Bacterial Diversity on Frequently Touched Campus Surfaces: A Proposed Study
Event Type
Research Presentation
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
24-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Frequently touched surfaces in shared environments can act as reservoirs for diverse bacterial communities, allowing for the transfer of microorganisms between individuals. While many studies have focused on large public and healthcare settings, fewer have examined bacterial diversity on smaller college campuses. This project is designed as a pilot study to examine bacterial diversity on frequently touched surfaces at Hollins University, including door handles, faucets, elevator buttons, and light switches. Using culture-based methods, samples will be collected through sterile swabbing, incubated, and analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) and observing colony morphology. This study will not identify specific bacterial species but will instead focus on quantifying colony abundance and documenting visible differences in colony characteristics to assess relative diversity. The primary objectives are to compare bacterial communities across surfaces and determine which locations exhibit the greatest bacterial diversity. The results will provide baseline data on bacterial presence in a small campus environment and may help guide future research, improve sanitation efforts, and encourage better hygiene practices among the campus community.
Bacterial Diversity on Frequently Touched Campus Surfaces: A Proposed Study
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Frequently touched surfaces in shared environments can act as reservoirs for diverse bacterial communities, allowing for the transfer of microorganisms between individuals. While many studies have focused on large public and healthcare settings, fewer have examined bacterial diversity on smaller college campuses. This project is designed as a pilot study to examine bacterial diversity on frequently touched surfaces at Hollins University, including door handles, faucets, elevator buttons, and light switches. Using culture-based methods, samples will be collected through sterile swabbing, incubated, and analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) and observing colony morphology. This study will not identify specific bacterial species but will instead focus on quantifying colony abundance and documenting visible differences in colony characteristics to assess relative diversity. The primary objectives are to compare bacterial communities across surfaces and determine which locations exhibit the greatest bacterial diversity. The results will provide baseline data on bacterial presence in a small campus environment and may help guide future research, improve sanitation efforts, and encourage better hygiene practices among the campus community.
Comments
Under the direction of Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael and Dr. Daniel Derringer.