Mycological and bacteriological culture collection

Project description:

If selected, you will engage in hands-on learning experiences focused on the cultivation study of Fungi, Oomycetes, bacteria, and nematode. The goal is to curate our current collection of plant pathogens and edible mushroom and create a detailed but simple database for the collection.

Anticipated Time Commitment:

  • Flexible, 3-6 hours per week.

Project Duration:

  • Spring 2025 with continuation possible.

Compensation:

  • Practicum credits (mandatory pass/fail) - You can get the credits applied to the Fall to avoid Summer tuitions
Name of research group, project, or lab
Petit
Website
https://www.umass.edu/stockbridge/about/directory/elsa-petit
Why participate in this opportunity?

You will benefit from the hands-on nature, specialized skill in microbiology/mycology, and the mentorship. The immersive learning environment is crucial for understanding microbiology in practice. Learning to develop selective culture, isolating pure cultures, and differentiating between species will equip you with specialized skills. These skills are not only valuable academically but also in various research and industry settings in the fields of horticulture, microbiology, biotechnology or medicine, offering networking opportunities.

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Biology
Ecology
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Science
Evolution
Food Science
Horticultural Science
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Natural Resources Conservation
Plant and Soil Science
Plant Biology
Sustainable Food & Farming
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Skills or experience with media, culture, and sterile techniques are preferable. Strong sense of organization to keep a database and collection.

Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
5-7 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Ind. Study Credit
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned
  1. Culture Media Development:
    • Making culture media selective for Oomycetes or Fungi.
  2. Pure Culture Techniques:
    • Isolating pure cultures from initially contaminated cultures.
  3. Fungal Identification:
    • Differentiate important fungi based on their morphology
Project start
Spring 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
Elsa Petit
epetit@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Elsa Petit
Email address of project director or principal investigator
epetit@umass.edu
2 sp. | 50 appl.
Hours
1-4 h/wk (+1)
1-4 h/wk5-7 h/wk
Project categories
Microbiology (+12)
BiologyEcologyEcology and Environmental SustainabilityEnvironmental ScienceEvolutionFood ScienceHorticultural ScienceMicrobiologyMolecular BiologyNatural Resources ConservationPlant and Soil SciencePlant BiologySustainable Food & Farming