Title of Project: Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages that lyse bacterial pathogens
1. Project Description: Bacteriophages can be used for many purposes in both the medical field and in practical applications. Bacteriophages and their lysins have been used to disinfect surfaces (Listeria phage is FDA-licensed to remove bacteria from animal carcasses in production plants), to treat bacterial infections (in other countries, Pseudomonas phage is used to treat burn patients), and as critical reagents in diagnostic assays. In some cases, bacteriophages have not yet been isolated that are specific for some important bacterial pathogens. The goal of this project is to isolate bacteriophages from soil, water, and sewage that lyse bacterial pathogens. Once bacteriophages are isolated they will be characterized as to their host range, burst size, genomic properties (RNA vs. DNA; genome size), and replication mechanisms.
This project will provide exposure and training in the areas of bacteriology, phage biology, and molecular biology.
2. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Claudia Gentry-Weeks (Claudia.Gentry-Weeks@Colostate.edu).
3. Number of Student Positions: 2
4. Location of research: Research will be conducted in the Microbiology Facility, Room C213
5. Expectations of the Student:
6. Pre-requisites:
Required: Student must be a microbiology major and willing to work a minimum of 9 hours per week in the lab. Student must be self-motivated, have a strong desire to work in the laboratory, and be prompt and dependable. Preference will be given to students who have completed MIP351 (Medical Bacteriology) and MIP450 (Microbial Genetics).
7. To Apply:
Student candidates for the project need to provide a resume and a one page letter (electronically to Dr.Gentry-Weeks @ Claudia.Gentry-Weeks@Colostate.edu) describing why they want to take the project, what skills qualify them for the proposed work, and what their future goals are. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first serve basis.
