibility of being continued over IAP and Spring term.

Prerequisites: Interest in online communities and collaboration Good programming skills: Ruby on Rails (preferred)/PHP/Python or similar Familiarity with mySQL, CSS, AJAX and other web technologies a plus

Contact: Chris Garrity, chrisg@media.mit.edu Please include a resume (or a description of skills and experience) and a short paragraph descrining your interest and motivation.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Sloan
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. John Akula

Law and climate change; law and financial services

Hi - I used to be a big-firm downtown lawyer, and now teach law at Sloan. Hoping to get some assistance with two law-related projects. (i) I am organizing a day-and-a-half Sloan workshop on law and climate change, and also writing an article on that topic. I need help researching key issues such as carbon trading and legal developments in the EU; finding and synthesizing reading and background materials for the workshop; and reaching out to outside legal experts. (ii) I am working on a overview of the ways in which the US financial services sector has, over the past 25 years, gotten into serious legal trouble, and will need help researching certain key incidents and the legal response, and in synthesizing these materials and searching for patterns.

Prerequisites: None. I will teach you what you need to know about legal research techniques.

Contact: Prof. John Akula, jakula@mit.edu.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Charles Cooney

Acid hydrolysis of cellulose

Experimental evaluation of sulphuric acid hydrolysis of cellulose. Study hydrolysis conditions (time, temperature, acid type and concentration) on the: yield, physical and chemical properties of product.

Prerequisites: chemical engineering or chemistry student

Contact: Raed Hashaikeh rdhash@mit.edu.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Lab/Smart Cities group
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. William J. Mitchell

CityCar Driving Simulator

Utilizing an existing full-scale interior prototype of the MIT CityCar, the project aims to develop a new driver's interface consisting of a flat panel screen (doubling as the dashboard), modified joystick controls, modified racing seat, and CPU. We will test driver's controls using a variety of driving/racing video games such as Gran Turismo. We'll program and test the simulator at the Media Lab and when the system is robust enough we will allow visitors of the MIT Museum to try out the simulator.
Prerequisites: Students with a passion for video gaming, programming, and mechanical design would be ideally suited for this project. We are looking for talented undergraduates from EE, CS, AA, and ME.

Contact: Ryan Chin, rchin@media.mit.edu, Office: 617-253-6828 Will Lark, wlark@media.mit.edu Group Website - http://cities.media.mit.edu.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Lab/Smart Cities group
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. William J. Mitchell

Road Electrification System (RES) Project

The project aims to deliver electrical power to modified hybrid electric vehicles from a conventional road while such cars are being driven at any speed and without interfering with the operation of any of the ordinary vehicles using that road. This would allow modified hybrid vehicles to operate 100% electrically when on a route that is RES equipped, thus dramatically reducing the need to use liquid fossil fuels. The vehicles addressed by RES are battery powered electrics, vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and future versions of hybrids such as various Toyota vehicles including the Prius. We will also examine how this system can be adopted by the MIT CityCar developed by the Smart Cities group. This semester we will build a working demonstration of the RES and utilize our CityCar working prototype as a test vehicle.

Prerequisites: We are currently looking for talented undergraduates majoring in Physics, EE, CS, AA and ME with experience in any of the following areas: Fabrication / Programming / Power Electronics / Robotics / Mechatronics.

Contact: Ryan Chin, rchin@media.mit.edu, office: 617-253-6828 Ed Fredkin, ed@fredkin.com Group Website - http://cities.media.mit.edu.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: CTL/AgeLab
Faculty Supervisor: Joseph Coughlin

Understanding Aging Lifestyles

The MIT AgeLab seeks a number of UROP students who are interested in working on on-going projects involving the analysis of newspaper article content, questionnaire and survey data, and qualitative focus group data. A current project includes a content analysis of media coverage of driving and older adults in several national newspapers. In this project UROP students will code newspaper content, be involved in data entry and then analyze the data to uncover patterns in media coverage on this topic. Following the completion of this project, other research could include questionnaire and survey data on retirement planning among older adults, or using data on transportation habits and behaviors, and Baby Boomers and older adults attitudes toward different technologies designed for an aging population. A second project can be jointly defined with AgeLab researchers. The ideal student will have an interest in human social behavior or behavioral economi!
cs, strong written and oral communication skills, and an overall interest in data analysis. In addition, UROP students will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in other AgeLab research.

Prerequisites: Knowledge and familiarity with a basic statistics package such as SPSS. Basic statistical analysis skills. Dependability is a must and strong organizational skills are desirable.

Contact: Lisa D'Ambrosio, dambrosi@mit.edu or call 617-452-2179.

Mouse Models of Cancer

The laboratory is focused on the genetic changes involved in the development of cancer. We focus on the design of mouse strains engineered to contain mutations in genes frequently altered in human cancer. In particular, we are developing tools to model these genetic changes in appropriate tissue types in order to better approximate the human disease. We have at least two UROP positions available, which are briefly described below. 1) We are using a mouse model of small cell lung cancer to understand how lung injury may alter tumor initiation and progression, the genetic alterations that contribute to metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Potential projects for a UROP include assaying the effects of injury on particular cell types in the lung, determining mechanisms of resistance of small cell lung cancer to chemotherapeutics, or testing the role of candidate genes in metastasis. 2) We are interested in the specific cellular functions of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene, which is mutated in greater than 85% of human colon cancer. Apc is established to have a major role in regulating beta-Catenin in the canonical Wnt pathway, but a number of studies have described other functions for Apc. We are interrogating Apc function using mice and cells with different mutant alleles of Apc and, to this end, we have uncovered differences in tumor phenotype. A UROP would involve following up on these observations to determine the molecular basis for these differences.

Prerequisites: Juniors and seniors are especially preferred except under extraordinary circumstances. Previous laboratory experience (either in another research laboratory or in Course 7 Project Laboratory) is required. Enthusiasm for (though not necessarily experience with) animal handling and husbandry is required. Course 7 students are ideal, but students in other courses with sufficient coursework in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry are acceptable.

Contact: Anne Deconinck, anned@mit.edu.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS Picower Institute
Faculty Supervisor: Mark Bear

Neural Circuit Manipulation in Mouse Visual Cortex

One of the aims in our lab is to understand how the brain develops and what distinguishes the brain of an adult mouse from that of a young one. Specifically, we are trying to find molecular and cellular markers responsible for a more limited learning capacity in the old brain. As a model system, we use ocular dominance plasticity, which is a developmental form of plasticity in visual cortex. We manipulate the neural circuits in the brain by targeting and eliminating cell populations of choice. This method has been recently established, so the project would involve further developing the technique by performing histology, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence imaging.

Prerequisites: Intro to Neuroscience and/or Intro to Biology and an interest in cellular/molecular neuroscience. Previous lab experience is not necessary, although prior cell/molecular biology experience is helpful. Time commitment: about 10-12 hours per week.

Contact: Please send a brief CV and a brief statement of interest to Lena Khibnik (khibnikl@mit.edu).

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Aerospace Controls Laboratory
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Jonathan How

Interface Design for Road Intersection Problem

We are looking for a student to participate in designing an interface for a dynamic path planning module for a road intersection research problem. This interface will help simulate the behavior of drivers on intersections, and eventually assist them to reduce collisions.

Prerequisites: Strong programming skills in C/C++/java or Matlab, designing interfaces

Contact: Georges Aoude (gaoude@mit.edu)

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Laboratory, Ambient Intelligence Group
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Pattie Maes

Develop Multi-Touch Applications

Interested in multi-touch applications at the media laboratory? We are working to build applications and games for creative collaboration and expression on a tabletop interface. This position is for creatively self motived students who want experience in application design and implementation for tabletop computers. An exciting new field, the position would involve developing one application over the course of the semester, and would give the student the vocabulary and tools necessary to develop multi-touch applications.

Prerequisites: A minimum commitment of 10 hours per week is required, and some programming experience. Self motivated students interested in design are desirable. Student must enjoy creative thinking and problem solving.

Contact: Learn more by looking at our projects: http://ambient.media.mit.edu/projects.php Previous multi-touch applications: http://ambient.media.mit.edu/projects.php?action=details&id=56 Please respond to Seth Hunter: hunters@mit.edu

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Course 6/LIDS/Wireless Communications Research Group
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Moe Win

UWB Network Testbed

The Wireless Communications Research Group is seeking a UROP with strong programming skills and an artistic eye to help create a protocol stack as well as end-user application for our UWB Network Testbed. This testbed, once implemented, will be a first-of-its-kind, wireless network of ultra-wideband (UWB) radios. Applications of the testbed include localization, tracking, and covert communication. The UROP student will be involved in analyzing and extending the existing API, developing new primitives, and coding low-level applications.

Prerequisites: Programming experience in C/C++, Java, GUI development, network programming, and an interest in wireless communication

Contact: Prof. Moe Win moewin@mit.edu; Megumi Ando mando@mit.edu.

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS / Kanwisher / McGovern
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Nancy Kanwisher

Human visual perception and cognition

The Kanwisher Lab is looking for a for-credit UROP (programming skills in matlab and python would be a very big plus) starting in the fall of 2008 to work on a project investigating the neural basis of visual representations. In particular, this project involves a series of experiments aimed at understanding how visual information is processed in early and higher areas of the brain and how information from later stages of processing interacts with that of early steps forming coherent visual representations through our visual system. You will work closely with postdoctoral/graduate researchers and your duties will include helping to design experiments, creating experimental materials, running participants (on both behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments), and analyzing and interpreting the data. You will learn about experimental design, about using fMRI to address questions in cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience, about analyzing and critically evaluating experimental data, and about presenting research results.

Prerequisites: The ideal candidate: (a) has programming experience (especially knowledge of Matlab and Python). (b) is likely to continue in the spring semester (and perhaps beyond). (c) has experience (e.g., classes) in cognitive science / neuroscience and is interested in this sort of research. (d) is responsible and motivated and who would be able to spend at least 10 hours a week in the lab. (e) has some experience with statistics.

Contact: Ed Vul: evul@mit.edu; http://www.edvul.com http://web.mit.edu/bcs/nklab/

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Foreign Languages and Literatures
Faculty Supervisor: Sabine Levet

Tramway and V lib' in Paris

I am looking for a student to work on videorecordings and photos made in July 2008 about V lib (a public bicycle rental system) and the T3 Tramway line in Paris. His/her main responsibility will be to transcribe about 80 interviews (most are 2 to 15 minutes long), do some editing by linking different sections of the interviews to relevant images from a collection of about 1,500, and suggest themes for organizing the data. This is part of a larger project looking at how the city of Paris is answering the growing problem of traffic in the city. More specifically it examines two recent initiatives implemented by the mayor of Paris: the T3 tramway line and V lib.

Prerequisites: Student needs to be fluent in French and have knowledge/interest in Urban Studies and Public Transportation Policy.

Contact: Sabine Levet, slevet@mit.edu

9/4/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Sloan -Finance
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Carola Frydman

The Economic Organization of Orchestras

Research assistant needed for project on the economic organization of orchestras. Main focus will be on the human capital investments of orchestra conductors and how these matter for the performance of the organization, with parallels to the importance of CEOs for corporations. The task will consist of constructing a database on the characteristics of orchestras, the biographies of conductors, and performance reviews based on several data sources. Interested students should be available for work for 10 hours a week and send a CV to frydman@mit.edu, specifying whether they are interested in a UROP for pay or credit.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Excel required; Stata is preferable but not required.

Contact: Prof. Carola Frydman, frydman@mit.edu.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Department of Mechanical engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Anette Hosoi

Flapping Flags in non-Newtonian fluids

Everyday, we see flapping flags in wind. Even though this phenomenon looks simple, the flapping motion is the result of highly nonlinear and complicated dynamics between a flexible object and the flowing surrounding Newtonian fluid. The goal of this UROP project is to understand how a flexible object flaps in non-Newtonian fluid. Non-Newtonian fluids can be simply considered as fluid containing a lot of polymers (similar to springs). These polymer chains resist bending along a curved streamline along the flag; on the other hand the flag wants to flap. These opposite actions compete with each other and introduce new and interesting dynamics in this study. In relation to biological applications, this study can be seen as analogous to drag a micro-organism in mucus. We have a new experimental apparatus for a flapping flag in non-Newtonian fluid in place. The UROP student will work with an instructor (Dr. Sunghwan Jung) and Prof. Anette Hosoi. Through this project, you will learn about fluid mechanics, elasticity, and various experimental techniques.

Prerequisites: enthusiasm for the project

Contact: Please send a CV to Dr. Sunghwan Jung, sunnyjsh@math.mit.edu and Prof. Anette Hosoi, peko@mit.edu to arrange for the interview.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems & Senseable City Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Munther Dahleh

FOUNDATIONS FOR RECONFIGURABLE AND AUTONOMOUS CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

ORGANISATIONAL:
Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems, http://lids.mit.edu/
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Munther Dahleh

SENSEable City Laboratory, http://senseable.mit.edu
Faculty Supervisor: Carlo Ratti

This research aims to provide a theoretical foundation that will be
useful to many other projects. Cyber-physical systems combine
computational systems with physical and engineered systems and can include bionics, automated manufacturing, or systems for monitoring critical infrastructure. This project aims to address the key
challenge of realizing a foundational, mathematical understanding of
the interaction between the cyber and the physical in these systems in order to both configure a system to respond to unexpected events, and also to quantify the system's limits in responding.
The position is for credit or for pay during the fall term.

COMPETENCIES:
We are looking for a student that:
/is enthusiastic of digital entertainment systems like games, animations, and virtual reality
/has solid C++ and OOP programming skills
/has knowledge of formal languages and compilers like xml grammar specification and parsing
/has (optional) knowledge of game design:
_game engines
_computer graphics and animations
_mathematics and geometric models
_client/server applications

Contact: Send your application with cv at efri@mit.edu.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS/CSAIL
Faculty Supervisor: Ruth Rosenholtz

Experiments and modeling of human vision

We are currently looking for a UROP to perform behavioral experiments on human vision, particularly involved with the study of peripheral vision, visual search, and optical illusions. Ideally the UROP would also model the results with existing computational models in MATLAB. Our lab has a strong track record of training UROPs in human vision and computational modeling, and of giving our UROPs a chance to do fairly independent research after they have gained experience. As a result, we prefer students looking for a UROP for more than a single semester.

Prerequisites: Minimal experience with MATLAB required. Relevant coursework, e.g. 9.35 or a signals and systems course would be a plus but not required.

Contact: Ruth Rosenholtz, rruth@mit.edu. See Dr. Rosenholtz's website for a description of some of the past projects in the lab. http://web.mit.edu/rruth/www.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Chemistry Department
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Alice Y. Ting

Development of new technologies for cellular imaging

Chemical Biology lab (Ting Lab in the Chemistry Department: http://web.mit.edu/chemistry/Ting_Lab/) working on the development of new cellular imaging technologies seeks motivated undergraduates to participate in projects related to fluorophore synthesis, protein labeling, quantum dot synthesis, and enzyme evolution. Opportunity to acquire interdisciplinary skills in chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and microscopy, as well as to work fairly independently.

Prerequisites: Requirements: at least 1 year of organic chemistry and 1 year of biochemistry or related coursework. At least 6 months of laboratory research experience. Intention to remain in UROP for at least 1 year, ideally longer.

Contact: Submit cover letter to Alice Ting (ating@mit.edu) describing background, research interests, and career goals. On CV, provide phone and email for 3 references.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: MIT EAPS / MGH / Harvard
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Maria T. Zuber

The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Genomes (SETG): An in situ PCR Detector For Life on Mars Ancestrally Related to Life on Earth

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to help design, build, and test a Mars life detection instrument and prospect for diverse life here on Earth. Because of meteoritic exchange between Earth and Mars, life on Mars, if it exists, may share a common ancestor with life on Earth. We are building a life detector for use in-situ on Mars based on the shared ancestry of all known life. Join a highly interdisciplinary MIT/MGH/Harvard team and apply your skills and interests in areas such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, microfluidics, and mechanical/electrical/aerospace engineering.

Prerequisites: * Skills in one or more of the following areas (Mechanical and electronics design, basic bio-lab skills such as PCR or gel electrophoresis, microfluidics, MATLAB, microcontrollers, optics, imaging) desirable but not required * Your interest and ability to learn and master new skills is more important * Interest in a long-term position on our team This position is located in the Simches building at Massachusetts General Hospital in a new state of the art lab facility, a 5 minute walk from the Charles/MGH T stop.

Contact: Please send resume and writing sample to research scientist Christopher E. Carr (617-216-5012, chrisc@mit.edu). For more information see: http://web.mit.edu/setg/.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Openings in the Humans & Automation Laboratory(http://halab.mit.edu)
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. M.L. Cummings

Replan Understanding for Heterogeneous Unmanned Vehicle Teams

A paid UROP position (15$/hr) is open for a project extending previous development of an interface that allows one person the ability to control multiple unmanned vehicles. In order to do this, the operator must interact with the vehicles via a mission manager, with lower level cognitive tasks like actually flying and navigating the vehicles relegated to automation. To this end, a preliminary interface has been developed in a high fidelity simulation that engages the user in high-level tasking decisions as well as contingency planning. However, more work is needed to improve the interface and the underlying simulation architecture. Travel to conferences and flight demonstrations is possible through this UROP.

Requirements: Must have a strong background in Java coding.

Contact: Professor Cummings at missyc@mit.edu

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Openings in the Humans & Automation Laboratory(http://halab.mit.edu)
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. M.L. Cummings

Developing Anytime Algorithms for User-Directed Sensitivity Analysis

Many path planning algorithms do not allow for the increasing need of users to receive and evaluate solutions in real time. Recently, anytime algorithms have been developed to address this problem by presenting successively better solutions in real-time to the user until an optimal solution is found. By integrating anytime algorithms into domains with time constraints, we can allow users to balance the need for finding an optimal solution and finding a solution that is "good enough" given the time available. The Humans and Automations Lab seeks a UROP to aid in the design and implementation of a path planning anytime algorithm and related real-time display of the solution state in Java. Future opportunities will exist to continue this research as a undergraduate or master's thesis, and travel is a possibility.

The ideal candidate will have taken 6.046 and 6.170 (or equivalent) and know Java. Knowledge of Java Swing is a plus.

Contact: Dave Pitman (edave@mit.edu)

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS
Faculty Supervisor: Prof John Gabrieli

Tonal languages and music processing

We are looking for an enthusiastic UROP to carry out a project on language learning in adult student of Mandarin Chinese. More specifically, we are interested in how learning tones will affect phonological processing in second language learners. Tasks for this position will involve recruiting subjects, running behavioral experiments and analyzing data.

Prerequisites: 10 or more hours/week, for credit. Basic knowledge and interest in psychology/linguistics.

Contact: Li-Wei King, kingl@mit.edu. Please send a paragraph summarizing your qualifications and interest, and attach a resume.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: MIT Center for Digital Business
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Erik Brynjolfsson

The Economic Value of Information Markets

Research Goals The purpose of this study is to create and measure the value of an internal Information Market. We seek to use new methods of decentralized information creation in an effort to (i) cause innovation (ii) measure the value of information created and (iii) link this to individual behavior and productivity. The main questions we will seek to answer are: 1) Can we apply macroeconomic demand and supply models of information inside a firm ? 2) What incentives generate participation and contribution? 3) Can we value the resulting new information resources either directly in terms of dollar value or indirectly in terms of increased white collar productivity? A key advantage of this study will be a direct appeal to information economic theory to design an information marketplace. In particular, we will appeal to network economic theory, principles of information asymmetry, and also price theory. Two of these are based on Nobel prize-winning work. We seek to bring the rigor of information economics to real world application and measure the results. Setting A major US bank has agreed to be a host site for an extended period. A major US telecommunications firm has agreed to provide funding. We will track all information flows of more than 250 employees and correlate information they create and consume with individual output. A comparable site may also participate in Japan. This project can be either paid or for credit. If taken for credit, it would be suitable for a thesis project.

Prerequisites: A number of different skills can be used in this project. These include: 1) Computer Programming 2) Interface & Graphic Design 3) Understanding of Economics 4) Econometrics / Statistics We may hire multiple people and we do not anticipate that individuals will have all these skills at the same time. Having at least one of these skills is a prerequisite. If the companion project proceeds in Tokyo, then knowledge of Japanese would be helpful. Applicants should submit both a resume and a letter of interest stating why their backgrounds are a good match. The due date is Sept 21 but hiring will remain open on a 1st come 1st served basis until positions are filled.

Contact: Marshall Van Alstyne marshall@mit.edu 617-253-0768 MIT Center for Digital Business 5 Cambridge Center, 7th Floor, NE25 Cambridge, MA 02139.

9/3/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Lab/ Tangible Media
Faculty Supervisor-Prof. Hiroshi Ishii

Study of Plants/Algae for Environmental monitoring

Do you like plants?
There is currently an opening for a UROP student to research the
use of living plants as environmental sensors. More specifically, we want to study the effect of certain environmental stimuli on photosynthesis/metabolism of living plants and algae. In the past, we have developed several tools for measuring plant physiology, including optical sensors, IR cameras, and electromagnetic sensors. For this term, we are interested in exploring algae -- more specifically Chlamydimonas (http://www.chlamy.org).

UROP Tasks:
We seek a student who has an interest in plant physiology (which is not generally taught at MIT) to help carry out some simple lab experiments and also help with care and feeding of the chlamydimonas.

Requirements/Skills:
Basic bio laboratory skills or hobby experience with plants preferred. Some basic software/computer skills (JAVA, Python, or Visaul C++, etc) as well as data processng (MATLAB, Mathematica, Excel) also a plus. Although sensor hardware is not the focus of this UROP project, we also welcome any EE students interested in working on that aspect of the project as well. We are looking for a responsible independent student that is able to work during the spring term and possibly interested to continue into IAP and spring. Major: Course 7, 8, and/or 6.

Contact: Please send e-mail and indicate to which ad posting you are replying. Dr. Rich Fletcher (fletcher@media.mit.edu).

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Lab/ Affective Computing Group
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Roz Picard, Affective Computing Group

Software Development for Wireless Biosensor Networks

We have an opening for a UROP student to help create a few application-specific software to analyze and present data collected from our wireless sensors (heart rate, skin conductance, movement, ECG, etc). We have developed some innovative biosensors and wireless networks capable of collecting data from a relatively large number of sensors over a span of several days or weeks at a time. We have a variety of interesting experiments planned for the fall, including the use of these sensors for medical research, sport/fitness, video games and environmental monitoring.

UROP tasks will include:
Creating software to process and visualize the biosensor
data; designing interesting data visualizations, geographical maps, and video games; integrating with other devices (mobile phones).

Skills/Requirements:
EECS Student (6.x) or anyone with relevant experience. We are looking for a student with good software skills and preferrably some graphics/aethetics experience. Ability with Python, C#, JAVA, Visual C++ or similar languages is useful. Some knowledge of server-side programming (Linux-AJAX or Microsoft/ASP/SQL) also a plus. We are looking for a responsible student who is able to work independently and open to continuing project into IAP/spring.

Please contact: Dr. Rich Fletcher (fletcher@media.mit.edu) (and mention for which project you are applying).

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Linguistics and Philosophy
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Suzanne Flynn

Contrasting Language in Early Stage Alzheimer s Disease and in Healthy Elderly: A Pilot Study

We seek a more fine grained understanding of the interactions of linguistic capability and other cognitive impairment in Alzheimer s Disease (AD). In particular we seek to investigate the various aspects of language by incorporating insights from both current linguistics and psycholinguistics; and to investigate change in language capabilities by integrating comparisons to both first language acquisition in the child and second language acquisition in the adult as well as to changes in language that may characterize a normal healthy elderly aging population. We are looking for a student who would be interested in compiling an extensive annotated bibliography of references of research related to the focus of this study.

Prerequisites: Knowledge and experience using databases for library searches. Some experience in compiling annotated bibliographies also desirable. In addition, some background in cognitive science and linguistics desirable but not mandatory.

Contact: Suzanne Flynn, sflynn@mit.edu

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Linguistics and Philosophy
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Suzanne Flynn

Contrasting Language in Early Stage Alzheimer s Disease and in Healthy Elderly: A Pilot Study

In this project we seek to establish a more fine grained understanding of the interactions of linguistic capability and other cognitive impairment in Alzheimer s Disease (AD). In particular, we seek to investigate the various aspects of language by incorporating insights from both current linguistics and psycholinguistics; and to investigate change in language capabilities by integrating comparisons to both first language acquisition in the child and second language acquisition in the adult as well as to changes in language that may characterize a normal healthy elderly aging population. In this UROP, the student will assist in the collection and analysis of data from adults with AD and adults with no history of AD. Data collection will take place at both MIT and MGH. Student will be trained for the position.

Prerequisites: Some background in linguistics and cognitive science desirable but not mandatory. Also, some experience in working in an experimental setting desirable but not required. References are needed.

Contact: Suzanne Flynn, sflynn@mit.edu

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Biological Engineering/Laboratory for Integrative Computational Cell Biology and Biophysics
Faculty Supervisor: Mark Bathe

Microtubule and filamentous actin mechanics

Microtubules and filamentous actin are dynamic supramolecular protein assemblies that provide mechanical integrity to a wide range of cellular processes involved in basic cell functions ranging from cell motility to division. The mechanical properties and stability of these polymers are mediated by a host of accessory binding proteins that are highly conserved across otherwise divergent cell types and species. Here, we are using a recently introduced coarse-grained molecular modeling approach to investigate the mechanical properties and stability of microtubules and filamentous actin, including their regulation by a host of accessory binding proteins. We are employing an integrated bioinformatics-biophysics approach that attempts to reconcile the evolutionary conservation of accessory binding proteins with their biophysical regulation of microtubule and filamentous actin mechanical properties and stability.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with the finite element method and/or molecular simulation techniques is desirable.

Contact: Mark Bathe, mark.bathe@mit.eduhttp://web.mit.edu/liccbb

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Mobile Experience Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Federico Casalegno

The MIT Mobile Experience Laboratory is seeking a talented individual to join our team part-time (20 hours, flexible) to provide web and multimedia support. We are exploring how to use Multimedia and online platform to better communicate research projects. This junior team member will assist in the design and implementation of numerous mini-sites for the Lab's projects, graphic preparation, and some minor video production.

Prerequisites: You have a passion for good design, usability, and standards. You build web sites using a plain-text editor. You are a whiz at Photoshop. You are organized and a self-starter. You have made pointless short videos with silly special effects just because you can. You are excited about mobile technology. * Knowledge of standards-based web design and development (XHTML + CSS) * Javascript (jQuery, Scriptaculous, or similar a plus) * Flash (and ActionScript) * Photoshop * Some experience with video editing a plus (Final Cut Pro HD or equivalent preferred; iMovie or similar acceptable).

Contact: Please send your resume (PDF format) and a link to your web portfolio to: mel-devel@mit.edu with the subject: 2008 Multimedia Production Assistant.

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Architecture
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Reinhard Goethert

URBANIZATION ON THE FIRST FLOOR

The recent mandate to elevate housing out of harms way in the coastal areas of Louisiana will result in an elevated housing and community form. Housing is following existing practice, in ordinary standard patterns except that they are up on stilts. Lacking is a creative approach of communities of elevated houses. It is an opportunity to rethink the notion of community when elevated, to be creative in solutions, and to set a new pattern for communities, considering sustainability and social cohesion. The MIT-SIGUS group s successful design of an elevated house The Louisiana Lift House has resulted in several built prototypes, and is now being prepared for widespread distribution of the plans. The stage is set for wider adoption, and established links with local NGOs will provide an information resource and a possible conduit for testing designs and prototype construction. It is an opportunity to present and potentially implement innovative concepts for communities of elevated houses. UROP students would participate in exploratory design of elevated communities in the Louisiana bayou region during the Fall term. The effort would include research on precedents of elevated communities, and brainstorming of potential approaches to further develop.

Prerequisites: The candidate should have the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and be able to consistently follow-through with tasks on deadlines. Hard working and self-motivation are key. Design ability is important, and familiarity with Sketchup or other form of digital communication is required.

Contact: Dr. Reinhard Goethert Coordinator, The SIGUS Group School of Architecture and Planning rgoethert@mit.edu.

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
Program: Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Barry Vercoe

Visualizations for Real-Time Network Music Performance

Thanks to the Internet, musicians located in different countries can now aspire to play to play together in real-time as if they were in the same place. However, the time delays due to the inherent latency in computer networks are unsuitable for real-time musical applications. To address this, we propose an online musical collaboration system that combines machine listening and machine learning to represent, transmit, and generate music over computer networks. We expect to develop animations to accompany a live music performance distributed over multiple continents. The animations should respond to incoming streams of audio data and network packets, and include remote video feeds.

Prerequisites / requirements:
Graphics programing (Flash, Jitter, Processing, OpenGL, etc.),
Familiarity with networking is a plus,
High degree of self-motivation.

Please include a resume (or a description of skills and interests) and a short paragraph describing your motivation and relevant experience (classes or projects). Examples of previous work is a plus.

Position start asap, and may be continued over IAP and the Spring term (for pay or credit).

Contact information:Mihir Sarkar mihir@media.mit.edu
URL: http://www.media.mit.edu/~mihir/public/urop_fall2008.html

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
Program: Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Barry Vercoe

Project title: Audio Engineering with Music, Mind and Machine

Project description:
Are you interested in MUSIC? Are you interested in TECHNOLOGY?
We have a wide variety of tasks related to ongoing research projects in the Music, Mind and Machine group, and to audio research requirements at the Media Lab, including, but not limited to: recording studio calibration and analysis; needs assessment and purchase of hardware and software equipment; high-performance fan-less audio workstations assembly and configuration; website maintenance and data archival; sound system setup for sponsor demos, rehearsals and live performances.

Prerequisites / requirements:
Strong interest in music technology,
Willingness to learn,
High degree of self-motivation.

Students interested in learning about with the field of music technology are especially encouraged to apply.

Please include a resume (or a description of skills and interests) and a short paragraph describing your motivation and relevant experience (classes or projects).

Position start asap, and may be continued over IAP and the Spring term (for pay or credit).

Contact information: Mihir Sarkar mihir@media.mit.edu
URL: http://www.media.mit.edu/~mihir/public/urop_fall2008.html

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
Program: Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Ramesh Raskar

India Initiatives

Are you interested in BUSINESS? Are you interested in INDIA?
The Media Lab is looking for UROPs to work on a business development project to foster collaborations and partnerships with organizations in India. The work will include market research, strategy planning, etc.

Prerequisites / requirements:
Experience or strong interest in market research, business development, Excellent communication and analytical skills, creative ability, high degree of initiative and self-motivation,
Familiarity with the Indian market is a plus.

Please include a resume (or a description of skills and interests), and a short paragraph describing your motivation and relevant experience (classes or projects).

Position start asap, and may be continued over IAP and the Spring term (for pay or credit).

Contact information: Mihir Sarkar mihir@media.mit.edu
URL: http://www.media.mit.edu/~mihir/public/urop_fall2008.html

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
Program: Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Barry Vercoe

Sound design with everyday words

Musicians often describe the quality of musical sounds with words such as "bright" or "warm". Our project investigates the relationship between auditory perception and language in this context: we are interested in finding whether people use a common terminology to describe timbre, and how their choice of words correlates with audio features. We deployed an online survey in which over 1000 participants were asked to describe the sounds they heard. Our objective is to analyze the data, and then design an audio processing engine that can automatically tag sounds in a database for retrieval purposes, or even synthesize or modify sounds according to descriptive words instead of technical parameters.

Prerequisites / requirements:
Strong interest in music technology,
Good programming skills: PHP / Python (or similar), mySQL, Matlab,
Familiarity with sound synthesis, digital signal processing, or machine learning techniques are a plus, Ability to learn quickly on the job, high degree of self-motivation.

Please include a resume (or a description of skills and interests), and a short paragraph describing your motivation and relevant experience (classes or projects).

Position start asap, and may be continued over IAP and the Spring term (for pay or credit).

Contact information: Mihir Sarkar mihir@media.mit.edu
URL: http://www.media.mit.edu/~mihir/public/urop_fall2008.html

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
Department/Lab/Center: Visual Arts Program, Department of Architecture
Faculty Supervisor: Jae Rhim Lee, Lecturer, Visual Arts Program, Dept. of Architecture

MIT FEMA Trailer Project

Description:

The MIT FEMA Trailer Project UROP will work directly with Visual Arts Program faculty Jae Rhim Lee on various aspects of the project according to his/her current skills and interests. The UROP student may choose to work with community organizations and city/state/federal agencies, perform technical, scientific or sociological research on the FEMA Trailer, work on the MIT FEMA Trailer Challenge, and/or work directly on the design and transformation of the FEMA Trailer. The FEMA Trailer Project UROP may receive academic credit or apply for funding via the UROP Office.

About the MIT FEMA Trailer Project

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) purchased approximately 145,000 travel trailers to house those displaced by Hurricane Katrina beginning in Fall 2005. Since their deployment, the trailers have been tied to a host of issues, including formaldehyde off-gassing (at the center of a class-action lawsuit against FEMA and trailer manufacturers), surplus trailers currently sitting in paid parking lots across the country, mental health problems in trailer parks, and the lack of affordable housing in many regions of the Gulf Coast, among others.

The FEMA Trailer has come to symbolize many of the environmental, social, economic, and administrative challenges associated with temporary disaster housing.

The goal of the MIT FEMA Trailer Project is to catalyze positive change in these areas by utilizing research, dialogue, and design to generate alternative uses of surplus FEMA Trailers.

The mission of the MIT FEMA Trailer Project is threefold:

1. Engage in research and dialogue about the historical and current environmental, political, and social issues related to the FEMA Trailer.

2. Formulate feasible, socially conscious, and innovative alternative uses of surplus FEMA Trailers.

3. Present alternative uses of surplus trailers to FEMA, other governmental agencies, and interested parties.

The Project consists of three components, 1) The MIT FEMA Trailer Challenge, a competition held in conjunction with the MIT Public Service Center in which students will develop projects which find alternative uses for the thousands of surplus trailers. The winning entries will receive monetary awards and be submitted to FEMA and other interested parties. 2) Course 4.3565, Advanced Projects in the Visual Arts, in which students will explore the historical, artistic, political, and environmental issues applicable to surplus FEMA Trailers, execute mini-projects using the existing trailer at MIT, and develop a formal proposal (in groups) for the final transformation of the trailer and 3) The transformation of the existing trailer at MIT beginning January 2009.

Requirements/Prerequisites: Strong interest and/or background in disasters/emergencies, visual art/design/architecture, urban planning, environmental justice, natural sciences, and/or engineering.

Contact: Jae Rhim Lee, N52-337, 617-324-3855 (office), 770-841-7842 (mobile), jrlee@mit.edu

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Visual Arts Program, Department of Architecture
Faculty Supervisor: Ute Meta Bauer - Program Director and Associate Professor

The eWheel Project

The eWheel Project is an interdisciplinary approach to facilitate viable small-scale production of energy within developing countries. This concept originated within the context of the Visual Arts Program, and will be developed by utilizing the resources of MIT's highly technical and socially responsible programs and departments. The project considers the research and development of an eWheel : a simple device that can be used to generate small amounts of electricity using human and animal muscle power as the primary source. The eWheel is currently conceptualized as a standard bicycle wheel with a generator integrated as part of the hub. This device is not unlike existing hub dynamos, with the exception that it has an integrated energy storage/retrieval unit.

The challenge and innovation of the project is to develop a prototype in which the wheel, generator and storage unit are considered as a single, efficient and lightweight portable system. The eWheel is both a standalone unit pulled by a person, as well as a wheel on existing transportation vehicles, such as bicycles and carts. The eWheel is intended to be used primarily in environments where there is little or no access to a power grid, but the need for electricity is high. A case in point is rural Uganda where many cellular phone users must trek long distances to urban centers to charge their phones. A primary design objective is for the eWheel to include the appropriate method of output in considering the watts/volts/amps to power small appliances and digital devices such as laptops and cellular phones. The long-term goal of the eWheel project is to develop a long-lasting, low-maintenance, durable and -- most importantly -- economically feasible prototype. The development of the eWheel prototype is financially supported by the Office of the Dean, School of Architecture and Planning.

Prerequisites: We hope to involve two UROPs in research and development. 1. Electrical/mechanical engineering background 2. Knowledge or willingness to learn about the efficient conversion of mechanical motion to electrical energy (experience with generators and energy storage cells) 3. Strong interest in interdisciplinary research and in developing innovative technologies for the not-for-profit production of energy; and an interest in empowering users

Contact: Jegan Vincent de Paul, counter@mit.edu

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Brain and Cognitive Sciences/Early Childhood Cognition Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof.Laura Schulz

Causal Learning in Young Children and Infants

Our lab studies how children and infants learn about the world. Specifically, our research projects investigate how young children learn about various causal relationships through active exploration of their environment. We have partnerships with both the Museum of Science and the Children's Museum, where most of our recruiting and testing takes place. As a research assistant, your work in our lab will include running behavioral studies in the museums, coding behavioral data, and building stimuli (toys!) for research projects. Specific details of the work will depend on the research project you'll be involved in. We are looking for UROPs who will be comfortable interacting with children and their parents; UROPs experience valuable opportunities to conduct behavioral studies themselves, as well as to represent our lab by talking to participants and other museum-goers about our research. For more information, please visit our website: http://web.mit.edu/eccl/

Prerequisites: 9.00, 9.85 (both are preferred but not required)

Contact: Ali Horowitz (ali_h@mit.edu, 617-324-4859)

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: DUSP
Faculty Supervisor: Herman Karl

Addressing the Challenge of Climate Change in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem: A Stakeholder-Based Approach

The greater Florida Everglades ecosystem is among the most important natural resources in North America. It is in the midst of perhaps the most complex and ambitious ecosystem restoration planning effort in U.S. history, an effort involving hundreds of semi-autonomous organizations and jurisdictions and thousands of people. In order to be successful, such a project must adopt a variety of planning, management, and communication strategies: some top-down, others bottom-up, and still others side-to-side. To help the responsible parties plan and manage the Greater Florida Everglades Ecosystem in the face of the uncertainties posed by changing climate; we propose to develop a stakeholder-based alternative futures process. As part of this research we will ask, Is it possible to manage landscape-scale ecosystems if the effects of climate change require rapid intervention? We will be developing new GIS-based scenario-casting tools that should facilitate broader-gauged stakeholder involvement in the review of adaptive management strategies. This research is being done with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey

Prerequisites: It would be helpful to have a background in one of the following: conservation biology, GIS, planning, policy, hydrology, ecology. The student will work closely with graduate students and a postdoctoral research associate as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Contact: Dr. Herman Karl Office 9-330 617-324-0262 hkarl@mit.edu

9/2/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Nuclear Science and Engineering / Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Richard Lanza

Neutron imaging at the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.

We are finishing the installation of a major new neutron instrument, which uses a beam of thermal neutron extracted from the MIT Nuclear Reactor. The UROP student will help with installation and testing of the neutron tomography and/or phase-contrast imaging set-up and conduct first experiments in materials science-related projects, such as tomographic imaging of granular matter or magnetic materials.

Prerequisites: This project is suitable for students interested in experimental physics, nuclear engineering or materials science, especially interested in instrumentation.

Contact: Please contact Dr. Richard Lanza ( lanza@mit.edu ) and Dr. Boris Khaykovich (bkh@mit.edu).

8/28/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Operatoins Research Center
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Cynthia Barnhart and Prof. Dimitris Bertsimas

Optimizing Drug Combinations in the Treatment of Cancer

If you want to help improve the treatment options for patients with cancer, then this is a good opportunity for you. This project focuses on predicting optimal drug combinations to use in the treatment of cancer. Clinical trials are the tried and true way of determining whether a specific drug combination is effective against a specific type of cancer. Thousands of individual clinical trials have been performed, but to date, no one has collected and analyzed the results of all these clinical trials in a rigorous mathematical way. Our project aims to do just that: collect the data from clinical trials and mine the data in order to predict new optimal drug combinations for different types of cancer. We also aim to publish the clinical trial database online so that cancer patients can easily compare clinical trials relevant to their own treatment. Currently there is no central database of clinical trial results: all the clinical trial data is in each individual journal article.

Prerequisites: We are looking for students to extract the relevant data from these journal articles into an Access Database. Knowledge of Microsoft Access and computer programming skills are a plus. For pay or credit.

Contact: Jason Acimovic at acimovic@mit.edu

8/28/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: CECI
Faculty Supervisor: Jud Harward

iLab UROP

The Center for Educational Computing Initiatives is looking for a UROP to work on the iLab project. iLabs are real laboratories accessed through the Internet. Interested in running experiments on the MIT research reactor or exploring magnetic field lines of a dipole? UROP duties will include experiment construction, testing and development of new features such as automated lighting for experiments using X10 technologies, and documentation reviews. Duties will also include basic windows system management (windows XP and Server) including configuration of systems, installation of new hardware and system upgrades. A basic knowledge of windows management and programming (java or .Net) required. LabView knowledge is a plus.

Prerequisites: The ideal candidate will be a motivated, self-starter with effective time management skills, excellent documentation & communications skills and the ability to work independently. Must have enthusiasm and a willingness to be part of a team that works in a flexible and dynamic environment.

Contact: Please contact Kirky DeLong (kirky@mit.edu) 617-253-8651.

8/28/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Biological Engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Linda Griffith

Stem Cells and Biomaterials

This project will develop novel biomaterials to support the growth of mesenchymal stem cells. Specifically, we will engineer novel proteins that bind to bone forming biomaterials and evaluate their suitability in long term tissue culture. The objective of this work is to develop a clinically useful surface treatment for implantable materials that will support regeneration of bone and other mesenchymal tissues.

Prerequisites: Required: Molecular biology experience (cloning, mutagenesis, general DNA manipulation) 20.109 or equivalent Preferred: tissue culture experience, protein expression and purification.

Contact: Luis Alvarez lmalvare@mit.edu, http://www.epernicus.com/la3

8/28/2008
Fall 2008
Scheller Teacher Education Program
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Eric Klopfer
Project Lead: Daniel Wendel
Web: http://education.mit.edu/drupal/starlogo-tng

StarLogo TNG - Game Creation/Programming for Kids

Position 1: Web & Print Designer
Position 2: Content + Curriculum Developer

Are you interested in being a part of a small team creating educational software and materials that have the potential to be used in classrooms around the world? Our software, "StarLogo: The Next Generation" is aimed at making programming accessible to students while helping teachers achieve curricular goals. New features such as a graphical, block-based programming interface, a 3D engine, and an online community are aimed at providing kids with a way to easily design, create, and share 3D games.

We are looking for UROPs to join our team this fall to help us create online materials for teachers and students, and to play with the software and think creatively about its use as an educational tool. We might have a position available for you if you are:
- a graphic artist,
- interested in teaching, education, or education research
- a website designer,
- a curriculum developer,
- interested in online communities,
or anything in between. While we normally look for developers (and would still be happy to talk to you if you want to help us rewrite our virtual machine!), this semester our focus is on supporting teachers and students as they try using the software for the first time. We're looking for people with good communication skills, an eye for design, creativity, perceptiveness, and a willingness to work with teachers and students from surrounding schools.

If you are interested, please send an email to Prof. Eric Klopfer (tep-jobs@mit.edu) and Daniel Wendel (djwendel@mit.edu). Be sure to include:

* a short description of your interest
* an overview of your programming experience (none required!)
* a summary of any previous UROP and/or work experience
* a resume if available

Or, if you would simply like more information or a tour of the
software, please email Daniel Wendel (djwendel@mit.edu) to schedule a time.

8/28/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology
Faculty Supervisor: Professor Utkan Demirci

Novel HIV Monitoring Device for Use in Developing Countries

Currently we're working on a project to develop an inexpensive, user-friendly, portable HIV monitoring device for HIV patients in developing countries. The device, which is about a U.S. quarter in size, will undergo clinical testing. Successful UROP students will learn about leading topics on microfluidics and immunology.

Prerequisites: No previous experience necessary; applicants should be eager to learn new techniques and to offer significant contributions to research.

Contact: Please contact Professor Utkan Demirci at rllin@mit.edu.

8/27/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Markus Buehler

Atomistic simulation of brittle to ductile transition: Why Liberty ships sank in the Arctic Sea

Why are some materials brittle like glass, and others ductile like copper? The answer to this question lies in the atomistic mechanisms of materials deformation and failure, atom by atom. This project is focused on atomistic analyses of failure processes in metals and ceramics to understand why and how materials fail under extreme loading. Of particular interest is the phenomenon of ductile-to-brittle transition, describing when materials suddenly change their behavior under a change of temperature. This observation has been suggested as a possible explanation for the sinking of the Liberty ships in the early 20th century, as they fractured catastrophically when they moved from warm to cold waters in the Arctic Sea. Even though the change of fracture properties at low temperatures has been known for more than a century, the fundamental mechanisms that control the transition temperature have not yet been explained.

In this project, UROP students will carry out atomistic-scale simulations based on a new first principles based reactive force field approach (ReaxFF). As a first material we will consider the fracture behavior of silicon, following up on preliminary studies carried out over the past years. Simulations will be carried out on a large parallelized computing cluster. Students that work on this project will get a chance to gain familiarity with molecular modeling methods used in nanoscience and develop their understanding of concepts in mechanics of materials particularly involving deformation and fracture properties. This is an ideal project to deepen the understanding of mechanics of materials, materials failure and fracture mechanics.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in mechanics of materials. Basic background in chemistry, physics, materials, simulation preferred but not required. Students will be trained properly.

Contact: Prof. Markus Buehler, email: mbuehler@MIT.EDU Please CC Prof. Christian Thaulow, email: christian.thaulow@ntnu.no Phone: 617-452-2750 Lab URL: http://web.mit.edu/mbuehler/www/

8/27/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS/Bear lab/Picower Institute
Faculty Supervisor: Mark Bear

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of learning in the mouse visual cortex

We study how the brain stores information, using mice as our model system. This project aims to investigate the molecular processes that underlie a form of learning that occurs in the visual cortex. Studies in animals and humans have shown that training over days to weeks can cause significant and lasting improvement in various aspects of visual perception. We have found that repeated exposure to stimuli of a certain orientation in awake mice induces a specific potentiation of responses to the trained orientation. The aim of this project will be to investigate what molecular changes occur after/during this potentiation.

This will include biochemical analysis of different neuronal proteins such as neurotransmitter receptors and other proteins involved in known molecular signaling cascades that are thought to underlie synaptic plasticity (the current leading model of neuronal information storage). The student will be trained in various standard biochemical techniques and will work closely with two senior members of the lab. These techniques are used in most molecular/cellular labs and thus will be useful for any future projects in this area of biology. The lab is collaborative and multidisciplinary and provides an excellent learning environment. We usually have 2-4 UROPS training in the lab during the year.

Prerequisites: The student will ideally be a Biology or BCS major, and have some prior experience working in a lab. The student should have an interest in neuroscience and/or molecular/cellular biology

Contact: Jason Shepherd. jshephe@mit.edu. Lab website: http://bearlab-s1.mit.edu/BearLab/.

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: CMS: NML
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Henry Jenkins

Learning Library Technical UROP Fall 2008

New Media Literacies, an educational research project focused on developing innovative learning models, seeks a UROP who can help us develop and test new materials for our Learning Library. This position has varied responsibilities; two main requirements are the ability to collaborate with a team to develop learning activities for adolescents (ages 12-17), and previous experience working with Flash. This position requires ~10 hours per week, and runs through the end of December 2008.

Prerequisites: The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in youth, education, new media, and media literacy, with strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills. The candidate should have the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and be able to consistently follow-through with tasks on deadlines. The ability to create tutorials in Flash is required, but the ideal candidate will also have experience with programming, web and graphic design (specifically with Macromedia and Adobe suites) and be able to code websites using accessible XHTML and CSS. We prefer a candidate with a basic understanding of networking, troubleshooting, and computer technology.

Contact: Anna van Someren, avansom@mit.edu www.newmedialiteracies.org

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: CMS: NML
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Henry Jenkins

Learning Library General UROP Fall 2008

New Media Literacies, an educational research project focused on developing innovative learning models, seeks a UROP who can help us develop and test new materials for our Learning Library. This position requires the ability to collaborate with a team to develop learning activities for adolescents (ages 12-17). Requires ~10 hours/week, and runs through the end of December 2008.

Prerequisites: The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in youth, education, new media, and media literacy, with strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills. The candidate should have the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and be able to consistently follow-through with tasks on deadlines. Although no specific technical skills are required for this position, experience with programming, web and graphic design (specifically with Macromedia and Adobe suites) and/or video editing skills (Final Cut Pro) are a plus.

Contact: Anna van Someren, avansom@mit.edu www.newmedialiteracies.org

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Tangible Media Group/MIT Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Hiroshi Ishii

Sourcemap

Sourcemap is a revolutionary web-based system for publishing global supply chains of products, people and ideas to visualize and consider their social and environmental impact. Based on a web2.0 mashup, the system allows producers, designers and consumers to access a shared open database of materials and processes to help them best determine the impact of global and local sourcing strategies, including carbon footprint and externalities. The system is currently being prepared for beta release for pilot studies with representatives from local and global manufacturing, food and service industries.
Prerequisites: Sourcemap seeks motivated UROPs interested in learning about Environmentalism, Product Design, Business, Computer Visualization, Mapping Applications and/or Web Design.

Contact: Leo Bonanni at amerigo@media.mit.edu

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Parsons Lab (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Elfatih Eltahir

Customise the fortran code for a regional climate model to best suit a given computer cluster hardware architecture, using parallel processing. The aim is to edit the code such that the model runs as efficiently as possible using the given architecture. Required output will be a test simulation that demonstrates improved speed over the existing code.

Prerequisites: High level knowledge of fortran programming and parallel processing is required. Prefer a senior level student.

Contact: Rebecca Gianotti: rlg@mit.edu

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Media Lab / Smart Cities
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. William J Mitchell

Full Scale Omni-Directional City Car with Integrated Wheel-Robot Technology.

We are building a full scale 4 wheel Lightweight Electric Vehicle for urban personal mobility which utilizes robotic wheels for omni-directional steering. The vehicle power supply uses Lithium Ion batteries for long range driving and super capacitors for quick inductive charging. Ultimately the vehicle will be a part of a shared use Mobility on Demand network that will provide an equitable means of personal transportation in the city. Our goal for the fall 2008 semester is to complete fabrication of 4 wheel robots, develop the control algorithms for omi-directional steering, finalize the driver interface components, explore the opportunities of inductive charging and implement the vehicle control system using a CAN bus network for communication between the wheel robots.

Prerequisites: We are currently looking for talented undergraduates majoring in EE, CS, AA and ME with experience in any of the following areas: Fabrication / Programing / Power Electronics / Robotics / Mechatronics.

Contact: http://cities.media.mit.edu/ Raul-David "RETRO" Poblano cell 909 569 5223 work 617 324 0463 poblano@mit.edu Ryan C Chin cell 617 319-0778 work 617 253 6828 rchin@mit.edu

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Physics
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Marin Soljacic

Improving Solar Cells with Photonic Crystals

Solar energy is a clean and abundant natural resource. However, its utilization has been delayed by the low efficiencies, high costs and high material usage of existing solar cell designs. The aim of this project is to employ ideas from photonic crystal research to redesign solar cells. Photonic crystals offer unprecedented ability to control the flow of light, and can increase the absorption of certain solar wavelengths by a factor of 1000 or more. Undergraduates working on this project would learn the appropriate theoretical background, and use simulations to test our novel ideas.

Prerequisites: 8.01, 8.02, and 8.03; preference to candidates who have taken 8.04, 8.07, and 8.231.

Contact: Peter Bermel -- bermel@mit.edu, http://jdj.mit.edu/~bermel/

8/26/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS Picower Institute
Faculty Supervisor: Mark Bear

Assessment of neuron viability in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

We are looking for a UROP student to help determine if excessive neuronal survival and consequently neuron cell number may be one mechanism by which the neuronal pathologies of Fragile X syndrom (FXS) occur. FXS is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mental retardation and autism. Several reports suggest that the brain volume of Fragile X patients is increased which is consistent with a developmental increase in neuronal number. The goal of this UROP project will be to perform in vitro survival and cell death assays on cortical neurons from a mouse model of fragile X to determine if neuron number or viability is altered compared to wild-type mice.

Prerequisites: Intro Neuroscience or Biology, and an interest in cognitive disorders and cellular/molecular biology. Lab experience is not necessary, although prior cell/molecular biology experience helpful. Time commitment: This project involves approximately 12 16 hours of work per week.

Contact: Please send a CV and a brief statement of interest to Asha Bhakar (abhakar@mit.edu).

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Anthropology
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Heather Paxson

Anthropological Study of Artisan Cheesemaking in the US

Opportunity for a student to work closely with faculty advisor in designing, implementing, and tabulating results of a social science survey instrument. The survey will be administered through the mail as well as over e-mail and/or using a web interface. During the semester, student(s) needed to transcribe digital audio recordings of interviews with cheesemakers; hours flexible.

Prerequisites: For survey work, anthropological or other social science coursework, basic statistics, and good organizational skills are required; interest in food, agriculture, and/or anthropology is a plus. for transcribing, strong typing skills are a necessity

Contact: Prof. Heather Paxson, paxson@mit.edu

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: EECS/Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Clifton Fonstad, Prof. Edward Boyden

Novel Optical Neuroprosthetics

A new optical neuroprosthetics collaboration between multiple cutting-edge laboratories, interested in solving major problems like Parkinson's disease, is looking for a UROP for a long-term commitment. The candidate should be independent yet a team player, have an obsessive drive to solve real-world biomedical problems, and ideally have prior experience with photolithography and be MTL-certified (although super-fast learners might be able to circumvent this).

Prerequisites: Ideally, photolithography and be MTL/6.152-certified, although super-fast learners might be able to circumvent this.

Contact: Please email Edward Boyden, esb@media.mit.edu, Clifton Fonstad, fonstad@mit.edu with a 1-page CV and description of long-term interest.

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Robert Langer

Synthesis of block copolymers for delivery of siRNA

A position is available for student(s) interested in polymer synthesis and characterization. The project is focused on synthesizing block copolymers for delivery of siRNA using advanced synthetic techniques. If you are interested in gaining research experience in polymers for biomedical engineering applications, we can set up a meeting to discuss the project in greater detail. The synthesis part would be similar to organic chemistry, so if you have taken organic lab, that would be most helpful for getting started (a good prerequisite). In addition to synthesis, you would learn characterization methods such as NMR and GPC. Investigation of the polymers using cell culture may also be learned. Past students have gone on to medical school and to PhD programs in chemistry and biomedical engineering.

Prerequisites: Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry lab

Contact: Daniel J. Siegwart, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Associate Department of Chemical Engineering David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research Massachusetts Institute of Technology 45 Carleton St. E25 Room 342 Cambridge, MA, 02142 siegwart@mit.edu, http://web.mit.edu/langerlab/

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: DMSE
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Krystyn J. Van Vliet

Building huge atomic force microscope model

UROP will build a working model of an atomic force microscope, approximately 1.5 meters high, to illustrate how AFMs in the DMSE NanoLab and other laboratories work. AFM model will be displayed in case between 1st and 2nd floors of Infinite Corridor, Building 8, where the huge nanoindenter now runs. That model was built by 2 MechE UROPs, an is still used in teaching and training new students. Great opportunity to learn how AFM works and to use machine shops on campus to build something real.

Prerequisites: None, but experience in design and machining preferred. CAD helpful, but not necessary. Need to work independently.

Contact: Krystyn Van Vliet, krystyn@mit.edu

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: DMSE
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Krystyn J. Van Vliet

Mechanical behavior of materials

We have several UROP openings related to mechanical and chemical characterization of nanocomposites, polymers, and biological materials. Most projects involve adaptation of instrumented indentation and/or atomic force microscopy.
Prerequisites: Sophomore to Senior in DMSE, MechE, ChemE or BE.

Contact: Krystyn Van Vliet, krystyn@mit.edu

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: DMSE
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Krystyn J. Van Vliet

Nanoindentation of bio/polymeric materials

Design of user interface for automated nanoindentation data analysis program. UROP includes training and use of nanoindentaters and AFMs if of interest to the student, but the primary goal is computer enabled data analysis.

Prerequisites: Experience with Matlab strongly preferred.

Contact: Krystyn Van Vliet, krystyn@mit.edu, Emily Walton, ewalton@mit.edu

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Scheller Teacher Education Program
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Eric Klopfer

Augmented Reality Mobile Games

UROPs are needed for Fall 2008 to work on development of software for authoring Augmented Reality handheld games. The STEP lab has developed software which allows non-programmers to author their own original AR games. Augmented Reality games provide players with a location-aware (using GPS) handheld computer that gives players information about their current environment in the context of a simulation game (http://education.mit.edu/ar). This software is used to build educational role-playing games, including games for museums, nature centers and schools. Exist toolkits include a desktop editor (Windows) and a "Mobile editor" (Windows Mobile). UROPs will have the opportunity to work on one or both pieces of software.

Prerequisites: The programming language for this project is C#. Experience and interest in UI/UE design a plus.

Contact: If you are interested, please send an email to tep-jobs@mit.edu and include: * an overview of your programming experience (specific references to relevant courses and other development and programming projects would be very helpful) including any pertinent URLs * a summary of any previous UROP and work experience (attach a resume if you have one) * a short description of why you are interested in working on one or both projects * Please put "Spring PDA UROP" in the subject line http://education.mit.edu/ar

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Scheller Teacher Education Program
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Eric Klopfer

Ubiquitous Handheld Games Project

UROPs are needed for Fall 2008 to work on software development of an educational handheld game. This game, which is in early development, allows players to participate in a simulation activity, using a browser-enabled computer (mobile or desktop). Students participate in an networked virtual world, learning fundamentals of science. The programming language for this project is Ruby On Rails. Experience with other object-oriented languages is relevant. UROPs on this project will have the opportunity to participate in areas including: * game design * modeling * programming core game mechanics * writing networking code Well-qualified UROPs will be paid above base UROP rates.

Prerequisites: Experience with Object Oriented Programming

Contact: If you are interested, please send an email to tep-jobs@mit.edu and include: * an overview of your programming experience (specific references to relevant courses and other development and programming projects would be very helpful) including any pertinent URLs * a summary of any previous UROP and work experience (attach a resume if you have one) * a short description of why you are interested in working on one or both projects * Please put "Spring PDA UROP" in the subject line. http://education.mit.edu/ar

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Scheller Teacher Education Program
Faculty Supervisor: Eric Klopfer

Augmented Reality Mobile Games

Interested in mobile technology? Want to become our resident "peer-to-peer wireless networking" guru? A UROP or UAP student is needed for Fall 2008 to help investigate and develop capabilities for peer-to-peer networking between Windows Mobile devices within an existing Augmented Reality game engine. Augmented Reality games provide players with a location-aware (using GPS) handheld computer that gives players information about their current environment in the context of a simulation game (http://education.mit.edu/ar). This software is used to build educational role-playing games, including games for museums, nature centers and schools. This UAP/UROP will: * review potential methods to enable communication between devices. * implement, test, and revise the method of choice.

Prerequisites: The code is in C#. Experience in C# or Java is required. Applicants should be detail-oriented and self-motivated. An interest in gaming and/or education is a plus.

Contact: If you are interested, please send an email to tep-jobs@mit.edu and include: * an overview of your programming experience (specific references to relevant courses and other development and programming projects would be very helpful) including any pertinent URLs * a summary of any previous UROP and work experience (attach a resume if you have one) * a short description of why you are interested in working on the project * Please put "Fall AR Networking UROP" in the subject line. http://education.mit.edu/ar.

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Chemical Engineering/Prof. Trout Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Bernhardt Trout

Mechanisms of Protein Aggregation

A UROP position is available towards a research project on protein aggregation. The goals are to understand the aggregation mechanisms of two proteins, and to offer stabilization strategies. Protein wild type and variants are expressed and purified in the lab. Protein stability is analyzed by a number of Biophysical techniques, such as HPLC, UV-Vis, DSC, and gel electrophoresis. Structural changes upon protein stress are also monitored with fluorescent probes.

Prerequisites: Some experience in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (for example course 7.02) could be useful.

Contact: Vladimir Voynov, E19-531 vvoynov@mit.eduvvoynov@mit.edu, tel 617 324 4500.

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
Microsystems Technology Laboratories/Center for Educational Computing Initiatives
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Jesus A. del Alamo

Title: Developing an Online Electronics Control Systems Lab

The MIT iLab Project has openings for a pair of UROPs interested in educational technology. We are looking people to fill the following roles:

- Instrument Interfacing/ Web Application Development: We are looking for someone familiar with Microsoft SQL Server and .NET (or similar technologies) and interested in remote instrumentation control. Immediate work will involve becoming familiar with current working server application software and extending it to take advantage of new hardware functionality. Will work with other developers to integrate this updated server application with a complementary client interface.

- Java Client/Applet Development: We are looking for someone familiar with Java and interested in user interface design. Immediate work will involve becoming familiar with current working client software and updating this to extend its functionality. Will work with other developers to integrate this updated client with complementary server application.

- Electronic Circuit Development: We are looking for someone interested in designing and building electronic circuits. These will be basic to moderately complex and designed to be used as resources for a set of remote electronics laboratories. Initial work will consist of developing circuits requested by instructors. However, we expect this to expand to also include the design of sample assignments.

Since 1998, the iLab Project has worked to increase the number and variety of lab experiences available to students. Recently, this has involved the development and support of a distributed architecture which reduces the cost of developing and sharing labs across distant locations. The iLab Project is constantly looking to enhance the educational experience it provides and the successful candidate will immediately be able to make contributions towards this goal.

Contact: Interested applicants should contact James Hardison (hardison@mit.edu) or see us at the Freshmen Explorations Poster Session August 28th in the Bush Room for more information.

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Anthropology
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Susan S. Silbey

Sociology in the mass media

I am looking for a student to collect examples of articles in major newspapers that report on the results of sociological research. This involves web and media searching and collating of articles. A second part of the project involves preparation of visual materials for inclusion on web pages.

Prerequisites: The first task requires good interpretive skills, reading, analysis and synthesis. The second task, which is separable, requires imagination and design skills.

Contact: Ayn Cavicchi, acavicch@mit.edu, http://web.mit.edu/~ssilbey/www/

8/25/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Anthropology
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Susan Silbey

Safe Science: Governing Green Laboratories

This research explores the ways in which legal regulations (OSHA and EPA) have been working to transform the scientific laboratory into a hopefully safer and more environmentally friendly place. Faced with what might be the most difficult environment and population to regulate, (one where the dangers are being constructed and to some extent are unknown beforehand and where the subjects of regulation claim to know more than those who would control them), the scientific laboratory provides an excellent space in which to examine the conditions and limits of legal regulation. Observing the conditions and possibilities of collaboration between science, engineering, and law, the scientific laboratory can serve as a social laboratory for more rational and successful legal regulation elsewhere. This study will document the invention of a governance system that is being designed to create "green laboratories." 2008-2009 Research tasks include archival and library research on environmental; health and safety systems engineering; history of chemistry, regulation of research laboratories; risk analysis, statistical analysis of quantitative data.

Prerequisites: Since this project involves diverse sites and data collection procedures, the particular portion of the project undertaken can be tailored to the student's skills but good interpersonal and writing skills are needed.

Contact: Ayn Cavicchi, acavicch@mit.edu, http://web.mit.edu/~ssilbey/www/

8/21/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: CSAIL
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Brian Williams

Human Robot Coordination of Complex Tasks

Space, military, aviation, and medical industries require teams of people to effectively coordinate to perform complex tasks which involve timing, ordering and resource constraints. We are developing algorithms that allow robots to naturally coordinate with people to perform these types of tasks. We are seeking a UROP to develop an interactive simulation environment - a kind of virtual test-bed where a human player will work with a virtual robot to manipulate blocks and build structures. Long-term research opportunities possible, including demonstrating the human-robot coordination algorithms in hardware.

Prerequisites: Experience with Java, C/C++, and interest in human-robot interaction!

Contact: Interested? Send a resume to Julie Shah (julie_a_shah@csail.mit.edu)

8/21/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: MIT-HST: Laboratory for Multiscale Regenerative Technologies
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia

Cancer Nanotechnology: Targeting Therapeutic Nanoparticles to Tumors

A UROP position is available for the Fall in a project to synthesize nanoparticles for cancer targeting and therapeutic delivery. Previously, several peptide sequences have been identified that specifically target breast tumors in mice. Student will learn how to chemically attach peptides to the surface of nanoparticles, evaluate their function in cell culture, as well as monitor their biodistributions in mouse cancer models. Student should be interested in chemistry, have experience in cell culture, be comfortable with the prospect of working with mice, able to work ~12-15hrs/wk during the fall and ~full time during IAP, and be enthusiastic about learning the details behind engineering cancer therapies. Most important pre-reqs are being self-motivated, hard working, and interested in bioengineering problem-solving. This is a fun project for an independent student interested in chemistry, cancer, and engineering!

Lab experience/ familiarity with organic chemistry and cell culture are preferred, but not required for excellent candidates.

The intended start date is as soon as possible.

Please send a statement of interest, curriculum vitae (including GPA), names of references, summary of research experience to:

Geoffrey von Maltzahn
E-mail: gvonmalt@mit.edu

An overview our research can be found at:
http://lmrt.mit.edu/

8/20/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Rebecca Saxe

Cross-cultural cognitive neuroscience

We are engaging in a number of studies on how people think about other people ('social cognition') in a cultural context. In particular, we will be looking at how social cognition is similar, and different, in people from different cultural backgrounds. Right now we are focusing our work on examining the neural underpinnings of social cognition in people from the Middle East using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). As a research assistant your level of involvement and work requirements would be flexible, but could include data collection (helping to perform fMRI scans), designing stimuli for experiment, data analysis, and interaction with participants. Hours are also very flexible, but a minimum of approximately 4 hours/week average would be required.

Prerequisites: Someone from, or very familiar with, the Middle East.

Contact: Emile Bruneau. ebruneau@mit.edu (734) 945-4185

8/20/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: HST
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Michael J Cima

Implantable Metabolic Sensors

This project involves the development of a small (<1cm cubed) implantable device for tracking metabolic activity (pH, calcium, etc) within an animal model. A UROP would work on developing, fabricating, and testing the device in vitro, and if interested potentially moving this device forward into an animal model.

Prerequisites: Curiosity, enjoys teamwork, careful and detail-oriented.

Contact: Yibo Ling, yling@mit.edu

8/20/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Lorna Gibson

Biomechanics of materials with a cellular structure

Materials with a cellular structure such as honeycombs and foams are made up of prismatic or polyhedral cells. Such cellular materials are widespread in nature (e.g. wood, cork, trabecular bone, lung alveoli) and are of interest in medical applications (e.g. foamed titanium as bone substitute material; porous scaffolds for tissue engineering). I am writing a book on biomechanics of cellular materials and would like to hire a UROP to assist with literature searches and data collection.

Prerequisites: A subject on mechanical behavior of materials (for instance 1.033, 1.05, 2.001, 2.002, 3.032...)

Contact: Prof. Lorna Gibson, ljgibson@mit.edu

8/20/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: BCS Picower Institute
Faculty Supervisor: Mark Bear

Assessment of cognitive function in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

We are looking for a UROP student to help develop behavioral assays of cognitive function in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mental retardation and autism. One of the hallmark symptoms of fragile X syndrome and autism are perseverative and repetitive behaviors, resulting from an impairment of cognitive flexibility. The current project is aimed at developing a behavioral task to assess perseveration in fragile X mice using an operant conditioning paradigm. Once established, this task will be a valuable tool for testing potential therapeutic drugs, as well as for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying perseverative behaviors in fragile X syndrome.

Prerequisites: Intro Neuroscience or Intro Psychology, and an interest in cognitive disorders and autism. Lab experience is not necessary, although prior animal handling skills would be very helpful. Time commitment: This project involves training mice 4-5 days a week for ~2 hours a day.

Contact: Please send a CV and a brief statement of interest to Dilja Krueger (dkrueger@mit.edu).

8/20/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Biology/Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Paul Chang

Poly(ADP-ribose) & Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase function

Do you want to learn molecular biology, biochemistry, or cell biology in a fun and challenging environment? Our lab is looking for two motivated UROPs to study the molecular functions of poly (ADP-ribose) and its polymerases, the PARP family of proteins. These molecules function in many essential cellular processes, including cell division and the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, transcriptional and translational regulation, and the cell s response to stress. UROPs will work with both graduate students and the assistant professor who runs the lab. You ll be sure to get a lot of bench experience and learn many new techniques

Prerequisites: Candidates must have a strong interest in biological research. The ideal candidate is a sophomore or junior who has completed 7.01 and 7.02 and is interested in continuing in the lab for multiple semesters.

Interested? Contact Paul Chang, pchang2@mit.edu.

8/20/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: WikiCity
Faculty Supervisor: Carlo Ratti

How Can a City Perform as an Open-Source Real-time Control System

POSSIBILITIES FOR CREDIT OR FOR PAY DURING FALL TERM

How can a city perform as a real time control system? The WikiCity project deals with the development of real-time location-sensitive tools for the city. It follows the Real-time Rome project that was developed for the 2006 Venice Biennale of Architecture and which aggregated data from cell phones, buses and taxis in Rome to better understand urban dynamics in real-time (s. also http://senseable.mit.edu/realtimerome).

In general, the WikiCity can be considered a new platform for storing, exchanging and processing data which are location and time-sensitive, in the line of ongoing deployment of Web 2.0. As such, it would be a significant leap forward towards a pervasive 'internet of things' to support human action and interaction. (s. also http://senseable.mit.edu/WikiCity)

We are looking for EECS UROPs who are interested in this new research field and who would like to develop new tools for exchanging and processing location- and time-sensitive data or connect environmental monitoring mechanisms to the WikiCity concept.

Competencies and interests
* visual (Java) programming
* software-based data visualisation
* real-time data analysis
* (geospatial technologies and related APIs)

Contact: Please e-mail senseable-applicants@mit.edu with a resume ASAP (at latest Sep 9).

8/19/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Philip Tan

GAMBIT Student Video Game Development

The GAMBIT Game Lab is putting together student development teams for Fall 2008 to work on projects related to video games. We will be hiring students for pay or credit in the following fields:

Art
Audio Engineering
Game Design
Project Management
Programming
Quality Assurance

The exact projects for the fall have not been set, since they depend in part on the interest and expertise of the students hired. For a list of past projects, see http://gambit.mit.edu/loadgame/index.php.

Prerequisites: All levels of experience will be considered.

Contact: If interested, please schedule an interview by contacting
Marleigh Norton
Prototyping Manager
marleigh@mit.edu
617-324-8932
gambit.mit.edu

8/19/2008
Fall 2008
Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Ramesh Raskar

Computational Photography (optics and image processing)

The 'Camera Culture' group has two opening for Computational Photography projects. They include MEngg and UROPs. The position can continue into subsequent terms.

Computational photography combines plentiful computing, digital sensors, modern optics, actuators, and smart lights to escape the limitations of traditional film cameras and enables novel imaging applications. Unbounded dynamic range, variable focus, resolution, and depth of field, hints about shape, reflectance, and lighting, and new interactive forms of photos that are partly snapshots and partly videos are just some of the new applications found in Computational Photography. We are building new types of cameras and building algorithms for processing the captured images. (More info http://raskar.info/photo/ )

Prerequisites: Experience with image processing. Experience or interest in signal processing. Programming in Matlab and C++.

Contact: Prof. Ramesh Raskar, raskar(at)media.mit.edu.
Website: http://raskar.info

8/19/2008
Fall 2008
Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Ramesh Raskar

High Speed 3D Tomography Machine

We are building a portable machine to perform optical tomography at high speed. Such machines can compute 3D representation of scanned parts (such as blood flow in wrists or muscle activity) in real time allowing detailed analysis of higher-level human activity. The goal is to build, perform mathematical simulation and analyze reconstructed 3D volumes.

Prerequisites: Experience with circuit board design and electronics, PIC programming. Experience or interest in signal processing. Programming in Matlab and C++.

Contact: Prof. Ramesh Raskar, raskar(at)media.mit.edu.
Website: http://raskar.info

8/19/2008
Fall 2008
Media Lab
Faculty Supervisor: Prof. Ramesh Raskar
Second Skin: Optical Motion Capture and Actuated Feedback

We are building a wearable fabric to support millimeter accurate location and bio-parameter tracking at thousands of points on the body. Such a fabric can compute and predict 3D representations of human activity and use them for a closed-loop control to augment human performance. The goal is to support a detailed analysis and control of higher-level human activity. The basic technology uses a new optical motion capture method we have recently developed.

Prerequisites: Experience with circuit board design and electronics (especially photosensors and emitters), as well as PIC programming.

Related Video: http://web.media.mit.edu/~raskar/prakash/

Contact: Prof. Ramesh Raskar, raskar(at)media.mit.edu.
Website: http://raskar.info

8/18/2008
Fall 2008
MIT Center for Biomedical Engineering UROP
Off campus – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Department of Surgery)
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Sandra M. Gaston

Prostate and Renal Cancer: Molecular Marker Discovery and Analysis

We are looking for one or two UROP students to join an ongoing collaborative research project that involves both clinicians and scientists. This project is focused on the development of novel technologies that can be used to advance the discovery and characterization of molecular tumor markers in human tissues. The exact UROP project will depend in part on the interests and capabilities of the student, but the larger research effort involves both molecular biology and bioengineering components and a student with an active interest in both areas would be welcome. In addition to laboratory work, the UROP students on this project have the opportunity to attend research and clinical conferences at BIDMC/Harvard Medical School. This is an excellent opportunity for a student who is considering a career in medicine or biomedical engineering.

Requirements/Qualifications:
The ideal candidate would be a sophomore or junior who has completed 7.02 (or other equivalent laboratory experience) and who has a strong interest in biomedical research. It is essential that your interest in biomedical science be combined with the maturity and time-management skills required to be productive in a research laboratory. Photoshop skills are a plus, but not required. For the academic year, a commitment of at least 10 hours per week in the lab is required. The stipend offered for this position will exceed the UROP minimum; the exact level will depend on relevant prior laboratory training and experience. Candidates who can continue with us as UROPs into IAP and the 2009 spring semester and summer are preferred.

Contact Information:
Sandra M. Gaston PhD
Visiting Scientist, MIT Center for Biomedical Engineering
Principal Investigator, Department of Surgical Research
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Harvard Medical School
Email: sgaston@bidmc.harvard.edu

8/18/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Center for Advanced Visual Studies
Faculty Supervisor: Joe Zane

Artwork about Intellectual Commons and Property

Design and Program for interactive artwork Fellow at MIT s Center for Advanced Visual Studies, artist John Malpede will develop a new performance work at MIT, centered on issues of intellectual property and intellectual commons, to be presented in late Spring 2009 or Fall 2009. UROP sought to work on an experimental open source program that will be utilized in an interactive performance. The UROP will also be asked to attend interviews with MIT experts with the artist and test, modify and improve the software based on the evolution of the project.
Prerequisites: UROP should be familiar with python and gnu/linux, and have some capability in audio/visual work.

Contact: John Malpede JMALFOOT(at)aol.com http://cavs.mit.edu/artists.html?id=201,443

8/18/2008
Fall 2008
UROP Department/Lab/Center: Center for Advanced Visual Studies
Faculty Supervisor: Joe Zane

Artwork about Intellectual Commons and Property

Research for interactive artwork Fellow at MIT s Center for Advanced Visual Studies, artist John Malpede will develop a new performance artwork at MIT, centered on issues of intellectual property and intellectual commons, to be presented in late Spring 2009 or Fall 2009. UROP sought to research copyright, intellectual property, free software, free culture and their histories at MIT. Research will be conducted in the MIT libraries, archives and through interviews with MIT experts with the artist. Research results will be incorporated into an artwork, and UROP will be involved in working directly with the artist.

Prerequisites: An interest in issues of intellectual property and intellectual commons.

Contact: John Malpede: JMALFOOT(at)aol.com, http://cavs.mit.edu/artists.html?id=201,443.

8/18/2008
Fall 2008
Center for Transportation and Logistics / AgeLab
Faculty Supervisor: Bryan Reimer

Monitoring physiological and attentional changes in driver behavior

The MIT AgeLab seeks a number of UROPs who are interested in working on a series of on-going projects focused on the collection and analysis of driving performance data. UROP students will assist AgeLab researchers in running experiments in the AgeLab driving simulator Miss Daisy and in the on-road instrumented vehicle the Aware Car. UROPs will also have responsibility for tasks involving the manipulation and analysis of data such as physiological measurements,