Survival of the fittest; Acinetobacter persistence strategies

Project description

Our group focuses on working with pathogenic bacteria, analysing the means they use to defend themselves from, and evade strategies employed by, the host for their elimination. Acinetobacter baumannii is one such bacteria that is becoming more prevalent both in the hospital environment and community setting. This project will look at how A. baumannii has developed into such a successful pathogen. In particular, we will investigate the strategies it uses to persist in the environment, such as the presence of capsule that provides a protective coating around the bacterium and if we can isolate bacteriophage to inhibit their growth.

• Honours Scholarship of $1500 is available upon discussion.

Assumed knowledge

Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology will be required. Hands-on lab-based training will be provided but experience and skills in aseptic techniques will be assumed.

Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.