Acworth Student Part of Oyster Research Team

A trio of students and two faculty members in the University of North Georgia's Department of Biology are researching oysters from the Georgia coast to check for the presence of vibrio bacteria and for the level, if any, of antibiotic resistance in these bacteria.

Among the students is Alyssa Pold of Acworth.

Dr. Nancy Dalman, department head of biology, and Dr. Dobrusia Bialonska, associate professor of environmental microbiology, are leading the project that should provide insights for both policymakers and business leaders seeking to expand the oyster farming industry in Georgia.

Vibrio bacteria can lead to infection in people who eat "raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Students have had a chance to collect oyster samples at Sapelo Island, a rural and presumably clean site, and Brunswick, which is nearby, urban and historically very polluted, and to test them for both bacteria and antibiotic resistance in the bacteria. The expectation is that Brunswick oysters could have higher antibiotic resistance.

Pold, a junior pursuing a degree in biology, enjoys the chance to go to the Georgia coast every two months to collect samples. She said the connections with faculty and chance to form bonds with her fellow students have been valuable parts of her experience. Pold also appreciates the variety.

"The fact that I can do something so environmental and not just in the lab is great," Pold said. "I've loved it ever since I've been involved."

The three students also presented in spring 2024 at the Association of Southeastern Biologists annual conference.

The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. With over 18,000 students, UNG is one of the state's largest public universities. The university offers over 100 programs of study ranging from certificate and associate degrees to doctoral programs.