EIGER ASSOCIATED FELLOW SINCE AUGUST 2006

Hiking in the slot canyons of the San Rafael Swell
in Utah 38.595°N, 110.806°W

EDUCATION

Brigham Young University – Hawaii, Laie, HI
B.S., Biochemistry, June 2004

ADVISOR

Professor Richard Helm, Department of Biochemistry

CURRENT RESEARCH

Cyanobacteria produce an extracellular matrix that protects against environmental extremes and is essential for biofilm formation.  Cyanobacteria have been so effective at tolerating harsh environments that they have remained relatively unchanged over the past 3.5 billion years, exhibiting a high degree of hyperbradytely.  These ancient organisms are found in nearly every environment on Earth.  I am characterizing the chemical constituents and physical properties of the extracellular matrix from select strains of cyanobacteria in relation to biofilm formation.  The findings will aid in understanding the interface between cyanobacterial biofilms and their environments, not only how they respond to the environmental stresses but also how cyanobacteria influence and contribute to their environments.

Additional lab images: http://picasaweb.google.com/Gloeocapsa/LabImages?authkey=SF-UsaqEkb8

CONTACT INFORMATION

kjhorn@vt.edu