The Microbiology Department would like to congratulate the MGSA officers for 2021-2022. The newly elected officers will begin their term in July 2021.  We are very excited to have this great group leading us through the next academic year.  Please congratulate your new MGSA!

President: Neely Wood

Treasurer: Regan McCormick

Recruitment Chairs: Amber Matha, Jared Smith

Social Chair: Ashley Rogers

Peer Mentoring Chairs: Rachel Dockman, Suki Putumbaka

Communication & Outreach: Alyssa Baugh

The Microbiology Department is pleased to announce that Ronnie Fulton of the Downs Lab is the recipient of a 2021-2022 NIH T32 Genetics Training Grant! For more information please click here.

The Microbiology Department is excited to announce that Andrew Wiggins, Summers Lab, is a recipient of the 2020-2021 ETA Award! The Center for Teaching and Learning administers the Excellence in Teaching Award (ETA), sponsored by the Graduate School. This highly competitive award recognizes teaching assistants who contribute to teaching at UGA beyond their own assigned classroom responsibilities. The ETA is the top teaching award for graduate students at UGA. Congratulations Andrew!

Abstract:

CRISPR loci are composed of short DNA repeats separated by sequences that match the genomes of phages and plasmids, known as spacers. Spacers are transcribed and processed to generate RNA guides used by CRISPR-associated nucleases to recognize and destroy the complementary nucleic acids of invaders. My postdoctoral work focused on 2 elements of this immune response: (1) Although, CRISPR-cas loci are widely distributed throughout microbial genomes and often display hallmarks of horizontal gene transfer, the drivers of CRISPR dissemination remain unclear. I show that spacers can recombine with phage target sequences to mediate a form of specialized transduction of CRISPR elements. (2) To counteract CRISPR defense, phages can produce small proteins that inhibit these nucleases. I demonstrate that the ΦAP1.1 temperate phage first expresses a canonical anti-CRISPR, to prevent Cas9 function, and then integrates into the direct repeats of the CRISPR locus to neutralize immunity during lysogeny. Building on these findings, I plan to characterize the interaction between CRISPR immunity and horizontal gene transfer, while also expanding this dynamic to determine wide-ranging mechanisms and barriers to horizontal gene transfer and how this impacts the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus organisms.

Abstract:

Since the inception of life on Earth ~3.8 billion years ago, microorganisms have shaped and defined Earth’s biosphere and have created conditions that allowed the existence of all higher trophic life forms, including human societies. The microbial ‘unseen majority’ drives nearly all biogeochemical cycles. However, given their immense diversity, complex interactions and varied responses to environmental changes, we still have a limited understanding on how microorganisms affect climate change (including the production and consumption of climate-active molecules) and how they in turn will be affected. In this talk, I will focus on two research topics in the context of global carbon and sulfur cycles. The first study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of how methanogenic Archaea metabolize methylated sulfur compounds. The second study concentrates on marine bacterial communities that associate with marine phytoplankton cells. These projects demonstrate the power of integrating physiological and ecological approaches to understand microorganism–climate connections, which are essential for achieving an environmentally sustainable future.

The Microbiology Department is happy to announce that we have THREE Summer Research Grant recipients! Congratulations to Alyssa Baugh, Michael Mills, and Amy Siceloff!