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Faculty and Student
Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory
Auer Laboratory
Requesting applications from life sciences or engineering faculty members
at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering,
mathematics and technology to work on the ultrastructural characterization
of microbial communities.
Project Description
Characterization of microbes
is typically carried out with bacteria grown in batch cultures, ignoring
the more common bacterial life-style, namely the formation of stable microbial
communities, also known as biofilms. While much as has been accomplished
using phylogenetic profiling and other DNA-based techniques, we know remarkably
little about their spatial organization, particularly on the ultrastructural
level. We have studied a variety of biofilms, including Pseudomonas aeroginosa,
Myxococcus xanthus, Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Shewanella oneiidensis,
and found a number of unexpected and previously uncharacterized phenomena,
including lipid-based vesicles, long filaments, which may or may not correspond
to bacterial nanowires, which are thought to be important for metal reduction
and bacterial survival under electron-acceptor-limiting conditions. We
have started to label bacterial proteins in order to determine their abundance
and subcellular localization as well as their extracellular metal reduction
activity as a result of environmental stress conditions. Also, we have
begun to examine microbial strategies in efficient lignocellulosic degradation,
as is carried out by Cytophaga, Ruminococcus (in cows stomach), and the
microbial community in the termite hind gut. We are in the progress of
exploring the potential of correlative FISH and electron microscopy imaging,
to study at high resolution the spatial organization and macromolecular
inventory of such communities. By participating in the FaST program and
choosing our collaborating partners we will establish a mutually beneficial
program.
Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project
Applicants and their students will receive support under the Department of
Energy Faculty and Student Team (FaST) program to work collaboratively with
a research group at Berkeley Lab for 10 weeks during the summer of 2008. Faculty
and students team members will be assigned to the same research group and typically
faculty participants will provide mentorship and/or advising support to the
undergraduate student team members while at the Lab. Applicants are encouraged
to contact Berkeley Lab investigators offering FaST opportunities during the
application process. Following the summer appointment, it is anticipated that
the faculty participants will establish a ongoing collaborative relationship
with Berkeley Lab investigators and assist in recruiting undergraduate students
from their campus for DOE internship programs.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: |
Ph.D. in microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, or related field.
Proven experimental abilities. Established record of research or
education in Biological Sciences. Works well in a collaborative environment
with students and other researchers. Currently teaches and collaborates
with students in his/her field. Experience with sample preparation
and fluorescence and/or electron microscopy imaging would be a plus. |
| Student: |
Working towards an BS in biological sciences with strong interests
in experimental research. Works well in collaboration with faculty,
other students, and researchers. Willing to work at LBNL for an extended
period. |
Support
and Financial Commitments
See Financial
Information.
For More Information Contact:
Laurel
Egenberger
Manager
College
& University Programs
Lawrence
Berkeley
National Laboratory
E-mail: LLEgenberger@lbl.gov
Phone: 510-486-5190 |
Manfred Auer
Staff Scientist
Life Sciences Division
E-mail: MAuer@lbl.gov
Phone: 510-486-7702
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http://csee.lbl.gov/
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