LHSI Intern: developing new therapeutic approaches to prevent bone loss and regenerate new bone in the skeleton, craniofacial region and jawbones
Program Summary:
This internship is offered as a part of the Life-Health Sciences Internship Program (LHSI). This program connects 125 IU Indianapolis undergraduates per year with internships on campus with faculty and staff in a variety of health and science related campus areas/programs. All LHSI internships start in August 2026 and end in April 2027 and are paid $14/hour for up to 10 hours per week. Work-study is accepted but not required.
Supervisor: Dr. Angela Bruzzaniti
Department/Office: Dentistry; Medicine; Biomedical and Applied Sciences
Overview of the internship site: We are interested in developing new therapeutic approaches to prevent bone loss and regenerate new bone in the skeleton, craniofacial region and jawbones. Our lab is focused on studying bone formation and bone resorption with the long-term goal of improving bone mass and quality in different bone regions. The research will include microCT and histological analysis of the bone phenotype of genetically modified mice as well as cell-based studies, molecular and biochemical assays to understand the actions of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes. We also examine bone phenotypes after exposing mice/cells to different compounds/drugs, pathophysiological conditions and at different ages, potentially accelerating bone regeneration approaches.
Website for more information: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=c7PbbkQAAAAJ&hl=en
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Perform supervised and independent experiments using cells, tissues or mice. Perform biochemical assays, Western blotting, PCR, microCT and histology. Learn to use specialized software to examine changes in bone mineral density and other bone properties. Read literature, collect and analyze data, perform statistical analyses, prepare graphs, write reports, and present findings at lab meetings and scientific meetings. Contribute to laboratory though research and shared laboratory activities.
Work Environment and Dress Code: The work is performed primarily in a lab setting with dress code: Laboratory appropriate clothing, including a lab coat is required. Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be provided as necessary.
Project-specific qualifications: Cell biology or other related coursework is a plus. Important qualities include maturity, attention to detail, diligence, consistency, eagerness to learn, being pro-active and being a good team player.
Hours per week: 7-9; Flexible, once training is completed
By the end of the LHSI program, you will:
Carefully consider, explore, and articulate your career goals, including an analysis of how you arrived at that path and what steps you need to take next. (Community Contributor, Communicator)
Understand your role and strengths on a professional team and analyze who you would like to become as a professional. (Communicator)
Gain and strengthen skills relevant to next steps after graduation, such as communication, collaboration, teamwork, analysis/synthesis/evaluation, independence, confronting/challenging failure, problem-solving and perseverance, and constructive criticism. (Problem Solver, Communicator)
Convey ideas and knowledge effectively through an ePortfolio and presentation of your internship work. (Problem Solver, Communicator)
Set and meet your own additional learning goals identified with your supervisor.
LHSI Qualifications
must be graduating May 2028 or after (usually a current freshman or sophomore in Spring 2026)
Current full time IU Indianapolis undergraduate in 2026-27
minimum overall GPA of 2.0
All majors welcome
To apply:
LHSI accepts 125 interns per year. All available sites are listed in Handshake and will start with the position title “LHSI Intern.” Complete the application for LHSI at go.iu.edu/lhsi and list 3-4 internship sites on that application. You will meet with at least 2 of these if selected for interviews.