We Are... the One Health Microbiome Center

Sarah Richards

Doctoral Candidate, Ecology; International Agriculture & Development

September 19, 2023
By Dina Constantinides

Sarah Richards, a dual-title Ph.D. candidate in Ecology and International Agriculture & Development (INTAD), grew up in a small New Hampshire town. She has been fascinated with microbes ever since growing “goopy” bacteria in a biology course, leading her to pursue a bachelor's degree in microbiology with a minor in Nutrition from the University of New Hampshire. After graduation, Sarah worked on a research and development team at an agricultural biotechnology company – Indigo Ag. While helping to develop microbial applications for crops, she wondered what factors contributed to the successful establishment of microbes in new environments. 
 
Now as a member of Dr. Estelle Couradeau’s lab, Sarah aims to condition or train microbes to more effectively establish and persist when introduced to new environments – a major limitation with current live microbial therapeutics. Additionally, she is examining the impacts of farming practices on soil microbiomes, such as cover crop diversity. As the first Ecology program student to participate in the INTAD dual-title program, she has developed international collaborations with scientists and farms, expertly navigating language and cultural barriers. This was exemplified in her recent trip to Uganda with Penn State and Michigan State researchers, where she met local farmers, policymakers, and students to discuss farm management and challenges. Next, Sarah has plans to study how Costa Rican coffee farms’ intercropping practices influence soil microbiota. 
 
Sarah is motivated by the practical applications of her microbiome research and its potential implications for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, she views microbial research as a way to connect with nature through the invisible world. Outside of research, Sarah enjoys rock climbing, tennis, and making microbiology art.

Luana Bresciani

Doctoral Candidate, Ecology

April 27, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Luana Bresciani, an Ecology PhD candidate, grew up in Brazil and completed her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of São Paulo. During her master’s, she carried out agronomy research focused on the impacts of soil coverage on coffee and sugarcane soil microbiomes. These studies developed Luana’s interest in soil microbial communities, as she pondered the effects these treatments were having on the composition and function of the microbiome.

Now as a member of Dr. Francisco Dini-Andreote's Lab, Luana is studying microbiome coalescence or what happens when microbial communities merge. Examples of events that lead to microbiome mixing include a leaf falling to the ground or farmers adding manure to crop fields. Luana is exploring community coalescences by mixing soil microbial communities and evaluating compositional and functional changes over time. She is most excited about potential emerging properties in these mixed microbiomes, that were not present in either of the original communities.

Luana views research as detective work and looks forward to running her own academic lab in the future. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, badminton, and other outdoor activities.

Mallorie Smith

Undergraduate Student, Biology

April 11, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Mallorie Smith, an undergraduate biology student at Penn State Altoona, has always been interested in the things we cannot see with our naked eye, like microbes and DNA. This enthusiasm for the unseen world led her to microbial research.

For the past year, Mallorie has been working in Dr. Corien Bakermans’ Lab, where she is developing fundamental research and molecular biology skills. Mallorie has extracted DNA from a number of samples, including freshwater sediment and microplastics. Mallorie notes that extracting microbial DNA from plastics is particularly difficult because the plastic can be reactive to the extraction reagents. The microbial communities of these samples will be compared, with a focus on identifying potential microplastic degrading microbes.

Outside of the lab, Mallorie is a soccer player on the Altoona women’s team. During the summer, she works with children at a summer camp. Mallorie was recently awarded the Peachman Scholarship and intends to pursue a graduate degree in forensic science.

Josue Ceron

Doctoral Candidate, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology

March 28, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Josue Ceron, a PhD candidate in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, is a first-generation college student who attended Skyline Community College and San Francisco State University (SFSU) in California. He first got his start in research exploring plant-microbe symbiosis in Dr. Joseph Chen’s lab at SFSU. While presenting his undergraduate research at a SACNAS conference, he met his now graduate advisor Dr. Timothy Miyashiro.

As a member of the Miyashiro Lab, Josue studies Vibrio fischeri, an essential bacterial symbiont of the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes). V. fisheri is a bioluminescent (light producing) bacterium that colonizes a specialized organ in the squid. The light produced by the bacterium offsets the squids shadow cast by the moonlight–camouflaging it from other nocturnal marine animals.

Specifically, Josue is researching what host environmental factors select for bioluminescent bacteria, such as oxidative stress or nutrients. Using a functional genomics approach, Josue mutates V. fisheri and measures changes in colonization and growth. Overall, this work will provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying host-microbe symbioses.

Outside of the lab, Josue enjoys hiking, trying new restaurants, and reading science fiction. His future plans include a postdoctoral research position at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Victoria Pearce

Doctoral Candidate, Biomedical Sciences

March 14, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Victoria Pearce, a Biomedical Sciences PhD candidate, is a first-generation college student who grew up in Western Pennsylvania. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Youngstown State University in Ohio. Here, she discovered her interest in microbial and biomedical research while studying fungal pathogen virulence factors.

Now as a member of Guy Townsend’s lab, Victoria is investigating the gut microbiota and how we can manipulate bacterial abundance. Specifically, she is focused on finding the signal– the on-off switch– of a bacterial transcription factor (protein that controls gene expression) involved in Bacteroides spp colonization in the mammalian gut. Bacteroides are a highly abundant gut bacterial genus that may provide protection from pathogens and supplies nutrients to other commensal bacteria. In patients with gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, Bacteroides’ abundance is significantly reduced, when compared to healthy patients. Victoria notes that uncovering the specific signal involved in regulating this transcription factor, could help us control Bacteroides abundance, and aid in the development of microbial-focused therapies to suppress disease.

Outside of the lab, Victoria is an avid science communicator and writer. She serves as a writer and senior editor for the College of Medicine’s science blog– Lions Talk Science– and is a lead technical editor for the Journal of Student-Run Clinics. After completing her PhD, Victoria plans to pursue a career in science/medical writing. In addition to her research and writing, she has numerous musical talents and has been a member of Med Notes, an acapella group on the Hershey campus.

Tarik Acevedo

Doctoral Candidate, Ecology

February 22, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Tarik Acevedo, an Ecology Ph.D. Candidate, was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He got his start in research at Emory University in an insect-microbe symbiosis lab as a technician.

Now, as a member of Dr. Mary Ann Bruns’ Lab, Tarik is measuring soil microbial community functionality to understand the impacts of various degraded mined land soil reclamation strategies. He has specifically focused on closed coal strip mines, which leave behind soil that is heavily compacted, acidified, and has low microbial diversity and activity. Current efforts to restore plant life and animal habitats in these barren regions have focused more on planting fast growing plants, rather than improving the soil quality for long-term reclamation. Tarik’s preliminary findings indicate that agricultural management strategies, like cover crops, improve soil quality and microbial functionality better than standard reclamation practices.

During his time at Penn State, Tarik was awarded a prestigious NSF Graduate research fellowship and was accepted into the Sloan Scholars Program. Additionally, he held an officer role in the PSU Science Policy Society, where he has developed his interests in improving policy and science funding by making research findings clear and accessible. On his free time Tarik enjoys fishing.

Erica Ryu

Doctoral Student, Biology

January 31, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Erica Ryu, a Biology PhD candidate, got her start in research as an undergraduate assistant at Washington University in St. Louis. After earning her bachelor’s, she worked for a software company, but soon decided to return to academic research as a lab technician at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Here she contributed to empirical models of bacterial evolution and growth.

Now as a member of Dr. Emily Davenport’s lab, she is investigating the impact of lifestyle (diet, teeth brushing, etc.) on human oral and gut microbiomes. Additionally, Erica is using single-cell transcriptomics to link spatial gene expression along sections of the intestinal track, with varying levels of inflammation, to microbiome patterns. Examining gut microbe associations with host gene expression at this scale will advance our understanding of the microbiome’s role in disease. Erica is enthusiastic about the potential downstream applications of her research in health, particularly for managing inflammatory bowel syndrome.

Outside of research, Erica likes baking and gaming, as well as hip hop dancing. She notes that it is important to have the courage to follow new paths.

Jenn Harris

Doctoral Student, Ecology

January 17, 2023
By Nichole Ginnan

Jenn Harris, an Ecology PhD student, has always had an interest in how environmental factors influence larger ecosystem processes. As an undergraduate, she investigated the effects of climate change on forest insect ecology and decomposition. Appreciating the broader issues, Jenn was inspired to aid in developing sustainable solutions for managing the consequences of rapid global change. This led her to a position at Indigo, an agricultural biotech company, where she contributed to the research and development of microbial-focused crop applications.

Now as a member of Drs. Liana Burghardt’s and Estelle Couradeau’s Labs, she is continuing to explore how plant-associated microbes interact with different crops. Specifically, Jenn is investigating how Rhizobia, a plant bacterial symbiont, evolve with various cover crops (e.g., clover and alfalfa). Rhizobia are nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can significantly improve soil fertility and plant growth. Understanding rhizobial trait selection in association with different cover crops could help farmers optimize crop/soil management strategies and increase cash crop yields.

Outside of research, Jenn has participated on the Penn State cross-country team and has a growing interest in science-focused community outreach. Jenn notes the importance of finding good mentors and feels fortunate to have a supportive network within and outside of academia.

Terry Torres-Cruz

Doctoral Candidate, Plant Pathology, Biogeochemistry

December 13, 2022
By Nichole Ginnan

Terry Torres-Cruz, a dual title Plant Pathology and Biogeochemistry PhD candidate, grew up in Costa Rica and received a B.S. from the prestigious Biotechnology Engineering program at Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. Her undergraduate research focused on heavy metal resistance in soil fungi, and this sparked a longstanding interest in mycology. Later, she worked for the US Geological Survey as a field technician, which involved extensive field work.

Now as a member of Dr. David Geiser’s Lab, Terry uses her mycological and field skills to study a unique phenomenon called pseudoflowers–fungal structures disguised as plant floral tissues. Specifically, she focuses on the rare instance of a fungal Fusarium sp producing pseudoflowers that are entirely made of fungal tissue. These unique pseudoflowers have only been seen on yellow-eyed grasses in Guyana and are potentially a floral mimicry system. Terry’s research has involved coordinating field teams of forest rangers and undergraduates. These studies confirmed that pollinators and other insects interact with these flower imposters. This suggests the fungi may be dispersed via an insect-mediated mechanism. In 2021, Terry received the “Give a DAWG a Bone” award to sequence the other fungi and bacteria associated with these structures, which potentially aid in attracting insect vectors.

Additionally, Terry has held numerous leadership roles in internal/external organizations, including the PSU Graduate and Professional Student Association, the Penn State SACNAS Chapter, the Mycological Society of America (MSA), and more. Remarkably, through her advocacy work and diverse undergraduate mentor roles, Terry is actively improving equity in higher education and STEM.

Sterling Wright

Doctoral Student, Anthropology

December 6, 2022
By Nichole Ginnan

Sterling Wright was first introduced to anthropology while taking an undergraduate course about ancient Greece. Now, as an Anthropology PhD student and a member of Dr. Laura Weyrich’s lab, he is leading research on humans from hundreds to thousands of years ago. Specifically, he is using ancient DNA from up to 4,000-year-old calcified human teeth to understand the impacts of urbanization on oral microbiomes and human health. Sterling is particularly focused on changes in periodontal disease (infection of the gums) frequency and how the oral microbiome has changed over time. These projects target ancient and modern Romanian populations, in addition to ancient Georgian populations.

Supported by several prestigious research travel awards, including the National Geographic Early Career Grant, Sterling has traveled to a number of archaeological sites. He also collaborates with museum curators and other academics to obtain his research samples. Furthermore, Sterling recently received the internal “Give a DAWG a Bone” award from the Data Analysis Working Group, which will support a microbiome sequencing project. With a collaborative spirit, he appreciates the simple acts of discovering and exchanging knowledge about the past. Outside of work, Sterling can be found on the tennis court.

Colin Howe

Doctoral Student, Biology

November 29, 2022
By Nichole Ginnan

Colin Howe, a PhD student in Biology and a member of Dr. Monica Media's lab, spent part of his childhood in Japan and frequently visited the Carribean Islands where his parents grew up. These experiences laid the foundation for his interest in marine biology, but also his understanding of how marine systems impact the local culture, and vice versa. Colin completed his master's at the University of the Virgin Islands. His participation in the NSF INCLUDES: Supporting Emerging Aquatic Scientists (SEAS) Island Alliance first brought him to PSU. Inspired by the Medina lab's integration of tropical marine ecology and microbiology, he joined the biology program as a PhD student. Colin aims to unravel coral-microbe relationships beyond the well-studied dinoflagellate symbionts. Coral-associated microbiomes could be the key to preserving reef health under the pressures of climate change. Colin is keen to tease apart these microbial communities to identify which microbes are active core members of the microbiome and which are simply passive transients. Characterizing the coral microbiome will support innovative research towards disentangling the complex, yet intricate relations that exist between coral host and their microbes. Colin's studies will include environmentally collected and lab-cultivated specimens, as well as utilize ancient DNA approaches to define microbial communities of skeletonized coral fossils.

Throughout his time in marine sciences, Colin observed that researcher demographics do not reflect the populations that are most impacted by the failure and success of these environments (e.g., coral reefs). As such, Colin is an avid advocate for increasing social and ethnic diversity in this field. As an effective science communicator, Colin creates informational videos and has spoken on podcasts and panels about his experiences and science identity. Outside of research and SciCom activities, Colin enjoys various water activities, including scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming.

Taejung Chung

Doctoral Candidate, Food Science

November 22, 2022
By Nichole Ginnan

Taejung Chung is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Food Science and the current director of DAWG (Data Analysis Working Group). As a member of the Kovac lab, Chung employs high-throughput sequencing of microbial marker genes and metagenomes to study how food-borne pathogens, such as Salmonella, impact surface water (e.g., streams) microbial ecology.

The use of contaminated water in fresh produce production introduces considerable risk and could cause food-borne disease outbreaks. Intriguingly, he is advancing food-borne pathogen surveillance using machine learning classifiers to identify biomarkers of contaminated water and reduce human health risk. Read more about this exciting research in his recent pre-print (DOI: 2022.07.11.499664).

Additionally, Chung is utilizing the skills he developed in the lab to boost data analysis training through his position in DAWG. He is motivated to help others take their data from the sequencer to publishing. Noting that he greatly enjoys participating in this supportive community.

Outside of work Taejung likes to watch sports, including basketball, soccer, and football.