Browse real student projects, abstracts, and awards.
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Quorum Sensing (QS) is a bacterial communication pathway that mediates population-based activity such as virulence and biofilm formation. Specifically, QS affects biofilm maturation, includi…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
An estimated $6 billion USD will be lost in 2026 globally due to disease outbreaks in aquaculture facilities, particularly from Vibrio coralliilyticus, a pathogen that infects corals, fish a…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterial agent of tuberculosis, has become resistant to many traditional antibiotics due to its thick, lipid-rich membrane. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants, relatively understudied for their ability to interfere with bacterial communication mechanisms, and the underlying modes of action…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacteria well known for developing resistance to antibiotics, with dire consequences for human staph infections. This study explored the time required f…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Biofilm formation is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance and persistent infections, particularly in medical device-associated settings. These structures protect bacteria from antibiot…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Antibiotic resistance is a rising global health threat, causing over 5 million deaths worldwide annually. This is a particular concern in hospital settings where bacterial infections can spr…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Dinoflagellates are one of the many marine organisms that perform bioluminescent processes. There are many factors that could affect the light that they produce, including temperature, salin…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Menstrual products are composed of harmful microplastics. Tampons specifically contain microplastics such as polyethylene (PE) which have been seen to interfere with biological functions. Ba…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Previous studies have provided insights using quantitative measurements and controlled animal models, primarily focusing on persistent chemicals such as PFAS rather than the broader spectrum…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable bioplastic used in packaging, textiles, 3D printing, medical devices, and agricultural applications. Although derived from renewable resources, it de…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent environmental contaminants known to disrupt biological systems across multiple trophic levels, yet their cellular and mol…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
Human-pathogenic Vibrio, particularly Vibrio vulnificus, in Gulf oysters pose increasing public health risks as coastal waters warm. Although temperature–Vibrio relationships are known, stra…
ISEF · 2026
Microbiology
The purpose of this study was to examine whether the production of genotoxic colibactin by the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) is influenced by external factors, such as…