Description: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens that are ubiquitous in the environment. They can be isolated from soil and water and also known to form biofilms in shower heads and household faucets. In the last decade, we have seen an increase in NTM pulmonary infections and some authors have hypothesized these may be due to an increase in NTMs in the environment due to climate change. This CURE engages student in hypothesis-driven research to investigate how seasonal climate affects microbial diversity, particularly NTM communities found in environmental samples such as soil and water.
Skills gained: Culturing using selective media, DNA extraction, PCR, BLAST analysis for specie ID, Interpretation of MALDI-ToF results for specie ID, extraction of environmental DNA, library preparation for Next Generation Sequencing, 16S Metagenomics and bioinformatic analysis of soil and water microbiomes.
Additional Opportunity: This CURE is offered in conjunction with a sequential independent research opportunity (optional). Interested students will draft their own research questions after completion of the fall semester and will enroll in MIP498 or MIP495 in the spring semester to continue working on their research under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Carolina Mehaffy.
More information about this NTM CURE project can be found in the CUREnet database.