| Affiliations: |
Open to all applicants in Chemical, Biological, or Engineering fields
|
| Project Leader: | Adam Salazar isayni2u@tamu.edu Biochemistry and Biophysics |
| Faculty Mentor: |
Dr. Jennifer Herman, Ph.D.
|
|
Meeting Times:
|
Mon 2-3pm (flexible depending on team member’s schedules)
|
|
Team Size:
|
3 (Team Full)
|
| Open Spots: | 0 |
|
Special Opportunities:
|
This opportunity provides the student(s) with a research experience under the direct supervision of a senior postdoctoral researcher.
|
|
Team Needs:
|
Suggested skills are the following: (1) Previous laboratory experience desired (microbiology, microscopy, and BSL-1+) (2) Ability to think critically about complex problems (3) General proficiency with computer and database systems (i.e. excel) (4) Time commitment of 5+ hrs per week
Team will gain competency in (1) how to use a fluorescence microscope, (2) media preparation, (3) aseptic technique for handling microbes, (4) production and purification of spores, (5) agar overlay assays, (6) assorted general lab techniques (centrifugation/pipetting/etc).
|
|
Description:
|
Underground chemical spills are difficult to detect because most approaches require that sufficient quantities of target compound reach the soil surface before sampling. We seek to overcome this limitation by engineering B. subtilis to contain a dual sensor-gas bioreporting system active when underground and in the presence of target compounds. Our specific team focus will be on (1) the generation and characterization of chlorine detecting sensors and their respective promoter pairs; and (2) investigating B. subtilis spore germination in a variety of soil types. This work is performed in cooperation and under contract with Signature Sciences. The specific project goals are as follows: (1) Generate strains of B. subtilis that respond to chlorine species using dual component regulator/promoter pairs (2) Characterize limits of detection for these strains using a fluorescent or luminescent reporter (3) Produce and purify spores of B. subtilis (4) Characterize germination of spores in soil (5) Other lines of relevant inquiry
|