Students from the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering recently attended the spring meeting of the American Society for Microbiology Texas Branch. Students presented posters on their research, which included distribution of antibiotic resistance and virulence traits in E. coli isolates from Canada Geese, the effect of serotonin on the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, and C. albicans cell wall protein glycosylation effects on surface hydrophobicity.

The STEM students enjoyed the chance to participate in person at conferences after missing some opportunities during COVID-19. The students participating were: Ryan Azzouz, Austin Groth, Dylan Graupmann, Joshua de Waal, Elizabeth Bocanegra-Nunez, Francine Pascal, Zaniya Medlin, and Nasiha Khan.

“Students gained experience communicating the results of their research and broadened their exposure to the types of research done around the state,” said James Masuoka, Associate Professor of Biology for the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering. “They also had an opportunity to build their exposure to the types of research done around the state. They also had an opportunity to build their professional network by connecting with microbiology students and faculty at other institutions.”