REU: Harnessing beneficial bacteria to control plant diseases
Bacterial friends and foes
Description
This project investigates the beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas protegens PBL3 that produces and secretes antimicrobial molecules against plant pathogenic bacteria. The specific molecules or how they act are currently unknown. Students in this REU will combine microbiology, genetic, bioanalytical and cell biology approaches to identify genes and pathways responsible for antimicrobial production and how these antimicrobial molecules interfere with the activities of pathogens.
See the list below for associated mentors and projects.
Benefits
- Competitive stipend: $7,000
- Suite-style room and meal plan
- Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
- Campus parking and/or bus pass
- Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
- Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.
Events
- Department seminars and presentations
- Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
- Welcome social
- Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Outdoor adventures
- Research symposium
Questions about this program?
Please direct any questions related to this program to:
Clemencia Rojas: 314-600-7329 • crojas2@unl.edu
Associate Professor > Department of Plant Pathology
Who Should Apply
Related Fields of Study
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
See Eligibility for more information.
How to apply
Follow the application steps to submit the following materials.
Mentors and Projects
Mentors and Projects
| MENTORS | PROJECTS |
|---|---|
Dr. Clemencia RojasPLANT PATHOLOGY AND CENTER FOR PLANT SCIENCE INNOVATION | Dissecting the antagonistic interaction between Pseudomonas protegens PBL3 and Burkholderia glumae towards development of biopesticides to control Bacterial Panicle Blight of rice The beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas protegens PBL3 has antimicrobial activity against the rice pathogen Burkholderia glumae. This project seeks to characterize the molecules responsible for this activity and their mode of action. |
Funding
Funding
Funding for this research program was generously provided by a grant from the:
- NSF - National Science Foundation
FUNDING SOURCE:
