Browse 1,122 real Microbiology projects from CSEF, with abstracts, awards and links to the original entries.
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
The rapid rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, coupled with stagnating antibiotic discovery, makes once-treatable infections increasingly lethal. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy offers a pro…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
The rapid rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect and destroy bacteria w…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
Microbial spoilage drives food waste and landfill accumulation. In the US, one-third of food is wasted, with fruit peels comprising a substantial portion. Studies suggest that fruit peels co…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of honey, lemon juice, vinegar, and saltwater against Escherichia coli grown on agar plates. Chlorine and water were used as positive and nega…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
In this project, the problem addressed was finding sustainable, low-cost biomaterials that can inhibit bacterial growth and support cell adhesion, using banana plant fibers that are often di…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
Plastic pollution of the human body is an increasing concern that requires a solution. One solution would be to introduce plastic digesting bacteria in our intestines to digest any microplas…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
The objective of this project was to develop a low-cost, natural-ingredient dry shampoo for people with limited access to clean water and to evaluate its effectiveness under consistent testi…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
The increasing concern surrounding antibiotic resistance has brought interest in alternative or complementary antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the antibacterial effects of selec…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
As antibiotic resistance increases, interest in natural antimicrobial alternatives continues to grow. This study evaluated the antibacterial effectiveness of oregano oil, tea tree oil, honey…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have become a widespread environmental concern, with 99% of seafood products containing them. A major cause of this contamination is trophic tra…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
This project presented an experiment that involved 3 different types of facial cleansers along with 2 control groups.: oil, gel, and balm cleansers. Alongside a control with a total eliminat…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
Currently in the scientific world, there is growing awareness of the concept called One Health. One Health states that the environment, humans, and animals are all connected. Furthermore, th…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
As antibiotic resistance is increasing, scientists are studying natural compounds as possible alternatives for treating bacterial infections, especially in wound care. The purpose of this ex…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
The five second rule project was to see if bacteria or fungus went on food when it falls on the ground for a certain amount of time. People would say if food falls on the ground, in five sec…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
This project tested if hand sanitizer or soap was more effective at killing bacteria on children and adults. It was believed that soap would be better across the board, but that there would…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
The project question was how do varying levels of phosphates affect the population density of bioluminescent dinoflagellates. It was hypothesized that if the different levels of phosphates a…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
Heavy metal water pollution is a growing concern in Southern California due to industrial discharge and urban stormwater runoff. Live bacterial biosensors provide a low-cost platform for mon…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
Have you ever wondered how the chemicals used in your garden or backyard might impact not just plants, but also the invisible world beneath your feet and even your own immunity? According to…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for over 600,000 deaths annually worldwide, a number that rivals HIV/AIDS (630,000 deaths, UNAIDS 2024), exceeds malaria (610,0…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
Azole antifungals have long served as frontline therapies for Candida infections due to their efficacy and oral bioavailability. However, the increasing prevalence of azole- resistant Candid…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
Cyanobacteria are often only thought of as culprits involved in harmful algal blooms, but there is an important role that cyanobacteria play in the environment. They can act as powerful biof…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
Abstract Human skin is home to the skin bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) which helps protect against harmful bacteria. Soap and alcohol can temporarily remove skin bacte…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
The rising global health concern of bacteria becoming “resistant” to antibiotics is necessitating the discovery of new compounds to restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. This pr…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Senior Division)
Melatonin is a naturally occurring molecule found in many organisms that helps protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although its prot…
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
I tested what type of homemade remedy is most effective in helping reduce bacteria: lemon, eucalyptus, or aloe Vera
CSEF · 2026
Microbiology (Junior Division)
This study investigates the difference in microbial populations in male and female restrooms. By swabbing highly touched surfaces, it is trying to identify which environment holds higher bac…
CSEF · 2025
Microbiology Honorable_mention Award
CSEF · 2025
Microbiology Second Award
CSEF · 2025
Microbiology Third Award
CSEF · 2025
Microbiology Fourth Award