Stem-202 Group Project 1

Participants: Rodrigo Marin, Goodness Osuagwu, Mischa True
Course: STEM Scholars’ Research Lab II, STEM-202-HN01
Mentors: Jane Jones, Shelly Patterno, Brigid Sherman, Madi Sigler
Assignment Title: Microorganisms at Carroll Community College and study of the effectiveness of certain antibiotics to microorganisms

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of chemicals and medicinal products containing antibiotics. Major causes of antibiotic resistance include the overuse and misuse of antibiotic drugs like penicillin and amoxicillin; along with the fact that bacteria change genetically over time and naturally build resistance. As bacteria develop resistance to certain chemicals and antibiotics, it becomes a challenge for health care professionals to treat illnesses in patients. In this research, twenty samples of surfaces in the cafeteria and library of the Carroll campus were swabbed; from the colonies present in the petri dish, five samples of bacteria were isolated and identified; and lastly, the results were analyzed to obtain information about the microorganisms that are present in areas where students frequent. These samples were further analyzed to study if these microorganisms exhibit antibiotic resistance by using antibiotic discs to measure the zone of inhibition around the disc and determine the susceptibility of the microbe to the antibiotic.