Motivated graduate students with interests in biophysics, physical chemistry, protein aggregation, neurodegenerative diseases, spectroscopy, microscopy, and computational modeling are encouraged to contact Dr. Du regarding research opportunities in the lab. Prospective students are welcome to discuss potential projects and available positions.
We welcome motivated and curious undergraduate students to join our research group and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Undergraduate researchers work closely with graduate students and faculty mentors, develop experimental, computational, and analytical skills, contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations, and explore future careers in science, medicine, and related fields. Students at all levels are encouraged to get involved, and no prior research experience is required, only enthusiasm, commitment, and a desire to learn.
Since Fall 2025, Our lab has been proud to participate as one of the inaugural research teams in the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program at FAU (https://www.vip-consortium.org/news/florida-atlantic-university-joins-global-vip-consortium-drive-cutting-edge-student-research). The VIP program creates long-term, multidisciplinary research experiences that enable undergraduate students, especially freshmen and sophomores, to engage in meaningful research early in their academic careers and continue their involvement over multiple semesters.
Our VIP project focuses on protein amyloidogenesis and its role in human disease, bringing together expertise in chemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, and biomedical sciences.. Students work as members of a collaborative research team to investigate fundamental questions related to protein aggregation, biomolecular interactions, advanced imaging and spectroscopy, and the molecular mechanisms underlying disease.
The project is co-led by:
Dr. Deguo Du, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Dr. Ewa Wojcikiewicz, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Dr. Yunqing Kang, Associate Professor, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Students interested in joining the VIP team or learning more about undergraduate research opportunities in the lab are encouraged to contact Dr. Du.