The antibiotic resistance represents one of the greatest threats to public health worldwide and, for the first time in Puerto Rico, a science camp It will facilitate local high school and university students to contribute to microbial research, with the aim of combating it.
The camp “Bacteria to the Rescue: Workshops to Search for Antibiotic-Producing Bacteria” will be held in the Historic District of Arecibo Observatoryin mid and late July.
During the camp, participants will collect soil samples in the field, isolate bacteria, and do experiments to identify their potential antibiotics.
In addition to developing practical skills in microbiology and biotechnology, students will contribute data that is part of the international effort to discover new antibiotic compounds.
The initiative is part of the international network Tiny Earthwhich is present in 33 countries, 46 states, Puerto Rico and Washington DC
The camp will offer two five-day intensive sessions. The first will be aimed at high school students and will be held from July 20 to 24while the second, for high school university students, will be carried out from July 27 to 31; both from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Each session will have 24 spaces, which will allow us to offer a highly personalized experience. Those interested can obtain more information at this web pageby calling (787) 878-2612 or complete your online registration.
The workshops will be taught by doctor Luz V. Arroyo Cruzprofessor of Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico in Arecibo and Associate Tiny Earth Instructor.
Arroyo stated, in a press release, that “Participants will discover that they too can be part of the next generation of scientists called to develop new antibiotics and other solutions for the benefit of humanity”.
The initiative is organized by the Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computational Skills and Community Engagement (Arecibo C3), with the support of the National Science Foundation.