Combating Against Antibiotic Resistance: The Solution Beneath Our Feet
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing epidemic that occurs when bacteria develop the ability
to defeat the antibiotics designed to kill them. This occurrence is an ongoing problem in the
healthcare field, and if we do not find a solution to antibiotic resistance, the lives of many
around the world will be at risk. Without the ability to treat bacterial infections, antibiotic
resistance makes it extremely difficult for healthcare providers to find alternative means of
treatment. However, through the programs of the Small World Initiative and Tiny Earth
Program, we have the rare opportunity to search for new antibiotics from a collected soil
sample. These programs are encouraging students to take the initiative in combating against
antimicrobial resistance. We, as student researchers, collected soil on campus grounds in
search for antibiotic-producing material. We completed various tests including dilutions, and
the elimination of samples through the pick and patch plating method. With the remaining
samples, we performed tests to characterize them. The further research was performed
through a series of biochemical, selective, and differential media tests. The results of these
various tests are included within the poster.
Poster
MIcro Lab Poster Kathryn McCarthy
Presentation
Kathryn’s Presentation of Her Poster on Zoom
Mini Bio
My Name is Kathryn McCarthy, and I am a student enrolled in the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing. I am a 2018 Graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and recent transfer student. In addition to majoring in Nursing, I am involved in several clubs and activities on campus. I am a student athlete and play on golf team at Penn State Schuylkill, being the first female to do so. Upon graduating from the school of nursing, I intend to return to Penn State Schuylkill to receive my BSN degree.
