Dr. Conroy-Ben, a Professor for the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment is seeking an undergraduate research assistant for the following project:
The objective of this project is to understand the role of chemical efflux in wastewater biochemistry. Efflux pumps may play a significant role in the cycling of emerging contaminants in wastewater. These membrane-bound proteins are expressed in response to toxic chemical accumulation and convey one form of multi-drug resistance in bacteria. Efflux pumps may export endocrine disrupting chemicals from the bacterium prior to biodegradation, leading to attenuation during the wastewater treatment process.
In this project, wildtype bacteria strains containing the efflux pumps of interest will be exposed to several emerging contaminants and various concentrations. Analysis on the protein, RNA, and DNA will be performed after exposure. The undergraduate student will assist in culturing of bacteria, media preparation, solution preparation, protein extraction, and other laboratory techniques as needed.
Sub-Themes:
- Antibiotic resistance
- Emerging contaminants
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals
Student qualifications/requirements: Major in civil engineering, environmental science/engineering, chemistry, or biology.
Semester(s) or start/end date of position: Start date: Fall 2018 semester; End date: flexible
Number of hours per week: 10 hours
Stipend amount/hourly wage/volunteer position: Volunteer Position, which can be funded upon satisfactory performance
Lab/Center website: https://conroy-ben.engineering.asu.edu/
How to apply: Send resume and unofficial transcripts to otakuye.conroy@asu.edu.
