The National Sciences Foundation has funded the Penn State University to undertake an education and research program fostering the development of young interdisciplinary scientists interested in investigating questions related to microbiology and earth materials. Superbly endowed with analytical and biological facilities, Penn State will host undergraduate students interested in working in one of thirteen laboratories on campus dedicated to biogeochemical science or engineering research. We have identified significant biogeochemical questions that could be uniquely addressed using our expertise to guide students in pioneering work. Below we identify both the larger issues and the specific research questions posed by five research teams. Students can choose either a research team, or a specific research advisor from the lists below.
Students can expect to receive a stipend for the summer.
Travel expenses and insurance are the responsibility of the student. All students are required to have insurance. Organisms, although present wherever water is available, tend to stick to earth materials and create uniquely reactive cell-mineral interfaces. The high surface area and chemical demands of bacteria drive accelerated rates of reactions with a broad array of earth materials. Yet, our understanding of the fates of biological molecules is sharply limited by the complexities of natural environments.