The diffusion of antibiotics through the biofilm pores produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a
synthetic neutrophil extracellular trap
Team Nanobots
Mark Ly, Fahima Nakitende, and Shannon Wesley
Theme: Nanoscience
Subtheme: Nanoparticle systems for studying biomolecules
Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, copper-oxide nanowire bundles, neutrophil extracellular trap,
cystic fibrosis, ciprofloxacin/tobramycin
SUMMARY
We intend to study Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial infections by using nanowires to deliver
antibiotics across its biofilm for the treatment of chronic infections. Past research studied 40 patients suffering
from cystic fibrosis disease, and determined 77% were infected by P. aeruginosa even though 71% of them
were healthy (Neter 1974; Diaz et al. 1970; Diaz and Neter 1970). Thus, the antibiotic treatment was
ineffective against P. aeruginosa. So, we intend to penetrate through the biofilm produced by P. aeruginosa
using copper-oxide nanowire bundles (CuO NWBs) to help deliver antibiotics and destroy the bacteria residing
inside the biofilm.
P. aeruginosa form thick biofilms which guard them and prevent antibiotics from reaching the pathogen
for destruction (Costerton et al. 1999; Nickel et al. 1985). The biofilm structure of P. aeruginosa is important
because it consists of pores and channels that will allow us to use diffusion as a way to penetrate through the
biofilm (Costerton et al. 1999; Stewart 1996).
Previous studies used ciprofloxacin and tobramycin antibiotics to treat P. aeruginosa biofilm infections
but were ineffective (Walter et al. 2002). The antibiotics blocked the sites where the transport took place inside
of the biofilm resulting in a lack of oxygen and low metabolic activity. To solve this problem, we propose to
organize copper-oxide nanowires into nanowire bundles to form a synthetic mesh-like net. This net will
provide a large surface area for antibiotic attachment as well as prevent the obstruction of the biofilm diffusion
channels due to their nanometer size.
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were observed to be effective in binding and destroying bacterial
cells, but are vulnerable to certain bacterial toxins (Brinkman 2004; Tirouvanziam 2007). We will attempt to
use a synthetic NET composed of CuO NWBs to overcome this disadvantage.
The aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin coupled onto
CuO NWBs against P. aeruginosa biofilm growth. We hypothesize that CuO NWBs carrying the antibiotics
will mimic a NET and penetrate through the biofilm to kill the pathogen from the inside. If this happens
successfully, we expect to see no growth on the antibiotic/CuO NWBs agar plates.
We will follow Harrison’s et al. (2006) procedure to grow our P. aeruginosa biofilms which will take
three days to complete. Data collection will occur immediately to avoid biofilm degradation. We will purchase
and use a de-protonated solution of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin antibiotics and follow the methods outlined
by Li et al. (2010) to synthesize CuO NWBs. We will then use the concept of electrostatic interaction to couple
these antibiotics to the CuO NWBs. We will prepare four treatments, each in 24 out of 96 wells of a MBEC
plate and expose them to P. aeruginosa. Our treatments will consist of: our control (no antibiotic/no CuO
NWBs), antibiotic only (ciprofloxacin or tobramycin), CuO NWBs only, and antibiotic/CuO NWBs.
From this experiment, we will determine the mean amount of P. aeruginosa biofilm growth after being
exposed to each treatment by using a one-way fixed effect ANOVA statistical test to compare the mean colony
forming units (CFUs) for our three different treatments. We expect to see 100% growth of P. aeruginosa
biofilms for the control and antibiotic treatment, limited growth for CuO NWBs treatment, and 0% growth for
the treatment of antibiotic/CuO NWBs. If our experimental results correlate with the above expected results,
then our synNETs can be used as an alternative therapy for P. aeruginosa biofilm infections. Also for future
studies, determination of the optimal concentration of CuO NWBs without antibiotics needed to effectively kill
P. aeruginosa biofilm growth would be necessary.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
We propose to study the control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections by using nanowires to
deliver antibiotics across the P. aeruginosa’s biofilm to treat chronic infections. According to previous
research, among 40 patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, 77% were infected by P. aeruginosa, even though
71% of these patients exhibited a normal immune response (Neter 1974; Diaz et al. 1970; Diaz and Neter 1970).
Consequently, conventional antibiotic therapy was ineffective against the P. aeruginosa infection. Thus, we
will use copper-oxide nanowire bundles (CuO NWB) to penetrate the biofilm produced by P. aeruginosa to
deliver antibiotics and kill the bacteria residing inside the biofilm.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes a thick, sticky mucus build up in the lungs, which is an
ideal environment for P. aeruginosa biofilms to fluorish. P. aeruginosa infections form biofilms to defend
themselves against human immunity and conventional antibiotic therapy (Costerton et al. 1999; Nickel et al.
1985). This is important because a P. aeruginosa’s biofilm forms a 200 µm barrier of sugars and carbohydrates
to prevent antibiotics from reaching the pathogens (Hanlon et al. 2001; Anwar and Costerton 1992; Costerton et
al. 1987; Govan and Deretic 1996).
Earlier studies have used diffusion as a way to enter the pathogen’s biofilm layer to kill it, which is the
method we propose to use in this study. This is because P. aeruginosa’s biofilm consists of numerous pores
and channels, which can be used for the diffusion of nanowires (Costerton et al. 1999; Stewart 1996).
Nanowires have been used in various biological applications due to their size and selectivity (Li et al.
2010; Bao et al. 2008; Lu et al. 2007). These wires have a diameter of the nanometer scale, which can have
different shapes and properties depending on the material they are made of. And, we can arrange these
nanowires into nanowire bundles to form a synthetic mesh-like net that will increase the available surface area
for antibiotic attachment.
Metal ions have been used by Harrison et al. (2005) to kill the pathogen by diffusing metal ions through
the P. aeruginos’s biofilm. In addition, the results showed that a high concentration and long exposure time of
various metal ions were able to completely eliminate the biofilm. And, the lengthy exposure time was a result
of cationic binding of the metal ions to the biofilm that restricted the rate of penetration. Harrison et al. (2005)
also determined that 40 mM of lead, 120 mM of zinc, 140 mM of cobalt and nickel, and 300 mM of aluminum
metal ions were required to destroy a biofilm, whereas only 30 mM of copper was required to have the same
outcome. Thus, we decided to make our nanowires out of copper because copper was effective at low
concentrations and non toxic to biological systems. Therefore, we will use electrostatics to compose CuO NWB
antibiotic carriers. We predict the antibiotics will occupy the positive charge on the CuO NWBs and will not
adhere to the surface of the biofilm during diffusion.
Previous research performed by Walters et al. (2002) demonstrated tobramycin and ciprofloxacin
eventually penetrated the biofilm, but failed to kill P. aeruginosa once inside the biofilm. As indicated by
Figure 1, both ciprofloxacin and tobramycin did not increase P. aeruginosa’s mortality rate over a 100 hour
exposure time.
Figure 1. Killing of P. aeruginosa in biofilms in exposure to ciprofloxacin (A) and killing of P.
aeruginosa in biofilms in exposure to tobramycin (B). Filled squares were the treatment and the unfilled
were the controls (Walter et al. 2002)
Thus, the ineffectiveness of these antibiotics was not because of poor penetration, but oxygen limitation
and low metabolic activity inside the biofilm. A lack of oxygen within the biofilm either prevented P.
aeruginosa growth or the action of the antibiotics; whereas, free swimming bacterial cells were susceptible to
tobramycin and ciprofloxacin. For these reasons, we decided to use these two antibiotics in conjunction with
our CuO NWBs to kill the pathogen inside the biofilm. These bundles will not block the P. aeruginosa biofilm
pores because of their nanometer size. Therefore, oxygen transport will be restored, metabolic activity will
continue as normal, and we will be able to spread the antibiotics over a larger area. So, by combining these
antibiotics to our CuO NWBs we are creating a synthetic neutrophil extracellular trap (synNET).
According to Brinkmann et al. (2004), white blood cells in a normal immune response form a neutrophil
extracellular trap (NET) by secreting proteins and chromatin as shown in
Figure 2. This NET traps the pathogen and prevents damage to the adjacent
tissues at the site of infection. NETs bind to bacterial cells, prevent the spread
of infection, and kill the pathogen using antimicrobial agents (toxins,
chemicals, or antibodies) (Weinrauch et al. 2002). As a result of these above
advantageous properties, we will use a bundle of nanowires to imitate a NET
and trap the pathogen.
Figure 2. Neutrophil extracellular
trap (NET).
According to Tirouvanziam et al. (2007), NETs are rapidly killed by
toxins released by the bacterial cells making them ineffective. This is why
patients with cystic fibrosis are continuously suffering from recurring episodes of P. aeruginosa infection. So,
could CuO NWBs carrying antibiotics diffuse through the porous structure of P. aeruginosa’s biofilm and act as
a synNET?
We hypothesize that CuO NWBs will imitate a NET and carry antibiotics through the biofilm of P.
aeruginosa to kill the pathogen from the inside. If this synNET carrying antibiotics diffuses through the biofilm
successfully and if the antibiotics detach from the synNET inside the biofilm, we predict no growth on the
antibiotic/CuO NWB agar plates.
PROPOSED RESEARCH
The aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin coupled CuO
NWBs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth.
We will grow P. aeruginosa biofilms every three days to avoid biofilm degradation which usually
occurs at about 48 hours and to ensure a constant 24 hour aged biofilm for testing (D. Storey, pers. Commun.).
Also, we will synthesize one set of CuO NWBs for each antibiotic.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Synthesis
We will follow Harrison’s et al. (2006) procedure shown in Figure 3 to grow P. aeruginosa biofilms
using the Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) with the exception of using the scanning electron microscopy method.
Figure 3. The experimental design to synthesize P. aeruginosa biofilms, using Luria-Burtani Broth
(LB) and the Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) system; and examination of the biofilm’s structure using
confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) equipment (Harrison et al., 2006).
A confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and its 3D imaging properties will be used to examine
the biofilm’s structure and confirm the presence of pores. Only biofilm structures containing pores will be used
in this research study to make sure diffusion transport is accessible.
Ciprofloxacin and Tobramycin
We will purchase 100 mg of deprotonated (negatively charged) ciprofloxacin and tobramycin from
Sigma-Aldrich.
Walter’s et al. (2002) procedure will be used to test ciprofloxacin and tobramycin against P. aeruginosa
biofilms as our control. This will ensure that these two antibiotics are ineffective against P. aeruginosa
biofilms individually.
Synthesis of CuO NWBs
We will follow the methods outlined by Li et al. (2010) to synthesize the CuO NWBs. We will create a
one dimensional nanowire and combine it with an aqueous solution of CuCl2. This composite solution will be
vacuum filtered and dried in an oven to produce our nanowires composition. The initial template will be
removed with a solution of NaOH and the CuO NWBs will dry a final time. Creating our CuO NWBs will take
24 hours to complete. We will determine the structure and correct chemical composition of our CuO NWBs by
using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This will guarantee our CuO
NWBs are self assembled correctly.
Synthesis of synNETs
To attach our antibiotics, we will use electrostatic interactions (CuO NWBs positive charge with the
antibiotics negative charge) to couple with our CuO NWBs. A solution of ciprofloxacin/tobramycin will be cast
onto the CuO NWBs separately and then slowly evaporated to produce our synNETs. These synNETs will be
stored in a refrigerator (4 ).
We will follow Li’s et al. (2010) characterization method to characterize our synNET. Fourier
transform-IR (FT-IR) spectra will be performed using a Nicolet Avatar mass spectrometer from the University
of Calgary’s Chemical Instrumentation Facility to compare three different peaks: the CuO NWBs individually,
the antibiotic individually, and the antibiotic coupled with our CuO NWBs. If our antibiotics coupled with our
CuO NWBs successfully, we expect to see a spectra that combines both individual peaks: CuO NWBs and
antibiotic.
One factor that could affect our results is the strength of the electrostatic interaction between the
antibiotics and the CuO NWBs. If the interaction is too weak then the CuO NWB may attach to the biofilm
layer instead of the antibiotic, and the CuO NWB will not deliver the antibiotic across the biofilm layer.
Controls and Test Samples
P. aeruginosa biofilms in 96 welled MBEC plates will be randomly exposed to each parameter listed in
Table 1 below:
Table 1. Experimental group parameters tested with P. aeruginosa biofilms.
TREATMENT
A
Control
B
Antibiotic only
C
Nanowire only
D
Nanowire + Antibiotic
EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT
PARAMETERS
No antibiotic
No copper-oxide nanowire
Antibiotic
No copper-oxide nanowire
No antibiotic
Copper-oxide nanowire
Antibiotic fused
Copper-oxide nanowire
EXPECTED
RESULT
Growth
Growth
Limited growth
(copper-oxide toxicity)
No growth
(antibiotic penetration)
To prepare each of our test group parameters in Table 1 above, we will follow the procedures outlined in
Table 2 below:
Table 2. Experimental treatment group preparations.
A
TREATMENT
Control
B
Antibiotic only
C
Nanowire only
D
Nanowire + Antibiotic
PREPARATION PROCEDURE
Add 200 µL of 0.9% NaCl to 24 wells of a 96-well
MBEC plate of a randomly selected region (A,B,C,
and D) (Fig. 4)
Add 200 µL of antibiotic to 24 wells of a 96-well
MBEC plate of a randomly selected region (A,B,C,
and D) (Fig. 4)
Add CuO NWBs to 24 wells of a 96-well MBEC
plate containing 200 µL of 0.9% NaCl of a randomly
selected region (A,B,C, and D) (Fig. 4)
Add 200 µL of diluted antibiotic fused copper-oxide
nanowires to 24 wells of a 96-well microtiter plate of
randomly selected regions (A,B,C, and D) (Fig. 4)
Figure 4. A MBEC plate illustrating the regions of the treatment parameters: control, antibiotic only,
nanowire only, and antibiotic coupled CuO NWBs. Each treatment will consist of 24 out of the 96 wells
and will be rotated between regions A, B, C, and D (Ceri et al. 1999).
Experimental Procedure
The first day we will grow P. aeruginosa biofilms and synthesize CuO NWBs. Then, we will routinely
repeat the following 3 day outline for the duration of our 8 month experimentation with 2 days of intermittent
data collection.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
-
Confirm P. aeruginosa biofilm growth using CLSM and collect A
treatment results
Confirm the presence of copper on the CuO NWBs using TEM & XRD
Synthesize ciprofloxacin and tobramycin coupled CuO NWBs
Confirm proper coupling using FT-IR
Start B treatment and incubate 24 hours (35 )
-
Sonicate biofilm pegs, start C treatment, and incubate 24 hours (35 )
-
Sonicate biofilm pegs, start D treatment, and incubate 24 hours (35 )
-
Collect B treatment results
-
Collect C treatment results
Collect D treatment results
Grow P. aeruginosa biofilms
-
Sample Size
We expect limited growth once we penetrate the biofilm layer of P. aeruginosa with our synNET. To
determine the sample size (N) we will use a chi-squared logistical model to determine the noncentrality
parameter (λ) using the formula N = λ / w2. The effect size (w) is the effect we are interested in detecting. With
our growth and no growth model we expect to see a medium effect size of 0.3. With 14 degrees of freedom in
our experimental design, we obtained a noncentrality parameter of 27.2. The sample size that is required for
our experiment is 303. Thus, we will need at least 13 MBEC plates to get the required sample size.
Analysis and Interpretation
Harrison’s et al. (2006) viable cell counting procedure will be used to determine the mean amount of P.
aeruginosa biofilm growth after being exposed to three different treatments (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. Diagram of experimental procedure used for group tests B, C, and D (Table 1). Step D above
will incubate with antibiotics for group tests B and D and with CuO NWBs for group tests C and D
(Herrmann et al., 2010).
From our collected data, a one-way fixed effect ANOVA statistical test will be performed to compare
the mean colony forming units (CFUs) for our three different treatments. The ANOVA statistical test will
determine any growth differences between our antibiotic only, CuO NWBs only, and synNETs.
Our expected results from the ANOVA statistical test should reveal 100% growth in the control and
antibiotic only treatments, less than 100% growth in the CuO NWBs only treatment, and 0% growth in the
antibiotic coupled CuO NWBs treatment. If our experimental results correlate with our expected results
presented above, then our synNETs can be used as an alternative therapy for P. aeruginosa biofilm infections.
In addition, future studies could be conducted to determine the optimum concentration of CuO NWBs (without
using antibiotic coupling) needed to effectively kill P. aeruginosa biofilm growth.
LITERATURE CITED
Anwar H, Costerton JW. 1992. Effective use of antibiotics in the treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
American Society for Microbiology News. 58: 665–668.
Bao SJ, Li CM, Zang JF, Cui XQ, Qiao Y, Guo J. 2008. New nanostructured TiO2 for direct electrochemistry
and glucose sensor applications. Advanced Functional Materials. 18: 591-599.
Brinkmann V, Reichard U, Goosmann C, Fauler B, UhlemannY, Weiss SD, Weinrauch Y, Zychlinsky A. 2004.
Neutrophil extracellular traps kill bacteria. American Association for the Advancement of Science. 303: 15321535.
Ceri H, Olson ME, Stremick C, Read RR, Morck D, Buret A. 1999. The Calgary biofilm device: New
technology for rapid determination of antibiotic susceptibilities of bacterial biofilms. Journal of Clinical
Microbiology. 37:1771-1776.
Costerton JW, Cheng KJ, Geesey GG, Ladd TI, Nickel JC, Dasgupta M, Marrie TJ. 1987. Bacterial biofilms in
nature and disease. Annual Reviews of Microbiology. 41: 435–464.
Costerton JW, Stewart PS, Greenberg EP. 1999. Bacterial biofilms: A common cause of persistent infections.
Science. 284: 1318-22.
Diaz F, Mosovich LL, Neter E. 1970. Serogroups of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the immune response of
patients with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 121: 269-274.
Diaz F, Neter E. 1970. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Serogroups and antibody response in patients with neoplastic
diseases. American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 259: 340-345.
Govan JRW, Deretic V. 1996. Microbial pathogenesis in cystic fibrosis: mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Burkholderia cepacia. Microbiological Reviews. 60: 539–574.
Hanlon WG, Denyer Ps, Olliff JC, Ibrahim JL. 2001. Reduction in exopolysaccharide viscosity as an aid to
bacteriophage penetration through Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
American Society for Microbiology.
67: 2746-53.
Harrison JJ, Turner RJ, Ceri H. 2005. Persister cells, the biofilm matrix and tolerance to metal cations in biofilm
and planktonic Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm Research Group. University of Calgary. 7: 981-94.
Harrison JJ, Ceri H, Yerly J, Stremick CA, Hu Y, Martinuzzi R, Turner RJ. 2006. The use of microscopy and
three-dimensional visualization to evaluate the structure of microbial biofilms cultivated in the Calgary biofilm
device. Biological Procedures Online. 8:194-215.
Herrmann G, Yang L, Wu H, Song Z, Wang H, Hoiby N, Ulrich M, Molin S, Riethmuller J, Doring G. 2010.
Colistin-tobramycin combinations are superior to monotherapy concerning the killing of biofilm Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 202:1585-1592.
Li Y, Zhang Q, Li J. 2010. Direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin immobilized in CuO nanowire bundles.
Talanta. 83: 162-66.
Lu X, Zou G, Li J. 2007. Hemoglobin entrapped within a layered spongy Co3O4 based nanocomposite
featuring direct electron transfer and peroxidase activity. Journal of Materials Chemistry. 17: 1427-1432.
Neter E. 1974. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and humoral antibody response of patients with cystic
fibrosis. The Journal of infectious diseases. 130: 132-133.
Nickel JC, Ruseska I, Wright JB, Costerton JW. 1985. Tobramycin resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells
growing as a biofilm on urinary catheter material. Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 27: 619624.
Stewart PS. 1996. Theoretical aspects of antibiotic diffusion into microbial biofilms. Journal of Antimicrobial
Agents and Chemotherapy. 40: 2517-2522.
Tirouvanziam.R, Gernez Y, Conrad KC, Moss BR, Schrijver I, Dunn EC, Davies AZ, Herzenberg AL,
Herzenberg AL. 2007. Profound functional and signaling changes in viable inflammatory neutrophills. National
Academy of Science. 105: 4335-4339.
Walters CM, Roe F, Bugnicourt A, Franklin MJ, Stewart SP. 2003. Contributions of antibiotic penetration,
oxygen limitation, and low metabolic activity to tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms to ciprofloxacin
and tobramyacin. American Society for Microbiology. 47: 317-23.
Weinrauch Y, Drujan D, Shapiro SD, Weiss J, Zychlinsky A. 2002. Neutrophil elastase targets virulence factors
of enterobacteria. Nature. 417: 91-94.
Mark Ly
Calgary, AB T1Y 3S2
Ly.Mark@gmail.com
403-285-6741 ∙ Cell 403-805-4844
Objective: Multidisciplinary researcher, Materials Chemistry and Infectious Disease
Personal Skills
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Resourcefulness: Uses various avenues for learning new skills
and ability to work independently or part of a team.
Computer Skills: Proficient with MS Office applications, and
basic troubleshooting
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication
skills demonstrated in reports and presentations within a
multidisciplinary degree.
Detail Orientated: Precise and orderly in analytical chemistry
laboratory work.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Natural Science Concentration in Chemistry and Biology

University of Calgary, Calgary AB, exp 2011
Relevant Courses
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Main group Chemistry
o Synthesis of inorganic compounds and knowledge of inorganic solution chemistry
Instrumental analysis
o Experience analyzing inorganic materials using instrumental techniques
Interfacial chemistry
o Knowledge of surface films and interfaces involving metals.
Functional Genomics
o Introduced to high throughput methods and imaging technique
FAHIMA NAKITENDE
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
fahmashadia@hotmail.com
Objective: To be a Researcher in Nanomedicine
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
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Undergraduate scientist, 1st concentration in Biology
Research experience in nanoscience and nanomedicine in a Natural science project
course, Science 501
Interest in learning and discovering new ideas in science
Cooperative and team work skills
Able to interpret and analyze data
Sufficient knowledge about computers and mathematical skills
Ability to communicate both written and orally
Easily adaptable to various working environments
Open minded , Voluntary and non judgmental
Hard working and positive attitude
EDUCATION
B.S.c. Major Natural Science: 1st concentration in Biology, 2nd concentration in Math University of Calgary, 2007
VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
May 2006-present
Wal-Mart Health and Safety team associate, Calgary, AB
2009-present
Volunteer one on one with Aphasia patients to help them improve on their
speech (CHAT, Community Accessible Rehabilitation), South Calgary health centre, AB

Volunteer in chat group among Aphasia patients, Community
Accessible Rehabilitation, South Calgary Health Centre, AB
2006-present
Voluntary member of SIMS (Students interested in medical school),
University of Calgary
2006-present
Voluntary performer and a member of ASA (African students association),
University of Calgary
16
SHANNON WESLEY
610 7th Street NW
High River, AB T1V 2C8
(403) 652-1679
sbwesley@ucalgary.ca
Objective: Nanoscience and Biofilm Researcher, Nanotechnology and Medicine
QUALIFICATIONS
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Work experience in a 3-year research study about oil & gas emission effects on cattle
10 years of work experience in veterinary medicine, food safety, pathology, and disease
Microbiology research experience as an Animal Health Technologist and scientist
Comfortable training new employees, working in large groups, and peer mentoring
EDUCATION
Diploma in Animal Health Technology – Olds College, Olds AB, 2001
Bachelor of Natural Science – University of Calgary, Calgary AB, exp. 2012
RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Research Experience
 Western Interprovincial Scientific Studies Association (WISSA) research study (2002-2005)
- data entry using Microsoft Access databases
- organ and tissue sample collection from aborted or stillborn calves
 University of Calgary Microbiology laboratory (2010) – microorganism growth and identification
Communication and Leadership Experience
 Peer mentor for Dr. Lisa Bryce – COMS 363 Professional and Technical Communication (2011)
- responding constructively to students’ ungraded oral and written assignments
- advising, guiding, and conversing with students individually about course material
- cyber mentoring (online communication with students)
- facilitating class discussions
Professional Involvement
 Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists (AAAHT) – 10 year Active Service Award
 Arts Peer Mentorship Program (Winter 2011) – University of Calgary
 Biology Students’ Association – University of Calgary
 Chemistry Students’ Chapter – University of Calgary
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
May 2005 – present
June 2002 – May 2005
June 2001 – May 2005
Canadian Food Inspection Agency – EG03 Meat Hygiene Inspector
Supervisor: Dr. Constance Taylor (403) 652-8413
University of Saskatchewan – Research Data Entry Clerk
Supervisor: Dr. Richard Kennedy (403) 627-5481
Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic – Animal Health Technologist
Supervisor: Dr. Charles Zachar (403) 627-3900
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
17
BUDGET
Summer students: We plan on having 2 summer students for the first year at a rate of $5K/student each
year with a total of $10K. We then plan on hiring 2 graduate students of $13k/student for the second year
for a total of $26K. Over the 2 year period the gross total cost for student personnel is expected to be
$36K without considering USRA grants and TA positions.
Publication costs: We plan on publishing a paper in the American Society for Microbiology. The cost
associated with publishing this will be $3549.
Equipment costs: We will need to purchase materials to create our own Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
biofilms. The lab of Dr. Douglas Storey at the University of Calgary will provide the bacterial strain. 630
LB Agar plates ($2393.20), 100 mg of tobramycin and 100 mg of ciprofloxacin (Total $198.90), will be
purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. There will be a rental fee associated with the use of the X-Ray
Diffraction microscope ($15/hour) in the department of Geology at the University of Calgary. Chemicals
for creating the copper-oxide nanowire bundles will be provided by the Department of Chemistry at the
University of Calgary. We will use the Nicolet Avatar FT-IR Mass spectrometer at the University of
Calgary Chemical Instrumentation Facility. We will require a 3D Gyratory Rocker ($1114.99), an
incubator ($2291.94), and a refrigerator ($150.00).
Personnel: We plan to hire a lab technician to set up and maintain our equipment during the 2-year period
costing $40K/year for a total cost of $80K.
Traveling Costs: We expect to present our findings at the Alberta Nanotech showcase ($25/registration).
We plan to send 2 people to the International Conference on Nanotechnology, which should be a total of
($3K).
The total cost over 2 years will be $129 198.03.
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TIMELINE
We expect to take 8 months to do our experimental process which consists of making,
observing, and examining our copper-oxide nanowire bundles, biofilms, and our synthetic net.
Testing of our hypothesis will also be done in this 8 month period. The next 4 months will be
designated for data collection, interpretation, and analysis of our results. The following year, we
will spend 4-5 months interpreting our results. The remainder of our time will be spent writing
our paper and attending conferences to promote our findings.
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