Dr. Randall Cohrs studies the molecular mechanism by which VZV latency is established and maintained, and the steps involved in virus reactivation. His laboratory uses state-of-the-art techniques including genomics (expression microarrays) and proteomics (protein identification) as well as more standard cDNA analysis by RT-PCR to investigate the state of virus transcription in latently infected human ganglia. Two years ago, the Experiential Learning Center approached Dr. Cohrs about the possibility of taking on one intern. He said he would “Give it a try and see how it works out.” Since, Dr. Cohrs’s internship program has evolved into a premiere internship program, successfully hosting up to six undergraduate student interns each term and providing them with opportunities to contribute to research, analysis, research write ups, and presenting research results at conferences. Dr. Cohrs’s interns consider him a beloved mentor who has inspired numerous UC Denver undergrads to find their niche in research. Each semester, the Experiential Learning Center is inundated with student requests to serve as Dr. Cohrs’s intern. Here is what some of his interns have to say about their experiences in the Cohrs’ Lab:
Kyle Sorenson: BS Psychology – “I worked with Dr. Cohrs (Neurology Department, UC Denver Anschutz) on a neurovirology experiment concerning herpes virus type III, also known as Chickenpox and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. Dr. Cohrs encouraged me to present my findings during a poster session at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Symposium here at UC Denver and also to give a presentation at the American Society for Microbiology meeting (where I was awarded first place in undergraduate research). Working with Dr. Cohrs on the forefront in the advancement of virology knowledge has been absolutely inspiring. I know the connections I’ve made within the research community here at UC Denver Anschutz will help further my career. After taking two semesters of internships with Dr. Cohrs and talking to other students about their internships, I believe this is the best undergraduate science research internship UC Denver has to offer.”
Helpees Guirguis: Biology/Pre-med – “I am so thankful to have experienced my internship in the neurology department working with Dr. Cohrs and Dr. Nagel. I finally understand what the scientific method ‘in action’ is all about. What was great about this internship was that I learned how much time and effort goes into research; it inspired me to take a research based class that focused on analyzing and discussing research articles. This internship has helped me tremendously in knowing how research is conducted and definitely improved my analytical and communication skills. I learned a lot from this internship and had a wonderful experience with Dr. Cohrs!”
Christin Romberg: BS Psychology – “My internship in Randy's lab has been absolutely phenomenal! I think I have learned more from him and Dr. Maria Nagel (my direct supervisor) than I have in most of my 5.5 years of undergrad. I think it’s so great that Randy takes the time to teach, mentor, and, in a lot of ways, babysit these student interns. Randy does an absolutely amazing job, on not only his own research, but on educating students about VZV, lab techniques, molecular biology in general, and what life is like as a scientist.”
Igor Traktinskiy: Biology – “I started my internship with very little knowledge of lab work or general lab experience. I am very thankful to Dr. Maria Nagel and Dr. Cohrs for their training around the lab; they have been extremely patient with their students. I have learned new aspects of traditional molecular biology methods never mentioned in textbooks. In general, I have been working on two major projects in the lab. Dr. Cohrs encouraged me to believe that my work was significant enough to present on American Society of Microbiology in Greeley. This internship experience was excellent; I loved the lab and working with these nice people. I couldn't have asked for better opportunity!”
To find out more about Dr. Randall Cohrs, see: http://www.uchsc.edu/sm/neuro/cohrs_randall.htm