# BIORETS: Creating Communities of Practice to Translate Microbial Evolution in Action Research to the Classroom

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Pittsburgh (PA) · $470,000

## Abstract

This integrated research-education program will engage 18 high school and middle school science teachers over 3 years in authentic microbiology research to understand how bacteria adaptively evolve when producing biofilm, and how biofilm helps bacteria to resist predation by amoebae. This research training will prepare the teachers to lead these experiments in their classrooms, where students will observe and study bacteria evolving in biofilms over a week using our innovative curriculum. Both research and teaching will be supported by mentors in our laboratory and in their classrooms. We will measure whether our program improves teacher confidence in using life science experiments in their classrooms, as well as student attitudes and self-efficacy towards science topics relevant to future careers in biotechnology. This program will empower greater understanding by teachers and students of how microbes evolve, a crucial topic today.

The dynamics of microbial biofilm adaptation, particularly its rapid pace and extent of diversification, present both a scientific puzzle and an educational opportunity. Through training the teachers, our program enables their students (age 12+) to observe evolutionary adaptation in just one week using a safe non-pathogenic Pseudomonas model. Through genome sequencing, we can identify mutations causing distinct colony morphologies. Student and teacher research revealed that biofilm adaptations protect against predation by Dictyostelium discoide

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2444414
- **Awardee organization:** University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MKAGLD59JRL1
- **PI:** Vaughn Cooper
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** RESEARCH EXP FOR TEACHERS, NANOSCALE BIO CORE
- **Estimated total:** $470,000
- **Funds obligated:** $470,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2025 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2444414

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2444414, BIORETS: Creating Communities of Practice to Translate Microbial Evolution in Action Research to the Classroom. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2444414. Licensed CC0.

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