Research Focus
Our research group examines how exposure to pollutants and pathogens in the environment influence the gut microbiome, subsequently impacting health. Our work is part of the REACH Study (reachresearch.org) in collaboration with Theresa Gildner in Anthropology and Claire Masteller in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. The REACH Study investigates the environmental and biological exposure pathways through which infrastructure neglect leads to poor health outcomes. This summer we will work in southwestern Illinois to collect soil samples to analyze for pathogenic bacteria and parasites, and we will analyze stool samples from community residents to characterize impacts of pollutant and pathogen exposure on the gut microbiome.
Skills, Techniques, Methods
Our team members will gain skills in environmental sample collection, molecular biology lab techniques, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis of microbiome data. There will also be opportunities to participate in community outreach events.
Research Conditions
Team members will spend 20% of their time working in the field in southwestern Illinois. Work in the field will include exposure to extreme heat, humidity, sun, ticks, and mosquitos. Some soil sampling may take place shortly after rainfall events when the ground is muddy or submerged.
Team members will spend the remaining time working indoors in a wet lab or office environment. Work in the lab will include carrying out common molecular biology techniques with potentially infectious samples. Other work indoors will primarily be at a computer analyzing data independently.
Team Structure and Opportunities
Undergraduates on the team will work closely with Liz Mallott, Carlye Chaney (a postdoctoral researcher on the project) and other undergraduate team members (1-2), usually meeting with one or both daily. Bi-weekly meetings will take place with the broader team, including members of the Gildner and Masteller labs. There will be opportunities to pursue independent questions within the broader project for interested undergraduates.
