Biology undergraduates present research at national microbiology conference in DC

Two Marshall University Biological Sciences undergraduate students recently represented the College of Science on a national stage, presenting their research at the American Society for Microbiology’s Microbe Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Jenna Reeves and Josie Barker, both students in the Department of Biological Sciences, completed their project in Dr. Im’s research lab. Their study, titled “Characterization of metabolic behaviors and antibiotic resistance among clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from the Appalachian region,” explores important questions related to infectious disease and public health.

The students’ work focuses on how bacterial isolates behave metabolically and respond to antibiotics. Their findings contribute to a growing understanding of regional health challenges and the factors that influence treatment outcomes. Having their poster accepted for presentation at a major professional conference marks an early milestone in their academic careers.