Project Overview
Analysis of Factors Influencing Composition of the Gut Microbiome
Department(s)
Biology
Abstract
The microbiome includes all of the microorganisms present in a particular environment. The research to be undertaken in my lab this summer will include investigation of both the bacterial microbiome and the fungal microbiome (mycobiome) from several different environments. Possible projects include investigating variation in the gut microbiome of dogs, wolves, and wolf/dog hybrids; analyzing variation in the microbiome of student-athletes across the course of a season in the context of multiple variables; extracting and investigating microbial and fungal DNA from cave and surface soils; and characterizing changes in the gut microbiome after concussion. Students participating in these projects will be involved in multiple stages of new and existing projects. Research activities may include extracting DNA from samples, analyzing and preparing DNA for sequencing, using bioinformatic techniques to analyze DNA sequences, and generating figures and text usable for publication.
Student Qualifications
Completion of Biol 182. Successful completion of a 200-level Biol course also preferred.
Number of Student Researchers
2 students
Project Length
8 weeks
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