Precision Microbiome Engineering Research

Fall 2024 DCI Book Club
2024-10-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The PreMiEr Diversity and Inclusion leadership presents the Fall 2024 Book Club selection: We’re All Neurodiverse by Sonny Jane Wise.
Meeting biweekly during the semester, each meeting will discuss 1-2 chapters of the book.

September 10: Chapters 1 & 2
September 24: Chapters 3 & 4
October 8: Chapter 5
October 22: Chapter 6
November 5: Chapter 7
November 19: Chapter 8
December 3: Chapter 9
Additional dates TBD

Those who registered should have a Zoom link on their calendars.
Sign Up Link: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eD60jWqOsEQRczA

Fall Workshop Series - Overview of microbiome informatics
2024-10-07 14:30 - 17:00
For PreMiEr members and affiliates – check your emails and newsletter for instructions to register.

Virtual (Zoom) | 2:30 – 5 pm.
Taught by Dr. Anthony Fodor of UNC Charlotte, this workshop is intended to give an overview of topics related to analyzing bioinformatic data sets related to microbiomes of the built environment.
Registration closes: September 30th

Hoke County Schools Indian Education STEM Day
2024-10-05
PreMiEr Community Outreach Event

PreMiEr SLC Journal Club
2024-10-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-05 12:00 - 13:00
The PreMiEr Scholar’s Leadership Council invites all scholars in the ERC (undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and research staff) to join in a spirited discussion and analysis of a published manuscript of relevance to the center’s vision and mission. Please check your emails or contact Megan Lott (melott@unc.edu) with any questions or for the Zoom link.

CANCELED - PreMiEr Fall 2024 Seminar Series
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
THE SEMINAR FOR SEPTEMBER 26TH HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Duke University Graduate Boot Camp (in person)
2024-09-18 - 2024-09-20
Presented by PreMiEr, ATHENA, and the Pratt School of Engineering:
For students interested in pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Engineering and/or Computer Science.
In-person Session
September 18-20, 2024
Insights: Get information to help you decide if graduate school is right for you
Funding: Learn about graduate admissions, funding opportunities, and how to develop a strong application
Connections: Meet faculty and graduate students in your areas of research interest.
Save the date!

PreMiEr Fall 2024 Seminar Series | Dr. Rob Dunn
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:00
The NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) invites you to the next installment of the PreMiEr Fall 2024 Seminar Series on September 12th from Noon to 1pm on Zoom:
Dr. Rob Dunn

Senior Vice Provost for University Interdisciplinary Programs
William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Applied Ecology
North Carolina State University
The future of human mutualisms, including those in our homes

For ecologists and evolutionary biologists, mutualisms are mutually beneficial relationships between or among species. For most of prehistory and parts of history, these mutualisms have been measured, tacitly, in terms of the fitness benefits to each partner. That is, does each partner have more children that survive to reproduce than in what when going it alone. Obviously, in our modern contexts, this is no longer the metric we seek to use. But what then? How do we judge our relationships? Dunn asks this question while also highlighting the extent to which non-human species have often been as much in control of human mutualisms as have humans. This is true for human-honeyguide as well as human-dolphin and human-whale mutualisms. It is arguably the case for history human-yeast-grain mutualisms. Dunn concludes the talk by turning back to daily, indoor lives in which mutualisms still abound but, intriguingly, are controlled as much by tacit aspects of traditional knowledge (this is how one makes sourdough bread) and subconscious decisions as they are by conscious decisions. What does and should this mean with regard to how we engineer new mutualisms in our homes? Dunn does not answer this question. In fact, he answers none of the questions he poses but instead opens them up for discussion, after the talk, but, also, over the next decade or so.
This series is open to the public, but non-PreMiEr members must register to receive the Zoom link. You need register only once for the entire series.
Register at https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Pzn6Zv6XjNwKlE

Fall Workshop Series - Overview of microbiome lab techniques
2024-09-09 13:00 - 16:00
For PreMiEr members and affiliates – check your emails and newsletter for instructions to register.

Virtual (Zoom) | 1 – 4 pm.
Taught by Dr. Cynthia Gibas and Dr. Jessica Schlueter of UNC Charlotte, this workshop is intended to give an overview of lab techniques relevant to sampling and analyzing microbiomes of the built environment.
Registration closes: September 2nd

Waccamaw Siouan STEM Day
2024-09-07
Lake Waccamaw, NC
5 PreMiEr participants needed to help kids with hands-on STEM activities.
Contact Holly Leddy if interested in volunteering.

PreMiEr Fall 2024 Seminar Series | Dr. Karis Boyd-Sinkler
2024-08-29 12:00 - 13:00
The NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) invites you to the next installment of the PreMiEr Fall 2024 Seminar Series on August 29th from Noon to 1pm on Zoom:
Dr. Karis Boyd-Sinkler
Co-Director of Diversity and Inclusion for
the NSF Engineering Research Center for
Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr)
Duke University
Unlocking Mental Resilience: Balancing Stress and Academic Pressure
This presentation aims to explore strategies to help build mental resilience while navigating the varying challenges of higher education. We will delve into the science of stress, its effects on mental well-being, and the balance between healthy motivation and overwhelming pressure. Attendees will learn practical tools for stress management, including mindfulness techniques, time management strategies, and self-compassion practices, all aimed at fostering a balanced and sustainable approach to academic success. The session encourages a proactive and inclusive discussion on how to create academic environments that promote resilience, reduce burnout, and help individuals thrive amidst pressure.
This series is open to the public, but non-PreMiEr members must register to receive the Zoom link. You need register only once for the entire series.
Register at https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0Pzn6Zv6XjNwKlE

Fall Workshop Series - Biology & Microbiomes
2024-08-26 13:00 - 16:00
For PreMiEr members and affiliates – check your emails and newsletter for instructions to register.
Taught by Dr. Misty Thomas of N.C. A&T, this workshop is intended to give a broad overview of biological topics related to microbiome research. The intended audience is PreMiEr members with expertise outside of biology or microbiology, or those looking for a refresher on those topics.
Virtual (Zoom) | 1 – 4 pm.
Registration closes: August 21

Summer REU and RET Final Presentations
2024-07-19 09:00 - 12:00
Members of PreMiEr are cordially invited to attend the virtual final presentations of our summer 2024 Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) participants!
9:00 am | RET participants – Lesson plan presentations
10:15 am | REU participants – Research presentations
11:15 am | Breakout room conversations with participants
A Zoom invitation will be sent to your email.

Duke University Graduate Boot Camp (Virtual)
2024-06-26 16:00 - 17:30
Presented by PreMiEr, ATHENA, and the Pratt School of Engineering:
For students interested in pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Engineering and/or Computer Science.
Virtual Session
4pm – 5:30 EST
Insights: Get information to help you decide if graduate school is right for you
Funding: Learn about graduate admissions, funding opportunities, and how to develop a strong application
Connections: Meet faculty and graduate students in your areas of research interest.
Apply by June 21st: duke.is/GradCamp6-2024

PreMiEr REU Journal Club
2024-06-13 12:00 - 13:00
Led by the PreMiEr postdoctoral scholar Dr. Megan Lott, this series targeted to members of the PreMiEr REU program and any interested ERC scholars or faculty explores published manuscripts of interest to the mission and goals of PreMiEr.
Non-REU participants interested in joining should contact Dr. Megan Lott, melott@unc.edu, for details.

PreMiEr REU: Innovation Lunch and Learn
2024-06-11 12:00 - 13:00
Led by the PreMiEr Director of the Innovation Ecosystem, Dr. Ibrahim Mohedas, this series targeted to members of the PreMiEr REU program and any interested ERC scholars or faculty explores aspects of technology development and translation in a relaxed environment.
Non-REU participants interested in joining should contact Dr. Megan Lott, melott@unc.edu, for details.

PreMiEr REU Boot Camp: Day 3
2024-06-07 09:30 - 17:00
PreMiEr Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Boot Camp Day 2. Non-REU participants from within PreMiEr are welcome to attend. Anyone from the ERC interested in attending one or more of the sessions either online or in person should contact Dr. Megan Lott, Lott, melott@unc.edu for details.
9:30 AM DCI in Science and Engineering (Dr. Karis Boyd-Sinkler via Zoom)
10:00 AM Introduction to Data Analytics (Dr. Anthony Fodor via Zoom)
11:00 AM Scientific Reading and Writing (Dr. Megan Lott)
1:30 PM REU Evaluation (Dr. Glenda Kelly)

PreMiEr REU Boot Camp: Day 2
2024-06-06 09:30 - 17:00
PreMiEr Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Boot Camp Day 2. Non-REU participants from within PreMiEr are welcome to attend. Anyone from the ERC interested in attending one or more of the sessions either online or in person should contact Dr. Megan Lott, Lott, melott@unc.edu for details.
9:30 AM Biology and Microbiomes (Dr. David Singleton)
10:30 AM Ethics and Comprehension in PreMiEr Research Areas (Dr. Joseph Graves via Zoom)
11:15 AM Hands-on Scanning Electron Microscope Demo (Dr. Holly Leddy)

PreMiEr REU Boot Camp: Day 1
2024-06-05 09:30 - 17:00
PreMiEr Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Boot Camp Day 1. Non-REU participants from within PreMiEr are welcome to attend. Anyone from the ERC interested in attending one or more of the sessions either online or in person should contact Dr. Megan Lott, Lott, melott@unc.edu for details.
9:30 AM Welcome (Dr. Kristen Rhinehardt)
10:00 AM Introduction to PreMiEr (Dr. Jill Stewart)
11:00 AM Meet the Mentors (On Zoom, with Breakout Rooms)
2:00 PM Introduction to Microbiology (Dr. Mizpha Fernander)

PreMiEr REU: NSF GFRP Workshop Session 1
2024-06-04 12:00 - 13:00
For PreMiEr Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and interested scholars, a panel discussion on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) hosted by current PreMiEr graduate students.
Non-REU participants should reach out to Dr. Megan Lott, melott@unc.edu, if they are interested in attending.

PreMiEr NSF Site Visit and Evaluation
2024-05-30 08:00 - 17:30
PreMiEr faculty and scholars are required to attend the Year 1 NSF Site Visit and Evaluation.

PreMiEr Annual Meeting
2024-05-29 10:00 - 17:00
PreMiEr Members are invited to the second Annual Meeting of the PreMiEr ERC at Duke University.

PreMiEr Spring 2024 Seminar Series - Dr. Shalani Prasad
2024-04-04 12:00 - 13:00
Please join the NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) and host Duke University for a talk by Dr. Shalani Prasad of the University of Texas – Dallas.
Title:Non-invasive tracking host inflammatory response due to infection and chronic disease
Abstract: Inflammation is a biological response of the immune system that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including pathogens, damaged cells and toxic compounds. These factors may induce acute and/or chronic inflammatory responses in multiple organs, potentially leading to tissue damage or disease. Both infectious and non-infectious agents and cell damage activate inflammatory cells and trigger inflammatory signaling pathways. Hence, there is a widespread interest in designing technologies that will enable tracking of the human body’s inflammatory response due to non-infectious and infectious triggers.
In this work we demonstrate the viability of passive perspiration, a functional biofluid toward tracking the human body’s inflammatory response. Cytokines are biomarkers that orchestrate the manifestation and progression of an infection/inflammatory event. Hence, noninvasive, real-time monitoring of cytokines can be pivotal in assessing the progression of infection/inflammatory event, which may be feasible through monitoring of host immune markers in eccrine sweat. This work is the first experimental proof demonstrating the ability to detect inflammation/infection such as fever, FLU directly from passively expressed sweat in human subjects using a wearable “SWEATSENSER” device. The developed SWEATSENSER device demonstrates stable, real-time monitoring of inflammatory cytokines in passive sweat.
We have expanded the tracking of Inflammation to chronic disease with inflammatory bowel disease being the disease model. This work demonstrates the first proof-of-feasibility of multiplexed cytokine and inflammatory marker detection in passively expressed eccrine sweat in a wearable form-factor that can be utilized toward better management of inflammatory bowel disease.
Open to the public, but registration is required for non-PreMiEr members.
Non-PreMiEr members can register for the seminar series through this link.

PreMiEr Spring 2024 Seminar Series - Currently Cancelled
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:00

PreMiEr Spring 2024 Seminar Series - Dr. Yun Shen
2024-02-29 12:00 - 13:00
Please join the NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) and host institution Duke University for a talk from Dr. Yun Shen of George Washington University.
Environmental behaviors of pathogens in complex environments and challenges to engineering interventions
Understanding the transmission of bacterial and viral pathogens in engineered water systems is of great importance to protect public health. In our study, we investigated the fate of several key pathogens in drinking water and wastewater environments. Specifically, we have 1) elucidated the physiological and transcriptional responses of Legionella pneumophila, a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen in drinking water, to different reactive oxygen species (ROS) widely adapted in water treatment. We found that L. pneumophila exhibited resistance to ROS, and different ROS targeted on different cell components of L. pneumophila. 2) We examined the abundance and diversity of viral vesicles from wastewater. Viral vesicles are persistent clusters of viruses cloaked in vesicles released from humans and animals, and they are the dominant forms of some human viruses. We found several human viruses, including norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and Sapporo virus, were associated with viral vesicles in wastewater. 3) We further investigated the persistence of viral vesicles in simulated soil environment that receives treated wastewater. Remarkably, our study demonstrated that viral vesicles exhibit greater persistence compared to free viruses in soil, underscoring the significance of detecting and controlling these vesicles in wastewater and agricultural systems. The outcomes of our study will provide insights on optimization of wastewater treatment strategies and mitigation of health risks caused by environmental pathogens.
Open to the public, but registration required for non-PreMiEr members.
Non-PreMiEr members can register for the seminar series through this link.

PreMiEr Scholars Leadership Council (SLC) Monthly Meeting
2024-02-19 15:00 - 16:00
All PreMiEr-associated scholars (undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and research staff) are invited to attend the monthly meetings of the Scholars Leadership Council (SLC), an organization led by and for the scholars that comprise the ERC. Please check your emails from SLC Chair Jorden Rabasco for the Zoom link.
PreMiEr-supported scholars are expected to be active members of the SLC.

PreMiEr Spring 2024 Seminar Series - Dr. Karthik Anantharaman
2024-02-15 12:00 - 13:00
Please join the NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) and host institution The University of North Carolina at Charlotte for a talk from Dr. Karthik Anantharaman of the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
(Re)defining the roles of phage in microbiomes
Viruses that infect microbes (typically referred to as bacteriophages, or phages) are amongst the most abundant biological entities in all ecosystems. By infecting and lysing microbial populations, phages can affect community composition and function which can directly impact ecosystems, biogeochemistry, and human health and disease. Increasing use of sequencing approaches such as metagenomics has allowed the generation of massive quantities of ‘viral dark matter’ from microbiomes, which refers to viruses, viral genomes, and proteins which are poorly characterized. In this talk, I will present novel techniques developed in our laboratory including the use of machine and deep learning approaches to study phage ecology in microbiomes. Our approaches allow for the study of phage at multiple resolutions and enable prediction of phage-microbe metabolic interactions at the scale of entire communities in human and environmental systems. Overall, these approaches have diverse applications ranging from engineering viruses, microbiomes, and ecosystems, to phage therapy.
Open to the public, but registration required for non-PreMiEr members.
Non-PreMiEr members can register for the seminar series through this link.
