Summer Research: 2024

Addressing 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. The data generated from these experiments were 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.

Sample Student Data in the Antibiotic Resistance Database at Tuft's University

Feedback from Dr. Bascom-Slack, Tufts University School of Medicine, about student data in the antibiotic resistance database

Amazing work...Interesting sample locations. It is great to have data contributions from your team...Maybe some of the students will come to Tufts Center for Integrative Management of Antimicrobial Resistance (CIMAR) someday.

It is great to see great young minds tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Student Commentary

Student Learning Outcomes

• Skills

  • Using biology to address societal challenge

  • Using primary literature to formulate research question and hypothesis

  • Experiment design-thinking, implementation and troubleshooting

  • Data analysis

  • Incorporation of professional feedback

  • Presentation

• Subject Knowledge

  • Evolution, molecular biology, biotechnology and public health

• Techniques

  • DNA extraction: microcentrifuge-based affinity and ion-exchange chromatography

  • PCR, primer design and gel electrophoresis