Keiser University West Palm Beach campus nursing candidates regularly uncover valuable scientific data relating to the risks and benefits of microorganisms thanks to their microbiology class project.

Under the leadership of professor Zarraz Quick, Ph.D., the students are guided to adopt microbes in order to learn more about the risks and benefits of some of the organisms they will encounter when they enter the healthcare profession. Throughout the term, they research information on their microbe based on the course objectives for the week. They then share the information on a class blog hosted on the Blackboard platform to generate questions from peers and respond by applying the fundamental information they learn from class research.  At the end of Week 4, they then present the information on their microbe in a 5-7 minute creative presentation.

Some of the most recent demonstrations included:

• Janis Rosen developed a story called “Nothing Rhymes with Amoeba” to inform the class of the dangers of breathing in water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri, which can cause fatal brain inflammation.
• Natasha Sarti and Daniel Laks used concept maps to explain how humans can be infected with parasitic worms such as pinworms and whipworms, and how to manage infections. They also pointed out that while generally harmful, whipworms can be beneficial to patients with Crohn’s disease.
• Nicole Grettano created a 3D print and clay model of how the rubeola virus (or measles) infects the human host. Through her presentation, she reminded peers to get vaccinated.
• Lindsey Knecht presented a hand-sewn model of Clostridium difficile and its endospore, the bacteria to be blamed for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. She ended her presentation with a reminder of proper antibiotic usage.
• While displaying a poster of a pond ecosystem, student Evangela Bembry Harper explained the importance of mycorrhizal fungi which helps plants to stay healthy and in certain cases, allows plant growth without the use of any fertilizer.
• Angeline Gordon presented a video on how to make homemade yogurt in order to benefit from beneficial Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria which helps reduce inflammation.
• Several other students highlighted the importance of vaccines as a preventative measure in their presentations.

“It was a remarkable experience to see how students assimilate what they have learned. They then relay it to their peers in their own creative and unique ways,” said Quick.