The gut microbiota—a vast community of microbes that reside in the human gastrointestinal tract—increases food digestibility, influences immune responses, and provides colonization resistance against pathogens. Despite these and other valuable contributions to human health, abnormalities in the gut microbiota are now increasingly associated with a multitude of complex human diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Importantly, we and others have learned that diet is a major factor influencing microbiome composition and function, thereby making it an exciting target for dietary interventions aimed at improving human health. Research topics in the Ramer-Tait lab include (1) establishing causal roles for gut microbes and their metabolites in disease, (2) identifying diet-microbiota interactions that improve disease outcomes, and (3) designing microbiome-based strategies for treating diseases. Examples of ongoing projects where students can contribute include studying how certain types of dietary fibers (also known as prebiotics) can improve metabolic responses, gut health, and anti-tumor immune responses by altering the gut microbiota.
Advisor Name: | Amanda Ramer-Tait | |
Email: | aramer-tait2@unl.edu | |
Website: | https://foodforhealth.unl.edu/amanda-ramer-tait | |
Advisor College: | Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources | |
Advisor Department: | Food Science and Technology | |
Potential Student Tasks: | Students joining the Ramer-Tait will be paired with a graduate student or technician to learn a variety of lab skills, such as cell and bacterial culture, DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR to quantify levels of bacteria in fecal samples, RT-PCR to measure changes in host gene expression, and quantification of short chain fatty acids as a measure of microbial fermentation. Opportunities also exist to assist with experiments involving mice harboring defined bacterial communities or human gut microbiomes. Trainees will also have the opportunity to attend lab meetings and present their research progress once a semester. | |
Student Qualifications: | Students should be motivated, attentive to details, and willing to work on a team. Curiosity about biology, microbes, the immune system, and/or chronic diseases is a plus. | |
Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community: | Dr. Ramer-Tait and members of her laboratory are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for undergraduate researchers that fosters their success as scientists. We not only teach students technical expertise for their individual research projects but also integrate them into larger, collaborative projects with global impact. Although our research requires trainees to be present in the laboratory, work schedules are flexible. Our lab team has mentored 71 undergraduate researchers, many of whom have pursued graduate/professional degrees or STEM careers. | |
Available Positions | 1 |