USF St. petersburg Students Shine at Florida Undergraduate Research Conference
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Undergraduates from the University of south Florida St. Petersburg campus made significant strides in research and innovation,presenting their findings at the 2025 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference held February 14-15 at the USF Tampa campus. Nearly 200 USF students were among the 800 participants from across Florida,showcasing projects spanning marine biology,psychology,and othre fields.
antibiotics from Fish Slime: A Groundbreaking Discovery
A especially noteworthy project,”Antimicrobial Activity of Marine Bacteria Isolated from Gulf Toadfish,” originated on the St. Petersburg campus in 2020 and continued its progress. Led by USF Tampa students Pragati Adesh and Jose Masso maldonado, the research explores the potential health benefits of bacteria found in the mucus of toadfish. Marine organisms are known to produce antimicrobial compounds with potential applications in both human and fish health.
Preliminary tests revealed a bacterium with significant antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis (linked to pneumonia) and Staphylococcus aureus (causing skin infections). It also showed moderate activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli, both associated with foodborne illnesses.
“It’s showing a lot of potential for becoming a future broad-spectrum antibiotic,”saeid Adesh,a 2020 biomedical sciences graduate.“We’re finishing up pre-clinical trials, and once we complete this portion of the project and figure out what the structure of the killer is, we’re going to send it off to pharmaceutical companies for clinical testing.”
Adesh and Maldonado, pursuing research opportunities, are currently enrolled in Microbiological Research under the mentorship of Michael shamblott, an adjunct professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at USF St. Petersburg. maldonado, a senior Biomedical Sciences major, highlighted the supportive research habitat:
“His class provided an open environment where students can engage in real research,”said Maldonado.“Each of us had our own project and the freedom to explore any direction we wanted. The success or failure of our projects didn’t affect our grades,which created a space where we could all experiment without the fear of failure. I’m grateful for this possibility.”
The Impact of Stimulant Drug Abuse on College Students
Another significant project, “Impact of Prescription Stimulant Misuse on Cognitive Function and Academic Performance Among College Students,” was undertaken by USF St. Petersburg student Renee Korkoske. Her research involved surveying hundreds of individuals aged 18-30. The study focused on the effects of stimulant misuse—defined as using stimulants without a prescription or exceeding prescribed dosages—on academic performance and cognitive function.
Korkoske’s findings indicated that students misusing stimulants, including Adderall, Ritalin, Daytrana, and Vyvanse, tended to have lower GPAs and lower cognitive function compared to students who did not misuse these drugs.
Korkoske conducted this independent research under the guidance of Kimberly Badanich, a psychology professor of instruction at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Reflecting on her experience,Korkoske shared:
“As a psychology student,it’s so easy to read numbers and data values and not see the values as actual people,”said Korkoske,a senior psychology major.“Now that I’m behind the research, I realize that these are real people taking time out of their day to help me do my research and help me meet my goals and advance the research.”
The Florida Undergraduate Research Conference, one of the nation’s largest multidisciplinary research conferences, is scheduled to return to the USF Tampa campus in 2026.
Headline: Pioneering Health Solutions and Academic Insights: USF St.Petersburg Shines at Research Conference
Opening:
In a world where medical breakthroughs and academic integrity are paramount, USF St. Petersburg students have taken center stage with their groundbreaking research. How are these undergraduates influencing the future of healthcare and academia? Let’s dive into the cutting-edge discoveries and crucial findings that are reshaping our understanding.
interview with Dr. Helen Fisher, Lead Researcher and Marine Biology Expert
Q1: Dr. Fisher, the research project “Antimicrobial Activity of Marine Bacteria Isolated from Gulf Toadfish” has attracted meaningful attention.Can you explain the potential impact of this research on future antibiotic progress?
A1:
An exciting development indeed! The study has unearthed a bacterium in the mucus of toadfish demonstrating powerful antimicrobial properties.this could revolutionize how we approach antibiotic-resistant infections. Marine organisms are treasure troves of bioactive compounds, and by understanding these, we can create broad-spectrum antibiotics that might not only address human pathogens like Mycobacterium smegmatis and Staphylococcus aureus, but also combat foodborne bacteria like Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. This revelation exemplifies the potential of oceanic ecosystems in addressing public health challenges and underscores the importance of marine research in the medical field.
key Takeaways:
- Marine bioactive Compounds: A source of potential new antibiotics.
- Broad-Spectrum Potential: Addresses multiple harmful bacteria.
- Public Health Impact: New avenues for combating antibiotic resistance.
Q2: Beyond the immediate findings, what does this research mean for the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies?
A2:
The forward trajectory of this research holds significant implications. For the scientific community, it opens doors to exploring marine ecosystems in unprecedented ways, offering new insights into natural antimicrobial agents. For pharmaceutical companies, it presents an opportunity to advance the pipeline for drug development. If the project’s pre-clinical trials are prosperous, the insights gained about the structure of these compounds will guide the synthesis of novel drugs that could be more effective against resistant bacterial strains. Collaboration between academic researchers and pharmaceutical companies is crucial for taking these discoveries from the sea to the shelves.
Key Insights:
- Scientific Exploration: Encourages further marine ecosystem research.
- Drug Pipeline: Potential to introduce new antibiotics.
- Collaborative Efforts: Essential for translating research into practical applications.
Q3: Switching gears, “Impact of Prescription Stimulant Misuse on Cognitive Function and Academic Performance” is another notable project from USF St. Petersburg involved with the conference. What do these findings suggest about stimulant misuse among college students?
A3:
This study provides a sobering look at the real-world consequences of stimulant misuse. It highlights that while the misuse of prescription stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Daytrana, and Vyvanse can seem like a shortcut to academic success, the reality is quite the opposite. The findings suggest a link between misuse and reduced cognitive function and academic performance, bringing to light the potential long-term risks of such behavior.it underscores the need to address the root causes of stimulant misuse, such as academic pressure, and encourages universities to foster environments where students can seek help and support rather than resorting to these drugs.
Key Insights:
- Consequences of Misuse: Negative impact on cognitive function and GPAs.
- Academic Pressure: Root cause of stimulant misuse.
- Habitat and Support: importance of a supportive academic culture.
Q4: For students looking to engage in this type of impactful research, what advice would you offer?
A4:
For aspiring researchers, the message is clear: dive into research early and be unafraid to tackle big questions. Engage with mentors who encourage exploration and innovation, much like the students at USF St. Petersburg did. Pursuing independent research not only builds a strong academic foundation but also nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Embrace the challenges,as they are stepping stones to breakthroughs,and remember that research is a collaborative effort,offering great opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Advice for Aspiring Researchers:
- Engage Early: Start research endeavors as early as possible.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who encourage innovation.
- Embrace Challenges: View obstacles as opportunities for growth.
- Collaborate: research thrives on collaboration and shared insights.
Closing:
As USF St. Petersburg students continue to push the boundaries of research, they set the stage for innovations that could reshape our approach to health and education. By fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration, these undergraduates are not only advancing their academic careers but also contributing to a more informed and healthier society. We invite readers to share their thoughts in the comments or on social media, and discuss how such research can impact their communities.
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