Catherine Armbruster, Ph.D.

Defining the role of bacterial population heterogeneity in ecological transitions

Abstract

This research utilizes Dr. Armbruster’s preliminary data and investigates the potential advantage of biofilm genetic diversity to survive transitions from one environment to another – such as moving from a water pipe into a human host. Recent work has shown that biofilms harbor elevated levels of genetic diversity, even among biofilms populated by just a single species of bacteria. This proposal aims to better understand the evolutionary consequences of this diversity. The Scientific Advisory Board found that this research addresses an important gap in the field of microbiology by focusing within the context of a biofilm, the natural state for many bacteria.

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