Inhibition of P. destructans
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE)
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a fungus invading caves and drastically killing off bat populations across America. It causes a disease known as White Nose Syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. Agriculture costs have spiked due to the increase in insects caused by the dwindling bat populations. Our paper investigates ways to inhibit the growth of P. destructans by using naturally occurring antifungal agents. We explored the possibilities of using azoles and allylamines, chitin-degrading organisms, and bacteria with specific properties that hinder the growth of P. destructans. Our most promising finding was the bacteria Rhodococcus rhodochrous, which kills P. destructans with simple aromatic exposure. We propose to look into the compounds used in this aromatic exposure to determine if the bacteria’s characteristic could be applied to caves affected by White Nose Syndrome.
Biography
Sonya Roberts is a Mechanical Engineering student with a Biological Sciences minor. She plans on attending graduate school after S&T and hopes to someday work in the field of biomedical engineering. She spends most evenings riding and training her two horses she owns here in Rolla. She competes in eventing, a discipline of English riding. Sonya is a member of the design team iGEM. She also enjoys playing the piano. She is a Miner Challenge participant and will be attending the volunteer trip to Colorado over spring break.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Inhibition of P. destructans
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a fungus invading caves and drastically killing off bat populations across America. It causes a disease known as White Nose Syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. Agriculture costs have spiked due to the increase in insects caused by the dwindling bat populations. Our paper investigates ways to inhibit the growth of P. destructans by using naturally occurring antifungal agents. We explored the possibilities of using azoles and allylamines, chitin-degrading organisms, and bacteria with specific properties that hinder the growth of P. destructans. Our most promising finding was the bacteria Rhodococcus rhodochrous, which kills P. destructans with simple aromatic exposure. We propose to look into the compounds used in this aromatic exposure to determine if the bacteria’s characteristic could be applied to caves affected by White Nose Syndrome.
Comments
Joint project with Claire Wilmore