SWI Research Project

The aim of this Small World Initiative Project is to identify new bacteria in soil, the origin for more than half of our existing antibiotics, with the hope of finding a candidate that fights common antibiotic resistant pathogens. Antibiotic resistance is an ever growing crisis that the pharmaceutical industry isn\u27t in a rush to address due to the low monetary reward. Combating this rising problem means encouraging better antibiotic stewardship, meaning use them less, and searching for new antibiotic options. This leaves an important opportunity open for students and the Small World Initiative to step in. I have isolated a number of soil bacteria and begun testing candidates against safe variety of ESKAPE pathogens which are the leading cause of nosocomial infections throughout the world. I will characterize and identify a candidate bacterium and describe its antibiotic properties. and perform various stain tests, I hope this initiative spreads awareness of the situation at hand and inspires people to seek action through their own research or speak out to others with the resources to make a difference