The Microbiome Innovation Cluster at FAU

Over the past month our student researchers have participated in 2 poster presentations here at FAU. Their hardwork, dedication, and passion for their projects was rewarded in turn with ??Shan Damas?? receiving 2nd place at the FAU Spring Research Symposium. This past Friday was the FAU Science Festival and on top of presenting research the MIC hosted a table explaining all the different disciplines and topics that Microbiome research can cross paths with. Our director Nwadiuto (Diuto) Esiobu Ph.D. who has a passion for igniting interest in the world of microbes was present to educate young students on the magnificent microscopic world around them! Thank you to the student researchers who participated in the events this year: Joel Edouard , Shania Henry , Shan Damas, and Jon Declan Sullivan Thank you to all those who made the research and events possible: Deena , Michael Botey , Stephanie Toleno , Nwadiuto (Diuto) Esiobu Ph.D. And once more congratulations to ??Shan Damas?? for recieving 2nd place at the FAU Spring Symposium this year!

This Wednesday, the Microbiome Innovation Center had the pleasure of hosting a special career event with representatives from the USDA (Matt Rouse, Thomas Badilla), U.S. Sugar (Chris LaBorde), and the FAU Career Center (Kelly Nielsen M.Ed, CCSP, Jennifer Fabricius, M. Ed., CCSP). The exciting launch of the FAU chapter of MANNRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) was celebrated as students had the opportunity to learn more about the exciting and multidisciplinary future that awaits the Agricultural Sciences. This event exceeded our highest expectations with a turnout of 125+ students and faculty, all inspired and rejuvenated by our expert panel. Behind the scenes, a meeting of the minds took place as academia, industry, and the government sectors came together to review the challenges being overcome and the solutions being made in Florida agriculture. The future is bright, and there's a role to play for every Owl interested in soaring to new heights in an ever-evolving and dynamic area of research and industry. This event couldn't have been made possible without the dedication and passion of Nwadiuto (Diuto) Esiobu Ph.D., Joel Edouard, Shant Faradyan, Jon Declan Sullivan, and many others.

Students at the FAU Microbiome Innovation Center are trained in cutting-edge biotechniques for research and the marketplace. Pictured below in the Esiobu lab, MIC students learn the qPCR technique for analyzing microbial communities and rapid enumeration and identification of target organisms. Students Pictured: Shania Henry, Deena D. Images were taken by: Jon Declan Sullivan