LAIDLAW Research Proposal
Integrating ecological and biomedical methods while developing leadership and communication skills through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Objectives:
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Compare microbial diversity between rewilded and degraded ecosystems through soil sampling and culturing.
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Screen microbial isolates for antimicrobial activity to determine whether rewilded soils yield higher rates of bioactive compounds.
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Analyze relationships between habitat complexity and bioactivity, linking ecological features to microbial potential.
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Translate findings into impact by producing a short policy brief and infographic that connect ecosystem restoration to public health and medical innovation.
Leadership & Collaboration Objectives
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Develop interdisciplinary leadership skills by coordinating a small team of peers from Environmental Studies, Biology, and Community Health.
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Gain foundational lab and field research experience under close faculty mentorship, modeling collaborative learning rather than solo expertise.
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Translation & Impact Objectives
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Create an accessible policy brief and infographic communicating how ecological restoration can also support public health and medical innovation.
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Engage community partners and students through presentations or short discussions on the connections between rewilding, health, and discovery.