Research
Publications

Most of our research over the past several years has dealt with the isolation and characterization of microorganisms from environmental sources. We are currently interested in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in environmental bacteria, and how this may affect human health. Another area of research conducted by my students is the isolation and characterization of halophilic microorganisms from Kansas salt marshes.

We are also collaborating with ornithologist Dr. Greg Farley on a project to study the prevalence antibiotic-resistant bacteria carried by migratory song birds.

Current Graduate Students
Claudia Carvalho   Cultivation and characterization of halophilic bacteria from Kansas salt marshes
Jared Gorney         Detection and identification of ESBL-carrying Gram-negative bacteria from sewage influents.

Undergraduate Students
Tanner Welsch         Isolation and identification of triclosan-resistant bacteria from cattle feedlots
Shingo Ishihara        Prevalence of tylosin- resistant bacteria from Kansas feedlot soils
Ty Brunswig             Cultivation of tylosin- resistant bacteria from Kansas feedlot soils
Anitha Devadason    Isolation of halophilic bacteria from local salt marshes
Fathma Laroya         Characterization of halophilic bacteria from local salt marshes
Tyler Schrant           Prevalence of MRSA on inanimate surfaces in a university setting

Former Graduate Students
Sam Zwenger           M.S. Spring 2007
Sherrie Stawinski    M.S. Fall 2005
Lance Thurlow        M.S. Spring 2005
Aileen Johnson       M.S. Summer 2005