Project:	Whole genome sequencing of mucosal microbiomes to explore connections with human health and disease
Disciplines:	Bioengineering, Biology
Mentor:	Rustem Ismagilov, Professor, (CCE), rustem.admin@caltech.edu
Mentor URL:	https://ismagilovlab.caltech.edu/  (opens in new window)
AO Contact:	Natasha Shelby, tshelby@caltech.edu
Background:	The Ismagilov lab has recently developed many novel methodologies enabling new investigations into how the mucosal microbiome impacts human health and disease. We will be applying these methods to contexts such as microbial biogeography, Celiac Disease, IBD, IBS, and Parkinson’s Disease. We also are part of the NIH Human Virome Program and working to define the healthy human virome.
Description:	Generation and/or analysis of whole genome sequencing datasets.
References:	See Publications section of website, in particular: Natalie J. Wu-Woods, Jacob T. Barlow, Florian Trigodet, Dustin G. Shaw, Anna E. Romano, Bana Jabri, A. Murat Eren, and Rustem F. Ismagilov. 2023. "Microbial-enrichment method enables high-throughput metagenomic characterization from host-rich samples." Nature Methods 20: 1672–1682. doi: 10.1038/s41592-023-02025-4.
Student Requirements:	Some familiarity with EITHER molecular biology wet lab techniques (pipetting, PCR, etc.) OR coding (python or bash preferred). Interest in human health.
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    Caltech students only  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.