The USF Health Microbiome Institute recently announced winners of its 2023 Microbiome
Awards.
The Microbiome Awards help engage transdisciplinary research and collaboration across
the academic community by providing financial assistance to novel projects that help
lay the groundwork for microbiome research. Key findings and preliminary results from
the work can also aid in pursuing full National Institutes of Health or National Science
Foundation grant applications.
The USF Health Microbiome Institute is led by Christian Bréchot, MD, PhD, senior associate
dean for research in global affairs at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine,
associate vice president for international partnerships and innovation, and professor
of internal medicine. Seed funding was provided by the Office of the USF Health Executive
Vice President.
Encompassing a range of disciplines, this year’s awardees include many from USF Health,
as well as University of South Florida faculty researchers, and emphasize transdisciplinary
research integrating the strengths of different college.
Pilot projects:
Wenbin Mao, Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering: “Advancing in Vitro Intestine Models: Smart Polymer-Controlled Peristalsis”
Timo Reig, Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, USF Health Morsani College
of Medicine: “Role of intravenous iron supplementation on intestinal microbiome in chronic kidney
disease”
Sylvia Thomas, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering: “Investigation of the microbiome environment of Phanaeus vindex when reared in environmentally-monitored
conditions versus field conditions”
Collaborative projects:
Diego Santiago Alarcon, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Arts and Sciences:
“Experimental testing of a quantum genetic theory of evolution algae”
Rays Jiang, Global Health Infectious Disease Research Center, College of Public Health:
“Unleashing the power of the gut: a new approach to combat Clostridiodes difficile
infection”
Ignite projects:
Jean Lim, College of Marine Science; “Genome and microbiome sequencing of the ciliate pathogen Philaster apodigitformis
to provide insights into Diadema antillarum (long-spined sea urchin) mass mortality”
Zhiming Ouyang, Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine:
“Roles of the short-chain fatty acids in the spatiotemporal infection dynamics of
Borrella burgdorferi”
Yu Sun, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering: “Development of a dietary intake mobile app designed for older adults”