Dynamics of Water and Societal Systems An Interdisciplinary Research Program at the Virginia Tech StREAM Lab

About the ARG Team

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Kevin Libuit

Kevin is a rising senior at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is studying Biology and hopes to continue his education in Medical School.

Justification

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Breanna Green

Breanna is a rising sophomore at Texas A&M University-Commerce.  She is studying Animal Science in hopes of one day continuing on to study Veterinary Medicine. 
  • Antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) from urban and agricultural sources that enter the natural environment are a significant public health concern
  • The dissemination of ARGs from these sources to water sources is not well understood. 

Objectives of our research

  • Verify the presence of expressed antibiotic resistance in Stroubles’ Creek
  • Characterize the dispersal of ARGs throughout Stroubles’ Creek
  • Analyze the relationship between manure use and ARG concentrations in the natural environment

About the Program

    Virginia Tech's StREAM lab lies in the Stroubles' Creek watershed.  The restoration of Stroubles' Creek and the numerous research projects relating to this restoration is an ongoing process.  These research was conducted throughout the summer as part of Virginia Tech's StREAM lab REU internship, sponsored by NSF.  Headed by Cully Hession and Leigh Anne Krometis,  students work in small groups with their assigned mentors from the department of Biological Systems Engineering to create new ways to restore and maintain the watershed.  For more information about the StREAM lab at Virginia Tech, go to http://www.bse.vt.edu/site/streamlab/.