Summer Research: 2023

Project 1: Antibiotic Resistance

Students used primary literature to identify a research question and hypothesis that they used to choose a local soil sample to perform experiments about antibiotic resistance, including samples from around local hospitals and public parks and in some instances choosing resistance genes that were specific to an area. The data generated from these experiments were shared with Dr. Shannon Thyne, Director of Pediatrics, LA County Department of Health Services as well as reviewed and entered into the antimicrobial resistance database maintained by Tufts University.

The World Health Organization recognizes antibiotic resistance as one of the top global public health threats. Goal 2 of the current National Action Plan recommends strengthening screening for antibiotic resistance. Students contribute to this goal by using environmental DNA extraction and PCR methodology to screen local soil samples for antibiotic resistance genes.

Project 2: Phenazine and Disease Suppresive Soils

Students used primary literature to identify local soil samples to PCR-screen for phenazine metabolism genes that are associated with disease suppresive soils. The data from these experiments was reported to Dr. Dianne Newman at the California Institute of Technology for feedback.