Brittany Carnathan, B.S.

Environmental Microbiology

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BIO

Brittany is a third-year Ph.D. student and graduate researcher for the Sayes Group. In May 2021, she earned a B.S. in biology and minors in chemistry and global studies. She is currently studying the effects of zero-valent iron nanoparticles on diverse bacteria strains and the Gram-positive and Gram-negative responses to charged metallic nanoparticles across diverse bacterial phyla. 

PRESENTATIONS

  1. “Ecosystem stoichiometry and nitrogen transformations in shallow freshwater lakes” poster presentation at CoBS (Conference of Biological Stoichiometry), (March 2023). Lincoln, Nebraska.

  2. “Establishing a long-term nutrient acclimation experiment for diverse cyanobacteria” poster presentation at JASM (Joint Aquatic Science Meeting) (May 2022). Grand Rapids, Michigan.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Microbiology

    • Bacterial live/dead fluorescent staining

    • Bacteria culture and growth analysis

    • Zeta potential characterization of bacterial membranes

    • Pathogen detection by qPCR

  • Analytical Chemistry

    • Dissolved gas analysis using membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMs)

    • Particulate carbon and nitrogen analysis using an elemental analyzer (Thermo Fisher Flash-Smart)

    • Particulate phosphorus analysis using persulfate digestion and colorimetry

    • Chlorophyl a analysis using in situ fluorometry and acetone extraction

  • Laboratory Management

    • Undergraduate mentorship (i.e., CV development and career discussion) and management (i.e., scheduling, training on analytical instruments, and fieldwork preparation)

    • SOP development

    • Supply inventory control

    • Reagent preparation

  • Field Research

    • Isotopic tracing using 15N2 dissolution incubations for determining nitrogen fixation rates

    • Dissolved gas sample collection

    • RNA sample collection

    • Training and overseeing undergraduate volunteers on field sample collection

    • Sensor calibration, maintenance, and deployment

    • Truck and boat operation

Memberships

  • American Chemical Society (ACS)

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Baylor University Certificate of Excellence in Teaching 

  • Conference of Biological Stoichiometry Poster Award (CoBS, Second place)

  • Baylor Biology Graduate Student Poster Award (CEGGS Symposium, Judges choice)