Students from across Wisconsin and the United States will present their findings from antibiotic resistance research at the Tiny Earth in Titletown symposium Dec. 11.
The event in the Lambeau Field Atrium will showcase the collaborative and innovative efforts of students across the state and is free and open to the public. The keynote speaker is Dr. Ashok Rai, CEO and President of Prevea Health.
Wisconsin students, including UW-Green Bay, NWTC, College of Menominee Nation, St. Norbert College, and Green Bay West High School, join 14,000 other students from 300 other college and universities across 47 states and 30 countries, in some version of the Tiny Earth course. While uncovering new antibiotics is the end-goal, there are valuable discoveries made along the way. The course provides students of all backgrounds with the opportunity for original thinking and scientific exploration.
The event is hosted by a committee of Tiny Earth Instructors at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, College of Menominee Nation, and St. Norbert College.
UW-Green Bay Biology Prof. Brian Merkel, teacher of the course at UW-Green Bay and chair of the event, says the symposium is important on so many levels.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the value of partnerships to mitigate large problems to a wide audience,” Merkel said. “For my part, Tiny Earth represents the realm of what is possible when innovative partnerships emerge for the greater good. The symposium wholly reflects the value of collaboration and service.”
Students get their own soil sample to test. They isolate bacteria and conduct gene sequence analysis.
“The students realize they are part of something that’s bigger than themselves and they’re contributing to an international effort,” says Merkel. “This goes beyond a celebration of research. This is a visionary idea to help our students get excited about STEM careers while building an international network.”
“Many college students don’t get to participate in real life research cases, and this event allows students the experience to address and present on a worldwide issue,” said Angelo Kolokithas, NWTC program director of biology. “This is a great chance for the community to see what is happening within education to address a problem that impacts everyone; antibiotic resistance. The students also get a chance to educate the community on what we can all do to help fight this health crisis.”
Tiny Earth is a global network of educators who teach a course-based undergraduate research experience. Students are inspired not just by the chance to do authentic research, but to be a part of a global effort addressing a looming global health crisis.
Please see the website for program details and register for the in-person event. Please join us as we attempt to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals, while addressing the global health crisis of antibiotic resistance.
