Summary Research Opportunity in Molecular Biology:
Dr. Claudia Olivier

What do we study?

The laboratory of Dr. Olivier concentrates on the molecular biology and genetics of microbial pathogens. Currently, the Olivier lab studies the cause of a plant disease, pink-eye of potato tubers, a potato disease of great economic importance in the US and Canada. It is entirely unknown what microbe(s) cause(s) this disease. IN additions, we are determining the most efficient disinfectant to be used against the spread of pathogenic bacteria spread via potato cutting equipment. Selection of the correct disinfectant will help farmers avoid great losses when planting potatoes, a million dollar business. These projects are performed as part of a collaboration with Dr. Amy Charkowski at the Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

What will student researchers do?

Two students are presently studying this disease using traditional microbial culturing techniques as well as PCR-based molecular approaches. This work involves the culturing and isolation of bacteria on selective media followed by DNA extractions from the pure bacterial cultures. Microbes will be identified by PCR amplifying ribosomal genes, which are then subjected to the innovative technique of T-RFLP, and sequenced after DNA purification. Alternatively, PCR products are cloned and sequenced. DNA sequences will be entered into the computer database and microorganisms identified through sequence comparison. Fungi and archaebacteria potentially colonizing pink-eye infected tubers are being identified similarly. In a second project, we are testing the efficacy of disinfectants on potato cutting equipment. Students will design experiments to compare the effectiveness of 6-8 treatments in killing selected pathogenic bacteria. As part of the TERP you would be participating in either one or both projects during this summer.

What kind of skills and knowledge will I take from this experience?

Students working in Dr. Olivier’s lab have the opportunity to study very different pathogens and become familiar with an array of modern molecular techniques, including DNA extractions, restriction digests, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, sequencing techniques and more. In addition, this work requires extensive use of computer-based databases do analyze DNA sequences and perform database searches (GenBank) to identify the origin of the DNA sequences. Students design (with help) their own experiments and learn how to work independently, as well as work as part of a research team.

The disinfectant project will allow students to work almost completely independently and acquire valuable knowledge on statistical tools needed for data analysis. Data acquired during the summer will directly benefit farmers in Wisconsin and throughout the US and be published in renowned scientific journals. Some of the experiments conducted in our lab lend themselves to be repeated in revised form in a classroom setting in high schools and could serve as examples for teaching biology using an experimental approach.