Recent changes to federal funding have dramatically reduced the paid training opportunities for college students in biotechnology-related fields, without which biotechnology workforce development will be extremely limited. The proposed Built and Urban Microbiomes Project will provide paid research training opportunities to undergraduates from ESF and OCC, contributing to workforce development in New York State. This intensive, structured summer research program will focus on the microbiology of Onondaga Creek along its rural-to-urban gradient, to train students in microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. Students will also attend seminars, participate in working groups, and contribute to public outreach, developing essential communication and collaboration skills along with receiving technical training.
