ASM 2013 - PT Research Group

The Pathogens and Toxins Research Group consists of six undergraduate students majoring in Life Science. We all work together in a microbiology lab on campus (and by "work" we mean we pay the university thousands of dollars in tuition so professors will let us set foot in the lab and use it), where we've been conducting research on a new type of green roof medium. We've been testing a mock-up green roof in the lab as well as an actual green roof in Harrisburg, PA (they've been kind enough to let us use part of their roof to test our new medium). In May, we will be traveling to Denver, CO to attend the 113th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), where we will be presenting our green roof research and an instructional lab procedure.

This is all really exciting!!! ...and really expensive. For the week's stay at the conference hotel, airfare, conference registration fees, and maybe a meal here and there, we're looking at a hefty bill of nearly $1500 per person! Add that to the cost of tuition and school books (for a college student with limited to no income) - it's not a pretty sight.

With your help, all six of us will be able to afford this incredible opportunity of presenting at a professional scientific meeting. Donations will be divided evenly amongst members of the group, and any unused travel funding will be put towards future research. Please help us afford our goal of attending ASM 2013 (Hey, if we ever make it big, maybe we can name a microbe after you!).

"...Wait. Green roofs? I thought you said you ladies did microbiology." Yes, that's right. Google the nitrogen cycle and you'll see that bacteria (all kinds of different little microbes) are vital to soil health and plant growth. We've developed a new medium for plant growth and have been keeping a close watch on those little itty bitty microbes. We need to make sure we have enough to support plant growth, but not so much that we end up polluting the surrounding environment. We also run chemical tests to be sure that our soil isn't letting any nasty chemicals leak out into the environment. Who ever knew soil could be so complicated?!

Pay it forward and please help us out! :)