Undergraduate Research Scholars
As a result of funding obtained from the NC Space Grant via the NC Community College System, since the fall of 2018, students at DDCC have had the opportunity to conduct independent research projects. The overarching theme of these projects is the isolation of endophytic fungi and testing the bioactive secondary metabolites they produce for antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. They have also been studied for properties as mitotic inhibitors. Students who become part of the project get the distinction of Undergraduate Research Scholar and it is formally recognized with placement on their transcripts. Students are expected to participate for a minimum of two semesters and present the results of their projects at a formal meeting.
Current and Past Undergraduate Students
Since 2018, I have supervised nine students who applied and were accepted as DDCC Undergraduate Research Scholars. Their projects cover several different topics within the endophytic fungi framework. To view past student projects, click the tab headings for the time period below.
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2018- 2019
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2019 - 2020
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2021 - 2022
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2022 - 2023
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Zoey Buchanan - Do organic extracts from endophytic fungi isolated from local plants exhibit repellent effects against the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus?
Matthew Sparks - Do organic extracts from endophytic fungi isolated from local woody plants exhibit antimicrobial properties?
Rachel K. Wilson
Juan F. Morales Aguirre
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Antibacterial Properties of Endophytic Fungi Cultured in Nutrient Supplemented Lunar and Mars SimulantsRachel and Juan are currently conducting their research projects. Both students are attempting to grow endophytic fungi isolated from plants collected on campus on growth media (Potato Dextrose or Sabouraud agar) that also contain either Lunar (LHS-1 Lunar Highlands Simulant) or Mars (MGS-1 Mars Global Simulant) Regolith Simulants supplied by Exolith Lab at the University of Central Florida. They plan to use organic extraction on the regolith simulant semi-solid fermentation cultures and test those extracts for antimicrobial properties against selected bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella (Enterobacter) aerogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis).
Each endophytic fungus culture jar contains 16.5g of simulant and 10mL of the prepared growth media (Potato Dextrose or Sabouraud Agar).
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Rachel and Juan jointly presented the project as a poster at the 2023 NC Space Symposium held at N.C. State on Apr. 21st and at the Integrating Research in Science (IRIS) Conference held at Elon University the following day.
Endophytic Fungi and Antibiotic Discovery
Students accepted into this project will attempt to identify endophytic fungi that produce bio-active secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. This includes a field component of collecting plant tissue samples (leaves, stems, roots) and a laboratory component taxonomic identification and bioassays. They will use DNA barcoding to identify the fungi after isolating them from plant tissues. They are also utilizing both living organism and crude extraction methods to determine which, if any, produce antimicrobials. Below you can see a few examples of the results from the project. Students who are interested can find the requirements to become a Davidson-Davie Research Scholar on the application page here.