<human>: Hello everyone! I am undergraduate student of the sciences going to community college and I have just recently been accepted into a position at the University of Michigan to aid in research over the summer. It is an undergraduate research oppurtunity, in which I will work with a researcher and his staff in current on-going projects. I've always been interested in research, this is a true realization of my dreams for me!

I was wondering if anyone out in the redditsphere would be able to give me some advice on what to expect, and how to impress! Details on the project I will be working on are listed below. General tips and encouraging remarks are accepted as well! 

Research Area: Biomedical

Specific Interest: Rhuematology

Project Name: Signal Transduction Events in Health and Disease

Project Description: We will be experimenting with signal transduction events in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) through the Shared Epitope (SE) hypothesis. 

Instructor's Background: Immunology/ M.D.

(Disclaimer: I'm still an undergrad. Please bare with me in my detailed description)

Detailed Description: The end goal of this study is to develop a drug for prevention of RA (rheumatoid arthritis) by a deep understanding of the SE (shared epitope). The SE is an allele sequence shared by over %60 of those who are afflicted by RA. This allele sequence is affiliated with increased production of the osteoclast (cells the resorb bone tissue), and is widely accepted to be affiliated with the development of RA. 

We will be working with various molecules in an attempt to find one that can succesfully cancel the signals responsible for producing the osteoclasts. In my interview (which I nailed!), he explained to me that they have found some molecules which reduce the amount of osteoclast present; he showed me both tissue samples, and x-ray's that appeared to reflect his data that the osteoclast is responsible for RA, and reducing the production of the osteoclast is beneficial for the bone structure. 

He's explained that the SE is very complicated, and it was one of the more difficult challenges in immunology. This is what sparked my interest!

Condense the text into a few key points
<bot>: We are investigating the signal transduction events in Rhuematoid Arthritis, and trying to develop the starting grounds for a preventative medication.