Graduate Assistantships: Nicholls State University, Louisiana

School: Nicholls State University

Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://www.nicholls.edu/biology-graduate/

Salary: $4500 per semester plus tuition wavier

Start Date: 01/11/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description:

     Four Teaching Assistantships will be available for the Spring 2017 semester for the Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology program at Nicholls State University. Teaching Assistantships include tuition wavier and stipend of $4500 a semester. For more information about the program visit http://www.nicholls.edu/biology_graduate/.
     Some potential research projects associated with the positions are listed below:
Dr. Raj Nathaniel: project will examine the impact of bacteriophage therapy in an aquaculture setting on the production of biofilm and on lytic toxins. Quorum sensing coordinates gene expression according to the density of the bacterial population. The expression of genes based on quorum sensing results in biofilm formation and toxin production. Bacteriophage therapy might alter quorum sensing and therefore has potential to be used to improve biofilm safety and as a control mechanism of toxin production during bacterial pathogen outbreaks. Contact Dr. Nathaniel for more information: rajkumar.nathaniel@nicholls.edu
     Dr. Raj Boopathy: (two projects listed below or email ramaraj.boopathy@nicholls.edu)
1). Presence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Fresh and Salt Water Marshes of Louisiana: we propose to sample three sites of bayou Petite Caliou in southeast Louisiana, testing for antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) under various salinity regimes. We also propose to analyze the differences in antibiotic resistance and fecal coliform bacteria levels among different salinities (0.5, 5, and 12 ppt) in the bayous. The results of this project will demonstrate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in local waterways, which will eventually lead to preventative measures by installing properly functioning septic tanks and individual sewage treatment plants by the local citizens living near the bayous.
2. Influence of Antibiotics on the Natural Nitrogen Cycle Process in the Wetlands: major goal of this proposal is to study the impact of various common antibiotics on the nitrogen cycle of Louisiana wetlands. Water samples will be collected from the wetlands that directly receive Mississippi River water and these samples will be exposed to various concentrations of antibiotics. Nitrification and denitrification rates will be monitored along with bacteria responsible for these processes. The results from this study will demonstrate the effect of antibiotics on nitrogen cycle and how this natural process is impacted by human activity. 

Qualifications:

     Admission requirements include: B.S. degree in science curriculum, minimum GPA of 3.0, and combined GRE (verbal + quantitative). Application procedure includes an online application and fee (http://www.nicholls.edu/apply/), and cover letter, CV, official GRE scores and academic transcripts, and departmental application package (http://www.nicholls.edu/biology_graduate/application-information/) including three letters of recommendation (forms included in departmental application).
     Deadline for applying is October 31, 2016. Application materials and questions regarding the program should be sent to: 

Dr. Aaron Pierce, 

P.O. Box 2021, 

Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA 70310, 

985-493-2628, 

aaron.pierce@nicholls.edu. 

   See Graduate Faculty (http://www.nicholls.edu/biology-graduate/faculty/) for more information on faculty research interests.