Cadets Explore the Cadet Microbiome

Cadets enrolled in Introduction to Biology (CH275) are exploring the microbial world found within West Point. As part of a newly implemented Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), cadets collect environmental samples from three locations within the cadet area. Students selections range from athletic equipment, electronic devices, or shower and recreational facilities. Cadets made predictions prior to microbial isolation on nutrient plates. Additionally, cadets prepare isolates on antibiotic containing plates to determine whether specific resistance exists within their samples. To further characterize the microbiome, these samples provide source materials for students to identify isolates using advanced analytical techniques. “CURE Biology: Analyzing Microbes Using a Collaborative STEM Approach,” authored by LTC Melissa Eslinger, MAJ Elizabeth Kent, and Dr. Elizabeth Mentis has been accepted for publication and presentation at the upcoming STEM Educators’ Conference later this year.