Studies on CyanoHAB and Pathogens Using Molecular Approaches

12 months

2 training opportunities are open to highly microbial-research-motivated students to conduct experiments and data/modeling analysis, explore novel genes, and metabolic pathways, validate resultant findings using qPCR/RT-qPCR and summarize the findings.

The internship research opportunities will focus on assessment and control of harmful algal blooms in source water and recreational water and microbial community with emphasis of opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Legionella and Mycobacterium) in drinking waters utilizing various engineering designs and water management practices. For harmful algal blooms, the studies may include early warning of cyanotoxin production, molecular mechanisms of occurrences and biological controls, toxic species characterizations and cyanotoxin risk assessment with mice model. For opportunistic pathogens in drinking water, the studies may include development of novel methods, community characterization and aerosol-containing Legionella risk assessment with mice model.

The types of research activities in which the participants may be involved are:

Laboratory experiments to evaluate and optimize assays, to process samples using culture, animal model and molecular methods (PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR and deep sequencing  for 16S rRNA, metagenome and mRNA) for waterborne pathogens (legionellae, amoeba, Campylobacter spp., etc.) and cyanobacteria etc., to collect raw data, to QA/QC data, and to make preliminary summary, interpretation and conclusion;

Data analysis using statistical and bioinformatic package; and, manuscript preparations.

The intern opportunity can be provided under multiple projects in a highly collaborative environment with various backgrounds of scientists and engineers.