Inflammation Lab @ UNC
(Pullen Lab)
Greetings! We study:
- Mast cell biology: their general functions, contributions to disease states, trained immunity, and as a therapeutic target
- Inflammation: particularly in the context of autoimmunity and cancer
- Immune system responses to cancer: changes in cell functions, evaluating cost effective complementary & integrative therapies
- Immunology education & curriculum: see the work of the AAI Education Committee, which Dr. Pullen currently chairs.
The lab supports the education and research training of students across all levels in the School of Biological Sciences and from other programs such as Exercise Physiology, Chemistry, and Nutrition.
Prospective Graduate Students.
There are NO OPEN graduate positions in the lab at this time (updated Fall 2024).
M.S. (thesis track) and Ph.D. applications are continually reviewed by faculty of the School of Biological Sciences. Please contact other faculty if interested in the UNC biology graduate programs.
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Undergraduate Opportunities
We welcome new undergraduate researchers through several paths:
- If you are interested in bench lab research, the Inflammation Lab accepts students who will commit at least two semesters of scheduled research through BIO 422. This requires contractual agreement of responsibilities, and a research product turned in each semester.
- If you are willing to commit to one semester then you are welcome to assist us with literature research for that semester, and you can get some practice with lab techniques through BIO 422. The expected finished product will be a polished review and annotated bibliography on a topic of interest to the lab.
- Longer contractual agreements through programs like McNair and Honors (Upper Division).
Some preparation that will help you with doing research in the Inflammation Lab:
- Completing courses like BIO 110 (Biology: Atoms to Cells), 210 (Cell Biology), and 220 (Genetics). For majors outside biology the A&P course series (BIO 245 & 246) is useful.
- Some familiarity with and curiosity for learning about the immune system.
- Taking advanced cell & molecular biology courses while working in the lab is recommended. Refer to the catalog.
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