Theme of issue
Bioinformatics and microbial genomics
To view individual papers within this issue of the newsmagazine, click on a title below:
FEATURES
Wanted: Undergraduates to Help Write The Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea
Cheryl A. Kerfeld, U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek,
California and University of California, Berkeley
The HHMI Science Education Alliance’s National Genomics Research Initiative
Tuajuanda C. Jordan, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
NUTS AND BOLTS
Territoriality—A Microbial Invention: Microbes Provide Systems for Study of Territoriality at The Biochemical and Molecular Levels
Ralph S. Wolfe, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
MEETINGS
ASMCUE: From Buffalo to Boston and Celebrating 15 Years!
Jennifer A. Herzog, Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, New York
Jennifer A. Herzog, Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, New York.
WEB WATCH
Web Watch
Gary Kaiser, Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville, Maryland.
From the Editor
Bioinformatics and microbial genomics is the topic for the Winter 2008 issue of Focus on Microbiology Education (FOME). It’s pretty amazing, as the study of microbes gets more detailed and as we look at the molecular level, the numbers of those who study the microbes can expand into larger and larger communities involving our students at all levels, from undergraduates to graduates and beyond.
If you’re thinking about attending the ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE)—and you certainly should think about it and come if you can—this issue is for you. A trio of FOME authors will be there—Brad Goodner, Cheryl Kerfeld, and Tuajuanda Jordan. Check out Brad Goodner’s article for an overview of a genome project in general and start to think about how and where you might involve your students; if you’re already there, think about how you might help someone who’s slightly timid to involve students as well. Cheryl Kerfeld, from the Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute in Walnut Creek, California, is equally enthusiastic about involving undergraduates in genomic research. She is looking to involve undergraduates in a sequencing project, the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea. Read her article and think about how you might involve your students. The third researcher is Tuajuanda Jordan from the Science Education Alliance of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; check out her information on the national genomics research initiative and hear her at the ASMCUE 2008 in Boston. All three educators are enthusiastic about involving undergraduates—including freshmen and sophomores—in bioinformatics and genomic projects.
The Nuts and Bolts article by Ralph S. Wolfe takes us in another direction, reminiscent of the spring 2007 FOME issue on evolution. On the one hand, the article continues the current theme of biochemical and molecular-level analysis. On the other, it explores the territorial behavior of microbes. Imagine—even for bacteria it’s a jungle out there! Look at the competition in the picture of Proteus strains and see for yourself.
Read Jennifer Herzog’s report on the 2007 ASMCUE in Buffalo, and overview of the 2008 meeting in Boston. Come join the activities.
The Journal Watch articles for winter explore bioinformatics research and pedagogy and preview topics of ASMCUE 2008 speakers. The Web Watch sites look like treasures as well. One link will even lead you to recipes.
Click and enjoy!
Lucy W. Kluckhohn Jones
Editor—Focus on Microbiology Education
Newsmagazine Editorial Committee
Lucy W. Kluckhohn Jones, Editor-in-Chief, Santa Monica College
Brad Goodner, Hiram College
Ruth Gyure, Western Connecticut State University
Jennifer Herzog, Herkimer County Community College
Gary Kaiser, The Community College of Baltimore County
Marie Panec, Moorpark College
Michelle Parent, University of Delaware
Jean Kayira, Production Editor, ASM Staff
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