Bosch Lab, Pathology

Project details
Our laboratory studies interbacterial interactions among colonic commensals. Altered composition of the gut microbiome contributes to many disease states, and targeted manipulation holds therapeutic promise. The intestinal microbiome is a complex ecosystem where bacteria occupy overlapping niches. Bacteria contact one another, eliciting responses which may neutral, competitive, or collaborative. Bacteroidetes comprise one of the dominant phyla in the human gut microbiome and are known to compete with diverse species to colonize and persist in the intestine. As part of their fitness for the colonic environment, Bacteroidetes utilize a remarkable diversity of carbon sources, and some encode type VI secretion systems which deliver effectors (toxins) to kill contacting bacteria. Genomes of these Bacteroidetes also encode immunity proteins which prevent intoxication of self and kin.

Undergraduate research training will include developing organizational and communication skills within the lab, and learning to design and execute experiments. Trainees will have opportunity to learn multiple techniques fundamental for molecular biology, bacteriology, and biochemistry. The experience will be tailored to the individual student, and will build skills for future a scientific career and/or graduate education program.

Qualifications
An interest in microbiome studies, bacteriology, gastrointestinal disease, or pathology is required.

Time Commitment
10+ hours/week, divided over at least 3 days per week

Compensation
Volunteer
Academic Credit

Start Date
Immediate
Near future

Timeline
Ongoing, potential to be a continuous position

How to apply
Please email CV/resume to dustin-bosch@uiowa.edu, along with a brief statement of why you're interested in our lab. Please list relevant courses taken and grades.