Professor of Biology
gpierce@gsu.edu

Faculty Profile

Professor of Biology
scrow@gsu.edu

Faculty Profile

Ph.D. Candidate
bgalbreath1@student.gsu.edu

Brie graduated with her Bachelor of Science in wildlife and fisheries biology from The University of Georgia. In her work researching wildlife and zoonotic diseases, she discovered the microscopic world of organisms known as microbiology. She completed her Masters of Science in applied and environmental microbiology from Georgia State University in December 2017 and was fortunate to earn a Ph.D. position upon completion. Her research in lab deals with evaluating the stability and activity of enzymes from Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP 96253 with targeted uses for the bioconversion of acrylonitrile to bioacrylamide and for the novel therapeutic treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Outside of the lab, Brie is involved in the fermentation of beer and bread, wildlife conservation, and STEM education outreach focused on K-12 grades. Her hobbies include various arts, traveling, kayaking, and sailing with her husband and dog. You can follow her science on Instagram and Twitter at MicroBrieology.

Research Focus:
Biotransformation, Immobilization, Asparaginase

Recent Conferences:
2019: SIMB – Symposium of Bioconversion of Chemical and Fuels (Poster)
2018: ASM Microbe Conference (Poster)
2018: GSU School of Biology Retreat (Poster)
2018: SIMB Conference (Poster)
2018: GeorgiaBio Innovation Summit (Poster)

Recent Awards:
2019: Diversity Travel Award – SBFC – SIMB
2018: ScienceATL Science Communication Fellowship
2017: Antony Shuker Poster Award – GeorgiaBio Innovation Summit
2017: Outstanding Teaching Award (BIOL 3850)

News and Achievements

Master Student
mmillett1@student.gsu.edu

Marilyn is currently investigating the effects of metal co-factors on enzymatic activity in Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP 96253 via batch-fed fermentation. Prior to joining the lab, she was enrolled in a CURE lab here at Georgia State where she studied the synergistic effects of Zingiber officinale (commonly known as ginger) on the antibiotic sensitivity of soil-dwelling microorganisms. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Psychology with minors in Classics and Biochemistry from The University of Arizona, with the other in Biology from Georgia State.

Outside of the lab, Marilyn enjoys interacting with undergraduate students as a biology tutor/TA and driving her Jeep Wrangler with her Shar Pei/Dalmatian mix, Flapper. After obtaining her master’s, she hopes to do more research in microbial ecology and eventually earn a PhD.

Research Focus:
Batch-Fed Fermentation, Enzymatic Induction

Master Student
pamos3@student.gsu.edu

The current asparaginase-based treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in juveniles is isolated from recombinant Gram-negative E. coli expression. Endotoxin removal from products produced by Gram-negative organisms present challenges in proteins used in medical treatment and are required to meet FDA standards.

Paul works on producing endotoxin-free asparaginase from Rhodococcus rhodocrous strain DAP 96253, a Gram-positive soil-based organism, which was shown to produce nitrile hydratase with asparaginase activity when induced.

Research Focus:
Asparaginase, Nitrile Hydratase

Master Student
fpineda2@student.gsu.edu

Fortino conducts molecular studies on Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP 96253 relating to the nitrile hydratase enzyme. He employs techniques including DNA extraction, Gel Electrophoresis, and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass spectroscopy in his studies. Upon characterization of nitrile hydratase, his focus is to identify molecular factors that may improve its catalytic efficiency.

Fortino also conducts external independent research in bioinformatics. His project analyzes biomarkers to assess the microbial condition of Jamaica Bay, NY using the QIIME2 pipeline. He hopes his prospective career will use biological data science to identify issues to which his molecular approaches may solve.

Research Focus:
Nitrile Hydratase, MALDI-TOF, Molecular Biology

Master Student
adasouza1@student.gsu.edu

Outside of the lab Arthur enjoys producing music, painting, and writing poetry.

Research Focus:
Delayed Fruit Ripening, Antifungal

Master Student
plowe6@student.gsu.edu

Research Focus:
Asparaginase, Genetics