Achievement

IGERT student Ryan Jennings mentored an undergraduate research intern (Laura Whitmore) on work involving the fixation of inorganic carbon dioxide by thermophilic iron-oxidizing organisms important in acidic geothermal springs from Yellowstone National Park. Ryan and Laura worked remarkably well together and have produced several presentations focused on results from stable isotope probing using isotopically-enriched (13C) carbon dioxide in collaboration with scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Their work revealed the autotrophic capabilities of an important community member in acidic iron-oxide microbial mats, and is consistent with the isotopic composition of native mats. Ryan’s mentoring on experimental design and presentation of results have contributed to Laura’s professional growth. Laura was selected to be a Howard Hughes Undergraduate Fellow, and also received honorable mention in a recent American Society of Microbiology fellowship competition.