Impaired wound healing is a significant problem for diabetic patients. Elevated glucose levels compromise the normal healing process and promote the colonization of wounds by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. For example, Staphylococcus aureus resides in 50% of ulcers tested. Current treatments modalities are often ineffective or financially inaccessible and an alarming number of wounds fail to heal. Chronic or non-healing wounds can result in amputation and death. Manuka honey, which is currently used clinically, offers a promising treatment due to its physical and chemical properties. For example, manuka honey contains vitamins, phytochemicals, and antibacterial components such as methylglyoxal. Manuka honey also has a low pH and high osmolarity. These intrinsic factors work to both facilitate healing and inhibit bacterial growth. However, the production of manuka honey is limited to Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, we tested the antibacterial action of three local Missouri honeys, in comparison to Manuka, acacia, and buckwheat honey, against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay (n=3). Staphylococcus aureus was exposed to the following concentrations of honey: 2%, 4%, 8%, 16% and 32%. The bacteria were then grown overnight in a shaking incubator at 37C and the percent inhibition of growth after 24 hours was calculated using optical density. Of the Missouri honeys, Eureka honey performed the best, requiring the lowest percentage of honey to inhibit 90% of bacterial growth. This honey performed similarly to the positive control of manuka honey and performed better than acacia and buckwheat.

Genevieve Hilliard has been the most influential on Kate's research. As a PhD candidate, Genevieve's years of experience and great patience/care have been essential to Kate's development as a scientist. Kate believes that anyone that has the chance to work with Genevieve is extremely lucky. Kate would also like to thank her advisor, Dr. Laurie Shornick, for all the opportunities she has afforded her and the constant support with any endeavor.