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Get the most out of your undergraduate microbiology training by getting involved in undergraduate research. Many ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú undergrads participate in research programs in Microbiology. Contact our  that interest you to explore the possibilities.

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Development of a research proposal can help you focus your efforts and provide a roadmap for getting results. Check out some of the  that are available to help support your research.

Persistence pays!

These are some of the recent accomplishments and recognitions received by our undergraduate researchers.

Undergraduate Publications

• Feng M, Schaff AC, Cuadra Aruguete SA, Riggs HE, Distelhorst SL, Balish MF. (2018) Development of Mycoplasma pneumoniae biofilms in vitro and the limited role of motility. Int. J. Med. Microbiol. 308:324-334.
• Ohneck EJ, Arivett BA, Fiester SE, Wood CR, Metz ML, Simeone GM, Actis LA. (2018) Mucin acts as a nutrient source and a signal for the differential expression of genes coding for cellular processes and virulence factors in Acinetobacter baumannii. PLoS ONE 13:e0190599.
• Shang H, Garretson TA, Kumar CMS, Dieter RF, Cheng XW. (2017) Improved pFastBacTM donor plasmid vectors for higher protein production using the Bac-to-Bac® baculovirus expression vector system. J. Biotechnol. 255:37-46.
• Fiester SE, Arivett BA, Schmidt RE, Beckett AC, Ticak T, Carrier MV, Ghosh R, Ohneck EJ, Metz ML, Sellin Jeffries MK, Actis LA. (2016) Iron-regulated phospholipase C activity contributes to the cytolytic activity and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii. PLoS One 11:e0167068.
• Garretson TA, McCoy JC, Cheng XW. (2016) Baculovirus FP25K localization: role of the coiled-coil domain. J. Virol. 90:9582-9597.
• Springer TI, Emerson CC, Johns CW, Finley NL. (2016) Interaction with adenylate cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis affects the metal binding properties of calmodulin. FEBS Open Bio 9:25-34.
• Beck HJ, Fleming IM, Janssen GR. (2016) 5’-terminal AUGs in Escherichia coli mRNAs with Shine-Dalgarno sequences: identification and analysis of their roles in non-canonical translation initiation. PLoS ONE 11:e0160144.

Undergraduate Grants and Awards

University Summer Scholars - Summer 2019

• Isaiah Jacques, "Physiological characterization of a high-salt evolved Chlamydomonas reinhardtii", Rachael Morgan-Kiss
• Justin Klatt, Synthetic Electron Transport Chain for Enhanced Energy Harvesting", Xin Wang
• Justin Moon, "Immunohistochemical Localization of  SLAMF9", Timothy Wilson
• Maegan Murphy, "Molecular Interactions of FCRL1 in B Cell Activation", Timothy Wilson
• Liliana Scarlato, "Effects of Chlamydia on Ceramide-Induced Cytotoxicity", Joseph Carlin

Howard Hughes Summer Internships - Summer 2019

• Monocayo Chloe, "Minimal Microbial Communities in Oil Degradation", Annette Bollmann
• Susanna D'Silva, "Acclimation of an Antarctic Alga to Environmental Stress; Role of Cyclic Electron", Rachael Morgan-Kiss
• Sarah Soppe, "Identifying Human Gut Microbes Capable of Degrading Quaternary Amines", D.J. Ferguson

Undergraduate Research Awards - Spring 2018

• Emily Konrad and Andrew Allison, "Optimization of Protocol for Fluorescent Staining of Chlamydia”, Joseph Carlin

Undergraduate Research Awards - Fall 2017

• Peter Brechting, "Examination of Proposed Key Enzymes Involved in Methanogenesis with Quaternary Amines.", D.J. Ferguson

Orton K. Stark Awardees

The Orton K. Stark Award is given "in Recognition of Academic Achievement of the Highest Order and Efforts and Talents Reflecting the Learning Traditions of the Department of Microbiology." Recent recipients include: