Microbiome Succession in the California Pitcher Plant
Britt Koskella, Professor
Integrative Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2025.
Microbiomes change over time, often with important functional consequences for their hosts. But the ecological drivers of microbiome succession are poorly understood. We are studying the role that microbial interactions play in this process by examining the constituents of the digestive microbiome of the insectivorous California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica). We will isolate bacteria and fungi from microbiomes of different ages and test 1) how they interact with one another, and 2) whether they are specialized for fluid of a certain age.
Role: Students will learn and implement a wide array of microbiological techniques, including: culturing bacteria and fungi, quantifying microbial density, PCR, Sanger sequencing. Additional learning outcomes include: sterile technique, microbiome analyses, data collection, statistical analysis, preparation of manuscripts for publication.
Qualifications: We are seeking a motivated student with interest in the following research areas: microbiology, mycology, and/or ecology. Some microbiology lab work experience with sterile technique is helpful, but enthusiasm, organization, and thoughtfulness towards the scientific process is most important.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Asa Conover, PhD Candidate, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: https://naturesmicrocosm.com/
Biological & Health Sciences