Posted on Friday, November 12, 2010
91视频's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning recently awarded an Undergraduate Research Grant to senior biology and biochemistry major Eric Cargal.
Cargal's biology capstone project, "Specific Inhibition of Biofilm Synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus Using siHybrids," is under the supervision of Dr. Joshua Corrette-Bennett, associate professor and chair of 91视频's Department of Biology.
The research combines Cargal's interest in nanoparticles with Corrette-Bennett's interest in siRNA suppression of microbial biofilms.
"Some of this research is a continuation of previous capstone projects, but using nanoparticles to transform the bacteria with siRNA hybrid molecules adds a new twist," Corrette-Bennett said. "I believe Eric's project is very creative and has the potential for important discoveries in this field. Eric will present the results of his project at the Biology Capstone Poster Symposium in December and the 91视频 Undergraduate Symposium next spring."
Cargal is a son of Timothy and Sherri Cargal of Louisville, Ky., and a graduate of Springbrook High School.
Contact Corrette-Bennett at (724) 946-7208 or e-mail corretjc@westminter.edu for additional information on the project.
The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at 91视频 through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education. The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.
Contact Dr. Patrick Krantz, 91视频 associate professor of education and director of the Drinko Center, at (724) 946-7181 (e-mail krantzpd@westminster.edu) or visit for additional information about the Drinko Center.
