ASM Puts Rider Student and Grad Under the Microscope
Sometimes, even microscopic things can produce gigantic returns. That was the case for one Rider student, as well as a 2008 graduate, when they were recently recognized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the oldest and largest scientific society of individuals interested in the microbiological sciences.
Michael Ciaramella of Stroudsburg, Pa., a junior Biology and Marine Science double major, is a recipient of a 2008 ASM Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Jennifer Smith of East Hampton, N.J., a December 2008 Biology graduate, was awarded a travel grant to attend and present her research at the ASM general meeting in Boston in June.
Both Ciaramella and Smith have worked on various research projects in Dr. Kelly Bidle’s laboratory since their freshman year. Bidle’s research focuses on understanding the adaptive strategies employed by archaea and bacteria, microbes from extreme environments such as the deep sea or hypersaline lakes. She is especially interested in studying the effect of salt on microbes. Bidle nominated Ciaramella and Smith for the ASM awards as a result of their current research, which stems from her own studies.
“Both Jen and Mike are exceptional students,” said Bidle, an associate professor of Biology. “These are students that are very well-rounded. Not only are they involved in academics and the research lab, but they are involved in the community as well.”
For the past two semesters, Ciaramella has conducted research focused on populations of drug-resistant microbes in the natural environment and testing the upper salt tolerance of marine microbes. Recently, Ciaramella was able to culture archaea from a salt marsh pond – a feat that has never been recorded, he said. This summer, Ciaramella hopes to dive deeper into his research by testing the salt tolerance and conducting growth curves of microbes.
Ciaramella has received $5,000 through the fellowship to continue his research this summer and next year. The prestigious award is given to the nation’s best and brightest rising young scientists who focus their research in the area of microbiology. His summer housing will also be paid for by Rider’s Marvin Talmadge Fellowship Fund. He also looks forward to presenting his research at the ASM meeting in June, along with Smith, Bidle and Jennifer Nannen, a lab technician with Bidle.
Ciaramella, who spends five to eight or more hours a week in the lab, said he has gained a lot of experience from working with Bidle. The experience has allowed him to solidify future plans for graduate school and realize he wants to work in research.
“I like doing research because I get to be on the forefront of discovery,” explained Ciaramella, who is also a Rider Community Scholars/Bonner Leader and Honor Key Society member.
Smith will present her research, which studies the daily rhythms on microbes, at the ASM general meeting. The travel grant is a competitive award, as only 10 percent of applicants are awarded this grant. She competed against undergraduates and graduates for this award.
In the fall, Smith will pursue a Masters of Public Health degree at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She was also accepted into programs at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey and Drexel University.
“I don’t want to work at the lab bench my whole life,” explained Smith of her decision to study Public Health. Instead, Smith wants to pursue an administrative role, so she can work with people in departments related to finding a cure for cancer. She also wants to help inform the public on how to find, treat and cope with diseases.
Unlike working in a research lab, Smith said, a career in Public Health will allow her to see a project from start to finish.
“I get a greater sense of accomplishment when I see a project from start to finish,” she explained.
While Smith does not intend to pursue a career in research, her lab experience at Rider has taught her a lot. She has been able to apply what she learned to hands-on education, which has given her a greater understanding of finding out answers to questions.
“You have a learn patience. Research is constantly solving a puzzle,” Smith said.
Smith said she has the ability to read through scientific journals and understand what kind of research is being conducted, and would be able to explain how that relates to everyday occurrences.
“You’re learning something new everyday and you’re still tapping into something you worked hard at,” Smith said.
