October 2009

The Pioneer Newsletter is brought to you by the students, faculty, and staff of the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. The newsletter staff and its collaborators strive to bring you the latest news from all aspects of the BME community. To submit articles, opinions, ideas, or events for publication and for more information about the newsletter, please visit:

October, 2009

Volume IV, Issue 2

Research Spotlight: Michael Davis, Ph.D., Potential MI Treatment

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www.bmes.gatech.edu/newsletter

Inside this issue: The Perfect Elevator Speech: Making Your Impression Count

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Behind the Chlorocyte Bioreactor: Winners of the 2009 InVenture Prize

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Biotechnology Career Fair: Events Leading Up To The Fair

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Events & Scholarships Upcoming deadlines, seminars, and meetings.

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Monthly Pre-Health Column: Tips to Becoming A Successful BME Student

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[R.]A.D.V.I.S.I.N.G. A Brief Guide for BME Freshmen

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Michael Davis, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. (Photo: Rob Felt)

he American Heart Association estimates that 935,000 new and recurring myocardial infarctions (MIs) or heart attacks occur each year.

Research by Dr. Michael Davis holds promise of ameliorating damage to the heart following an MI. An assistant professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Davis investigates cardiac drug delivery and stem cell delivery to the heart. His laboratory located at Emory University aims to "understand the biology of… the progressive phases of ...MI to engineer drugs or cells to treat it."

Continued on Page 3

Systems Biology Reveals...

Diversity in Key Environmental Cleanup Microbe

And More !

By Willa Ni

By Abby Vogel

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esearchers have completed the first thorough, system-level assessment of the diversity of an environmentally important family of microbes known as Shewanella. Microbes belonging to that genus frequently participate in bioremediation by confining and cleaning up contaminated areas in the environment.

The team of researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Michigan State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory analyzed the gene sequences, proteins expressed and physiology of 10 strains of Shewanella. They believe the study results will help researchers choose...

Georgia Tech assistant professor Kostas Konstantinidis displays Shewanella microbes that have the ability to “inhale” certain metals and compounds and convert them to an altered state, which is typically less toxic. (Photo: Gary Meek)

Continued on Page 10

The Perfect Elevator Pitch Your Twenty to Forty Seconds to Make an Impression

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By Rosemary Song

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ver walked unsuspectingly into an elevator to find the CEO of your dream company holding the doors open for you? Here are some tips from Ann Blasick and Rob Rogers of the Georgia Tech Division of Professional Practice on how to pitch yourself in those 20 to 40 seconds and capture that coveted job.

Have an "elevator story."

Fully represent yourself in the time before the elevator doors open with a pre-prepared elevator story. In your pitch, describe your educational and professional background, mention your future goals, describe the position you would like, and state which month you would be available to start.

Good lengths are about 10 seconds for a short version and around 60 seconds for a longer one. Different versions allow for flexibility in case you find yourself with more or less time to talk. Also, make sure you tweak your story for each different position you are targeting. For example, when meeting a recruiter for a research and development position, your background should emphasize your research experience or your group work in solving engineering problems.

Be specific.

In your statement, clarity is crucial. Talk about exactly what position you are looking for and give a definitive date for when you are available to work. Miscommunication may lead to a bad experience in a disinteresting job position, or to missing out on an amazing opportunity. Also, if you really just want to try out industry, be honest. Potential employers should know about your plans for medical school or graduate school. Treating a long term job as a short term commitment creates a bad impression, and in this small world that will come back to haunt you.

Speak with confidence.

The overused, yet accurate keyword is practice. You want your introduction to sound natural, not like a regurgitation of a memorized statement.

For example, start with a short story, ask some questions about the company, then insert the pitch. In this high pressure situation on the clock, you have to remember to breathe and slow your words down. Talk clearly and directly, and enunciate. A good posture and a firm handshake should also accompany your confident introduction.

Research the position of interest.

Arrive prepared with knowledge of the overall goals of the company and how specifics from your background can complement those goals. Never prompt recruiters to tell you about their companies, but definitely ask questions about points of interest you found during your research or about topics that you did not find answers to during your searches. In the case that you made some contacts and networked during previous events, name dropping is acceptable.

Rob Rogers (left), Jr., assistant director of the Division of Professional Practice. Visit Rogers for more information on co-ops in biology, biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, and more. Ann Blasick (right), assistant director of the Georgia Tech Internship Program (GTIP).

(Photo: sbinformation.about.com, Rob Felt)

For more information, contact: Ann Blasick (Internships): ann.blasick@dopp.gatech.edu Rob Rogers (Co-Ops): rob.rogers@dopp.gatech.edu

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Deliver with ENERGY! Show that you are genuinely interested by showing an appropriate amount of enthusiasm. In a career fair, of the many company representatives you talk to, each one should receive your full performance. Like you, representatives have stood and talked for many hours. Also, you never want to create a negative impression. Social networking page content should always be in good taste. Keeping manners in mind, e-mail a thank you letter to everyone you meet within 48-hours of talking to them. In that letter, emphasize why you are interested and do not be scared to attach your rĂŠsumĂŠ, especially if contact information was provided. This will make you stand out from the many students a representative has met.

Research Spotlight: Michael Davis, Ph.D. The Use of Biomaterials as a Potential Treatment to MI

From Page 1

Viewing an MI as an illness treatable by medicine and considering the absence of such medicines suggests the many obstacles that drug delivery to the heart faces.

Not only is the heart a complex organ with a constant interchange of oxygen and nutrients, but the injected proteins or drugs diffuse quickly. Collaborating with an associate professor in the Coulter Department, Dr. Niren Murthy, whose research includes polymers, Davis hypothesized that if "polymers were big enough where they get stuck in the heart then they… can act as drug reservoirs" which slowly degrade and dispense a drug over time.

An appropriate polymer, poly cyclohexane-1,4-diylacetone dimethylene ketal (PCADK) was discovered. This nontoxic polymer "degrades into neutral compounds that are FDA approved" while releasing drugs that target either inflammation or oxidative stress associated with MIs. For example, an inhibitor to p38, a pro-inflammatory signaling molecule, acts to actually heal the heart over time. Such research is especially key in light of the current treatment protocol for MI, which only involves clearing vessel blockage and improving heart activity. Recent work in Davis' laboratory involves loading an antioxidant, superoxide dimutase (SOD), into

the PCADK. Unlike the long term p38 inhibitor, SOD targets the free radicals produced after a MI and results in preservation of heart functions.

The Davis Laboratory's work on PCADK is even more exciting given its wide range of applications as a drug delivery vehicle. Work by Murthy has even applied PCADK to acute liver failure and lung damage.

Delivery of stem cells to the heart faces obstacles such as the diffusion of stem cells. Instead of PCADK, a gel made of self-assembling peptides "acts as a subdelivery matrix that keeps [stem] cells in the area." The increased production of toxic hydrogen peroxide following an MI poses another challenge. The hydrogen per- Several potential mechanisms for protein delivery by biomaterials. oxide defeats the intent of introducing (1) A modification is made to either the polymer or the factor to stem cells by preventing the differen- tether the factor to the biomaterial. (2) The growth factor is tiation of the stem cells into adult incorporated within microspheres or noncovalently coupled to the material to allow quantitative control of release. (3) Proteolytic cardiac cells. Currently, Davis' labora- “smart” release, when the factor is tethered by an enzymaticallytory is investigating the use of hydro- cleaveable sequence allowing release only when that protease is gen peroxide scavengers to neutralize present and active. (4) The future of protein delivery by biomaterials is a multifunctional, bioactive material consisting of combinathis hostile environment. tions of delivery methods. (Photo: Dr. Michael Davis) Moving forward from these initial steps in drug and stem cell delivery, tions will include the delivery of "multiple Davis' laboratory is currently exploring the factors with the same polymer and the limits of their findings. Upcoming publicadelivery of antioxidant loaded polymers.” A current project also explores the potential for targeted treatment. Davis explains that "when a cell dies it releases DNA." "So if… a DNA-binding agent conjugated to a drug" could be delivered intravenously, "it should find its way to the extracellular DNA." Given the ramifications for medical applications in humans, Davis and Murthy are also pursuing larger scale in vivo experiments.

In the context of such groundbreaking research, Davis maintains an insightful mantra: "It doesn't matter if somebody else does it [research] first; we just have to do it better." This habit of building on previous work takes not a linear path, but rather a web effect. Davis explains that he has "an interdisciplinary approach to treating MI," which "involves cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, and mechanics." In fact, Davis cites the diversity of his lab and the collaborative environment at the Coulter Department as deciding factors in coming to Georgia Tech and Emory. Today Davis' words indeed ring A 3D confocal microscopy rendering of polyketal particles (yellow) retained in the myocardium several days following injection. Green stain shows cardiac myocytes in the heart, note the particles stay lodged between cardiac cells as a true: "Surround yourself with good people drug reservoir. (Photo: Dr. Michael Davis) and good things will happen."

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Behind The Chlorocyte Bioreactor: Winners of the 2009 InVenture Prize

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his past March, Joseph Abrahamson, William Boyd, Sanjay Challa, Kento Masuyama and Andrew Punnoose won the prestigious InVenture Prize. As the submission deadline for the 2nd Annual Inventure Prize approaches, The Pioneer takes a look with Abrahamson and Challa, the two biomedical engineers of the team, at the journey traveled and the future that lies ahead.

Initially motivated by their own interest in “all things green,” the announcement of the InVenture Prize spurred the team to turn their interest into a concrete goal. In their explorations, the team discovered algae's ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Looking into possible applications of this trait, the group realized the potential for algae in a carbon sequestering bioreactor. Such an invention would harness the carbon dioxide absorption powers of algae to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions of industrial smokestacks.

Tackling this project, the members consulted faculty members and found surprising applications for classroom knowledge. To dry algae, Challa recalls applying “a principle… learned in Biochemistry called salting to extract the cells."

Six months later with a cash prize of $10,000, a U.S Patent filing, and business advice from Georgia Tech faculty, the team has created a company named Sora. The Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern Company also gave the group a tour of their power plants to help them further refine their invention.

Students with an inventive flair or a budding idea like Abrahamson and Challa can submit an "Intent to Compete" before November 11th, 2009. More information on the InVenture Prize is available online at http://inventureprize.gatech.edu/.

By Ayesha Patel & Aswin Natarajan InVenture Prize Schedule Before 11/22

Submit “Intent to Compete”

9/23 to 11/22

Attend InVenture Prize School

9/23 to 12/18

Pick up Inventor Notebook

11/23 to 12/18

Register to Compete

12/18

Deadline to Submit Prototype Award Proposal

12/21

Prototype Awards Announced

1/20

Preliminary Round(s)

2/22

Finalists Announced

3/18

Final Round, Winners Announced

(From left to right) Andrew Punnoose, Sanjay Challa, Joseph Abrahamson, William Boyd, and Kento Masuyama won the team prize of $10,000 and a free US patent filing

by Georgia Tech’s Office of Technology Licensing for their invention, the chlorocyte bioreactor. (Photo: Rob Felt)

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The 5th Annual Biotechnology Career Fair Career Related Seminars: Graduate Student Panel

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rior to the Biotechnology Career Fair, a panel of Georgia Tech Alum opened themselves to questions about their roles in the companies for which they worked. Two former Georgia Tech Ph.D. alumni, Anne E. Ensley and Nicole Hurley, found jobs at W.L. Gore and Associates as medical implant engineers. Their work involves small teams that process new medical implantation products for the public. Edwards Life Sciences was represented by Angela Gulino, a former BME master’s degree student, who is now working as a clinical technician. She instructs doctors regarding implementation of glucose monitoring equipment as well as cardiac output and blood pressure devices. She also shed some light on applicant selection. “If your resume lacks experience," suggested Gulino, "then go for a strong skills-based resume showing leadership qualities and initiative”. Another former tech Ph.D. student, Srinidhi Nagaraja, who is now working for the FDA in the division of solid and fluid mechanics for medical devices, recounted the work he did for his Ph.D. thesis regarding mechanical properties of bone fracture. Nagaraja emphasized how his research continues to impact his current work. Srinidhi now does regulatory research on products that may have public health issues.

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The 5th Annual Biotechnology Career Fair

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he 5th Annual Biotechnology Career Fair held on Thursday, September 17th allowed undergraduate and graduate students a chance to meet industry representatives and land internships, co-ops, and jobs. Over 200 students and postdocs attended this fair, eagerly seeking to make an impression on fourteen different companies. This year, The Pioneer sought three different perspectives – from underclassmen, upperclassmen, and industry representatives.

First Year Perspective For first year students the Biotechnology Career Fair can be daunting. “It was completely nerve-racking at first,” said first year student Elina Sarmah before entering the career fair. “I didn’t know what to expect or what they expected,” she replied after being asked how she had prepared for the fair. For the freshmen, it serves as a chance to see exactly what the biotechnology industry does. “I didn’t know much about the companies or about BME in general, so I just wanted to see what it was like.” First-years see the fair as a learning opportunity – a chance to pinpoint their interests in a diverse field of technology, a reality check on preconceived notions, and a source of inspiration.

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Upperclassman Perspective In contrast to a first year’s exploratory visit to the Biotechnology Career Fair, juniors and seniors came in with one purpose in mind – a job. Their five minute pitch and one page resume was honed to capture a coveted seat in the employer’s memory. Justin Chen recalled his preparation, “[Over] these past few days I spent about three hours working to review and update my resume.” But there was a shared sense of concern among most of the applicants, who came trying to secure a job in a depressed economy. Aakanksha, a third year international student, put it frankly, “I’ll go with anyone that takes me.”

But there was more for students than just a job offer. Chen remarked about the fair, “The important thing is to be genuinely interested in these companies, talk to the people, and learn new things.”

Company Perspective Every company that was hosted in Georgia Tech’s 5th annual Biotechnology Fair came in with high expectations for the Georgia Tech students. Anu Parvatiyar of C.R. Bard said, “Coming to Georgia Tech, you know you’re getting technical depth, but we’re also looking for people who can lead teams, who can think through problems, and people who are constantly thinking about the next step.” The sentiment was

echoed by Angie Gulino, a Georgia Tech alumnus representing Edwards Life Sciences, who said that in a potential employee, she looks for a well rounded student with expertise in business and a strong leadership background. “For a full time job," Gulino stressed, "an internship is pretty much required.” But neither Georgia Tech nor its students have underperformed. There was high praise for Tech’s innovative problem-based learning approach, the strength of the co-op program, and the heavy emphasis of communication skills in the classroom. No one summed it up quite as nicely as Jahari Soward, of NPursuit. “I love coming here,” praised Soward, "Students were always organized, very crisp in their style, and the caliber of the candidates is exceptional.”

The 5th Annual Biotechnology Career Fair Career Related Seminars: Company Information Sessions Medtronic Information Session On September 17th, Nancy Schempf and Derrick Brown presented information on Medtronic to recruit graduate students. Their presentation emphasized Medtronic's impact on communities around the world, Medtronic’s solutions to chronic diseases, and Medtronic’s growth potential.

With more than 200 clinical trials underway at any moment, Medtronic claims to improve another life every five seconds. Their 44 manufacturing sites, 25 research and development centers, and 25 training facilities all help to refine the products with which a wide range of chronic conditions are treated.

Overall, the representatives presented a strong case. Its high ranking, employee benefits, and research investment should prove attractive to anyone entering the BME job market.

Edwards Lifesciences Information Session Two engineers from Edwards Lifesciences provided a brief information session about their company on September 14th.

They showcased Edwards Lifesciences as a top medical device company, specializing in the development of heart valves.

Great emphasis was also placed on Edwards’ competitive Technical Development Program, which allows recent graduates to rotate through various positions within the company and fast track their career.

This section was compiled by Andrew Lei, Dhruv Vishwakarma, Ayesha Patel, Aswin Natarajan, Kiersten Peterson, Graham McAdory, and Elina Samrah. Special thanks to Adrianne Proeller for providing photographs and Risa Lin for statistics.

Novozymes Information Session Three representatives from Novozymes made the company’s presentation to a group of Georgia Tech students on September 14th. The Novozymes representatives explained the mission of the company, which follows their mantra, ‘Rethink Tomorrow,’ by exploring their research and products in enzyme production, biologics, and biopharmaceuticals.

The company’s largest current project is in fuel ethanol, a product that has the potential to provide sustainable solutions for the future of our world.

Contribute to The Pioneer! Submit student voices, articles, or join the staff!

www.bmes.gatech.edu/newsletter Page 7

October Events October 1st - BMES: General Meeting The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) will be having a general meeting with special elections. Attend to find out more about how you can participate in this student-run organization. 11:0012:00 PM, location TBA.

October 16-18th - AMSA: Regional Conference Attend the AMSA Regional Conference at the Emory University School of Medicine. Medical and premedical students from 12 states will gather to attend workshops, seminars, and presentations by leading doctors. More info: www.amsa.gatech.edu.

October 1st - Eric Ortlund, Ph.D., Emory University Join Eric Ortlund, Ph.D., in his seminar “Crystal Structure of a Resurrected Protein: Evolution by Conformation.” 11:00-12:00 PM, Cherry Emerson Room 320.

October 20th - IBB Breakfast Club Join Jennifer Curtis, Ph.D., from the School of Physics in her seminar entitled “Mechanics of the Cell: Biology Meets Physics.” 8:309:30 AM, IBB Suddath Room 1128.

October 1st - ChBE Seminar: Andrew Lyon, Ph.D. Join Andrew Lyon, Ph.D., in his seminar “Smoothing Out the Defects with Polymer Microspheres.” 3:00-4:00 PM, MS&E Room G011.

October 20th - Bioengineering Seminar Series Join Linda Griffith, Ph.D., from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 11:00-12:00 PM, IBB Suddath Room 1128.

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October 2 - IBB Distinguished Lecturer Join Phillip Sharp, Ph.D., from the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research of MIT on his lecture “The Biology and Therapeutic Promise of Small RNAs.” 11:00-1:00 PM, IBB Atrium.

October 3rd-6th - Fall Student Recess October 5th - Rolf Bodmer, Ph.D, BIMR Join Rolf Rodmer, Ph.D., from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research in his seminar “Genetic Clues to Staying Young at Heart.” 12:00-1:00 PM, location TBA. October 7th-10th - BMES: Annual Fall Scientific Meeting The BMES Annual Scientific Meeting will be held in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA. The theme this year is “BMES 2009: Bridging the 3 Rivers of Biology, Engineering and Medicine.” For more information about registration, please visit: www.bmes.org.

October 8th - Research Option Information Session Find out more about the Research Option at Georgia Tech. 11:00 -12:00 PM, Student Center Room 301. th

October 8 - Bond, James Bond @ GT Interested in James Bond? Want to know how Tech professors are studying Bond’s technology? Come to 007 at Tech! 4:00-6:00 PM, Tech Square Research Building Atrium.

October 13th - BMES: Letters of Recommendation Learn more about letters of recommendation from Todd McDevitt, Ph.D., 11:00-12:00 PM, location TBA. October 15th - Jay Debnath, M.D., UCSF Join Jay Debnath, M.D., in his seminar entitled, “Autophagy in Cancer Cell Survival and Mitochondrial Homeostasis.” 11:00-12:00 PM, Cherry Emerson Room 320.

October 15th - AMSA: MCG Visit The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is hosting admissions officers from the Medical College of Georgia. Come to learn more about the admissions process and the school based in Augusta. Time & location TBA. More info: www.amsa.gatech.edu.

October 16th - Dr. Mitchell Winnik, University of Toronto Join Professor Mitchell Winnik and his seminar entitled, “MetalChelating Polymers and Polymernanoparticles Designed for Use in Bioassays.” 11:00-12:00 PM, MS&E Room 3201A.

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October 20th - Study and Work Abroad Fair Find out about studying or working abroad. 10:00-2:00 PM, Student Center Ballroom.

October 21st - ChBE Seminar Join Dr. S. Michael Kilbey from the University of Tennessee. 4:00 PM, MS&E Room G011.

October 21st - Schedule of Spring 2010 Classes Available October 23rd - Ph.D. Proposal Please join Ivan Caceres, from the Lu group, for his proposal entitled, “On-Chip Phenotypic Screening of C. elegans Enabled by Microfluidics to Discover Novel Genes in Neurodevelopment and Neurodegeneration.” 1:00 PM, IBB Suddath Room 1128.

October 24th - Buzz on Biotechnology: Open House Interesting demonstrations, lab tours, and GT campus tours organized by the Bioengineering and Bioscience Unified Graduate Students (BBUGS) will teach you about innovative research in many fields covered in the IBB. 10:00-1:00 PM, IBB Building. Contact Colly Mitchell (colly.mitchell@ibb.gatech.edu) for more info.

October 27th - Mandatory Pre-Health Workshop Pre-health? Attend this workshop with Jennifer Kimble and learn about general tips and advice for applying to health-related professional schools. 4:00 PM, Presidential Suite C, Student Success Center.

October 28th - Spring 2010 Registration Begins October 29th - Mandatory Pre-Health Workshop Pre-health? Attend this workshop with Jennifer Kimble and learn about general tips and advice for applying to health-related professional schools. 11:00-12:00 PM, Cherry Emerson Room 320.

October 29th - Bioengineering Seminar Series Join William L. Murphy, Ph.D., from the University of Wisconsin, 11:00-12:00 PM, IBB Suddath Room 1128.

October 29th - Colleen Cavanaugh, Ph.D., HU Join Colleen Cavanaugh, Ph.D., from Harvard University in her seminar TBA. 11:00-12:00 PM, Cherry Emerson Room 320.

To submit events and other important dates, please email: bmed.newsletter@gmail.com! *Events subject to change. For more information, please check www.gatech.edu/calendar, www.bme.gatech.edu/calendar, and www.ibb.gatech.edu/events.

Join the Georgia Tech Biomedical Engineering Society today! Meet new people in your department, learn about the biomedical engineering industry, and attend numerous seminars hosting BME alumni and company representatives from around the country!

Fill out an application now! More info can be found at: www.bmes.gatech.edu.

Featured Scholarships: National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Planning to go to graduate school? Already a graduate student? Apply for the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship to help fund your work towards a doctorate. Full proposals are due in November. Contact Dr. Amanda Gable (amanda.gable@carnegie.gatech. edu) or visit: www.nsf.gov/grfp.

President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program competitively funds undergraduate student involvement in faculty research through the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA). Complete applications for Spring 2010 Awards are due October 19th, 2009.

For more info, visit: www.undergradresearch.gatech.edu/funding.php.

Petit Undergraduate Research Scholars Mentor The Petit Undergraduate Research Scholars program provides an opportunity for graduate students and post doctoral fellows to mentor undergraduate scholars. The 2010 program will run from January to December.

Submit your proposals by October 15th, 2009. Contact Colly Mitchell (colly.mitchell@ibb.gatech.edu) or visit: www.ibb.gatech.edu/education/ graduate/.

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he American Medical Student Association (AMSA) currently has over 150 national members. AMSA holds educational, avocational, and other social events for students interested in exploring the medical field or applying to medical school.

In September, three exam preparatory companies, Princeton Review, Examkrackers, and Kaplan, came to Georgia Tech to talk about the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The members gained valuable testing experience by practicing real passage-based questions and test-taking valuable strategies. Additionally, members of the Ross University School of Medicine held a talk for AMSA students about their admissions process. An AMSA sponsored tailgate for the UNC football game also allowed members to mingle and meet other members.

Also this past month, the GT AMSA Chapter started the AMSA Advocacy Committee. In order to educate individuals on healthcare issues, the committee plans to hold volunteer sessions. To join or to learn more about the advocacy committee, come to a meeting held every Wednesday evening.

This October 16th to 18th the Regional Pre-Health Conference will be held at Emory University. Co-hosted by GT AMSA, the conference is a great opportunity to meet experts, attend workshops, and explore medical schools and residency programs. Check the October Events page for other upcoming events!

To find out how you can join AMSA, please visit: www.amsa.gatech.edu.

Have a great idea? Submit your Intent to Compete online at: http://inventureprize.gatech.edu/!

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Systems Biology Reveals...

Diversity in Key Environmental Cleanup Microbe ...the best Shewanella strain for bioremediation projects based on each site’s environmental conditions and contaminants.

The findings, which further advance the understanding of the enormous microbial biodiversity that exists on the planet, appear in the early online issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Shewanella Federation consortium and the Proteomics Application project.

Similar to a human breathing in oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, many Shewanella microbes have the ability to “inhale” certain metals and compounds and convert them to an altered state, which is typically much less toxic. This ability makes Shewanella very important for the environment and bioremediation, but selecting the best strain for a particular project has been a challenge.

“If you look at different strains of Shewanella under a microscope or you look at their ribosomal genes, which are routinely used to identify newly isolated strains of bacteria, they look identical.

Thus, traditional microbiological approaches would suggest that the physiology and phenotype of these Shewanella bacteria are very similar, if not identical, but that is not true,” explained Kostas Konstantinidis, an assistant professor in the Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Konstantinidis, who also holds a joint appointment in the Georgia Tech School of Biology, led the research team in analyzing the data.

Using the traditional method for determining interrelatedness between microbial strains—sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene—the researchers determined that the 10 strains belonged to the same genus. However, the technique was unable to distinguish between most of the strains or define general properties that would allow the researchers to differentiate one strain from another. To do that, they turned to genomic and whole-cell proteomic data.

By comparing the 10 Shewanella genomes, which were sequenced at the Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute, the research team found that while some of the strains shared 98 percent of the same genes, other strains only

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From Page 1

shared 70 percent. Out of the almost 10,000 protein-coding genes in the 10 strains, nearly half—48 percent—of the genes were strain-specific, and the differences in expressed proteins were consistently larger than their differences at the gene content level.

“These findings suggest that similarity in gene regulation and expression constitutes an important factor for determining phenotypic similarity or dissimilarity among the very closely related Shewanella genomes,” noted Konstantinidis. “They also indicate that it might be time to start replacing the traditional microbiology approaches for identifying and classifying new species with genomics- or proteomicsbased methods.”

Upon further analyA team of researchers, including Georgia Tech’s Kostas Konstansis, the researchers found that tinidis, analyzed the gene sequences of 10 Shewanella strains the genetic differences beand found that nearly half of the almost 10,000 protein-coding tween strains frequently regenes were strain-specific. (Photo: Gary Meek) flected environmental or ecological adaptation and specialization, which had also substantially altered ter to a form incapable of dissolving in the global metabolic and regulatory netwater,” explained Konstantinidis. “If you works in some of the strains. The Sheput that strain in an environment that conwanella organisms in the study appeared to tains high concentrations of uranium, that gain most of their new functions by acquirmicrobe is likely to acquire the genes that ing groups of genes as mobile genetic isaccept uranium from a nearby strain, in lands, selecting islands carrying ecologically turn preventing uranium from spreading as important genes and losing ecologically the groundwater flows.” unimportant genes.

This adaptability of bacteria is The most rapidly changing individremarkable, but requires further study in ual functions in the Shewanellae were rethe bioremediation arena, since it frelated to “breathing” metals and sensing quently underlies the emergence of new mechanisms, which represent the first line bacterial strains. Konstantinidis’ team at of adaptive response to different environGeorgia Tech is currently investigating mental conditions. Shewanella bacteria live communities of these Shewanella strains in in environments that range from deep subtheir natural environments to advance surface sandstone to marine sediment and understanding of the influence of the envifrom freshwater to saltwater. All but one ronment on the evolution of the bacterial of the strains was able to reduce several genome and identify the key genes in the metals and metalloids. That one exception genome that respond to specific environhad undertaken a unique evolution resultmental stimuli or conditions, such as the ing in an inability to exploit strictly anaeropresence of heavy metals. bic habitats.

Ongoing studies should broaden “Let’s say you have a strain of the researchers’ understanding of the relaShewanella that is unable to convert urationship between genotype, phenotype, nium dissolved in contaminated groundwaenvironment and evolution, he said.

Pre-Health Column Tips to Becoming a Successful BME Pre-Health Student

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ongratulations to the students who have found a way to balance your academic requirements with your extracurricular commitments. For those who are counting down the minutes until the semester is over, good luck.

Though I do not hold the secrets that guarantee classroom success, I will share some of the academic traits of successful BME pre-health students.

They Are Intellectually Curious They do not make an “A” to “get into dental school.” These students typically do indepth research, present at conferences, or get published. Instead of being motivated by medical school applications, these students attend Georgia Tech to learn and apply that knowledge to change the world.

They Get to Know Their Faculty Many students look at me like a deer in headlights when I ask them the names of their science professors. They feel that their faculty members are unapproachable.

A stigma exists that you only go to office hours when you are in trouble. But realize that professors want to profess their knowledge, advise and mentor you. When

you go to office hours, tell them what you know and where you get confused.

For those who find college easy and have no use for office hours, your faculty will be writing bland letters of evaluation for your professional school applications. Many of your peers were able to make it a priority for their faculty to get to know them. Take responsibility to facilitate that relationship.

If you need more advice on how to get your faculty to get to know you, please view the tip sheet on the “Office of Pre-Health” T-Square site.

They Have Great Time Management Skills We all have 168 hours in our week. How we use them is up to us. I recommend getting a calendar and blocking off classes and time outside of the classroom to study, eat, sleep, socialize, and volunteer.

Then consider how much time you spend on Facebook, Google, blogs, and computer games.

They Are Responsible & Resourceful Opportunities do not often fall into outstretched hands. You need to go out and

By Jennifer Kimble network for them. If you want to do research, don’t wait to see a posting on the research database. Talk to your professors, upperclassmen, and advisors to see if they know of any opportunities in your area of interest.

They Go Above & Beyond Many students will ask me, “What is the minimum number of hours I need to shadow a dentist?” Don’t look for minimum numbers----look to maximize your exposures. Healthcare is not a career choice; it’s a lifestyle choice. And that lifestyle starts now. If you do not want to take interesting science classes, are you sure you want to devote the rest of your life learning and keeping up with biological concepts?

Please know that I am here to assist you in achieving your pre-health goals. The next Mandatory Pre-health Advising workshop (you must have attended one during your time at Tech to schedule an appointment with me) will be Tuesday, October 27th at 4:00 PM in Presidential Suite C of the Student Success Center.

Best wishes for a successful fall semester!

[R.] A.D.V.I.S.N.G.!

A Brief Guide for BME Freshmen

R

ead The Pioneer each month for up-to -date information on all things BME!

A

lways ask questions – faculty, students, advisors, administration, etc.

D

evelop an academic plan with your advisor or someone in the Academic Advising Office.

V I

isit your faculty and your academic advisor during their office hours.

nquire about campus resources – Academic Advising, Career Services Library, Office of Success Programs, Freshman Experience Learning Assistance Program, etc.

Remember, if you’re struggling, you’re the only one who knows that you need help.

Seek out the resources you need to help you succeed!

By Karan Patel

S

trive for personal success by participating in your classes and joining a campus club or organization.

I

ntroduce yourself to your academic advisor and meet with him/her on a regular basis.

N

avigate through the BME website often for updates.

G

ive close attention to yourself, your studies, and know that your advisor is here to help you succeed.

Thanks to Kim Paige for these tips. Hopefully this will help ease your transition to college. Remember, if you ever need anything, feel free to schedule an appointment at: www.advising.gatech.edu

BME Academic Advisors Kim Paige Freshmen Academic Advisor kim.paige@bme.gatech.edu Paul Fincannon Undergraduate Academic Advisor paul.fincannon@bme.gatech.edu Sally Gerrish Student, Alumni, and Industrial Relations sally.gerrish@bme.gatech.edu Shannon Sullivan Graduate Academic Advisor shannon.sullivan@bme.gatech.edu

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“That’s So BME!” Lecture Hall Seating Dynamics 101 Lecture One

Lecture Five

Exam Day

“Third time my group was kicked out of the PBL room by maintenance this week.”

- PBL Delinquent “Psst… Pedestrian walk button at Atlantic and Ferst works.”

- Ex-Jaywalker “I have seen my group members for a total of 24 hours over a 3 day period… And they aren’t getting anymore attractive.”

- Needs New Glasses

Game Day

Rainy Day

Day Before Fall Break

“I think the drought may just be over.”

- I’m On A Boat

?

Legend Student Professor

Staff Members A Couple of Words Editors in Chief Chun Yong Willa Ni Staff Writers Rosemary Song Dhruv Vishwakarma Graham McAdory Andrew Lei Aswin Natarajan Ayesha Patel Karan Patel Greg Douthit Elaina McLean Elina Sarmah Nancy Kim

Photographers Kiersten Peterson Jacob Thompson Kelli Koenig Gopi Patel Advisory Board Rafeed Chaudhury (BMES) Joseph Mets (bmedSAB) Aakanksha Angra (AMSA) Ramya Parthasarathy (SABUR)

Layout Editors Kevin Lam Annie Macedo George Sun

Collaborators Paul Fincannon Sally Gerrish Megan McDevitt Jennifer Kimble Adrianne Proeller David Terraso Don Fernandez Abby Vogel John Toon

Webmaster Elysia Hwang

Faculty Sponsor Wendy Newstetter

Editors Kanav Jain Nida Dharani Nikolaus Shrum

From the Editors in Chief

T

he Pioneer thanks all the readers for a very successful launch of the retooled newsletter. For this October issue, we encourage you to continue fueling the flow of feedback we received for the September issue. The newsletter staff strives to maintain a fluid response to the readers, the Coulter Department, and the biotechnology world.

The Editors-in-Chief are also excited to welcome new staff members.

With such a skilled and dedicated team, The Pioneer can better implement your suggestions and meet your needs.

We also thank the collaborators and advisors for their continued support, enthusiasm, impromptu brainstorming sessions, ideas, and time. With the Coulter Department's innovative curriculum, dedicated professors, and eager students, we have a culture. The Pioneer not only strives to communicate this culture, but to also embrace this unique and oftentimes quirky character we know as BME. So thank you for reading and have an excellent October!

Yours sincerely,

Chun Yong and Willa Ni Editors in Chief The Pioneer

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