Bacteria Ecology Researcher
CurrentAs an Ecology Bacterial Researcher intern, I isolated and characterized 32 bacterial strains from plant roots, soil, and creek water using aseptic techniques to ensure pure cultures. This work involved utilizing microscopy and various staining methods to identify cell morphology, conducting biochemical assays to assess metabolic capabilities, and performing phenotypic characterizations, including enzyme and respiratory tests. Additionally, I explored bacteria's nutritional requirements, oxygen relationships, and temperature growth ranges. Molecular techniques such as DNA extraction for PCR and gel electrophoresis were also employed. I gained proficiency in essential microbiology laboratory techniques, such as setting up and using microscopes to observe bacterial morphology and performing various staining procedures (e.g., Gram stain, endospore stain, acid-fast stain) to differentiate bacterial species. I also became skilled in streaking techniques to isolate pure bacterial colonies on TSA plates and proficiently used autoclaves for sterilizing equipment and media. My efforts contributed to developing a dichotomous key and phylogenetic tree for environmental bacteria, which will be used in future microbiology classes at my school to guide students in their own bacterial identification projects. This work aims to support similar projects in microbiology classes at other colleges, fostering the spread of common knowledge and best practices in bacterial identification.
