Andrew Johnson
Ph.D. student
Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Major professor: Andrzej J. Paszczynski
andrewjohnson@vandals.uidaho.edu 
Andrew’s current research interest is the development of nanoparticle-biomolecule hybrids, in particular the immobilization of enzymes to magnetic nanoparticles via the fusion of surface-specific affinity peptides. The mechanism by which these peptide sequences associate with an inorganic surface and the characterization of this interaction is of exceptional importance. Immobilization using affinity peptides can be performed under ambient conditions and could potentially be used to simultaneously purify and immobilize proteins important for biodegradation, biomedical applications, and industrial processes. Andrew is also interested in the mechanisms involved in formation of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetotactic bacteria and the interactions of biomolecules present in the cell with the surface of these particles. By harnessing the inherent fidelity of biological systems to produce nanoparticles with specific crystal structures and of a narrow size range distribution, quality control issues could be solved while also avoiding time-consuming chemical synthesis with toxic reagents. The study of natural nanoparticles formation and subsequent association of biomolecules with the surface of these nanoparticles would improve the design and implementation of nanoparticle-biomolecule hybrids.

Fatimah Al-hamlan
Ph.D. student
Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Major professor: Ronald L. Crawford
fatimahalhamlan@vandals.uidaho.edu 
Fatimah is using microarray techniques to characterize viral populations in natural waters, treated and untreated wastewaters, and water from confined human environments such as spacecraft.  Her work will lead to a better understanding of the roles viruses play in microbial communities within aqueous environmental systems, including their potential for causing human disease.

Reema Bansal 
M.S. student
Environmental Science
Major professor: Ronald L. Crawford
rbansal@vandals.uidaho.edu
Reema is studying the genetics of perchlorate degradation in bacteria isolated from extreme environments.  Her primary task is to clone and characterize perchlorate operon genes and genes involved in dismutation of chlorite, a product of perchlorate reduction.  These genes will be employed by others of our team to construct artificial gene cassettes to be used to confer perchalorate reduction capabilities within natural microbial biofilms. 

Aleksandra Checinska
Ph.D. student
Environmental Science
Major professor: Andrzej J. Paszczynski
achecinska@uidaho.edu
Ola's current objective is B. pumilus endospores sterilization with supercritical fluid carbon dioxide and finding out mechanisms of its resistance on physiological levels.

Thomas Nickles
Ph.D. student
Environmental Science
Major professor: Ronald L. Crawford
tnickles@vandals.uidaho.edu
Tom is examining microbial communities of extreme terrestrial environments that can be considered surrogates for extraterrestrial environments such as the soils and rocks of Mars.  He is particularly interested in characterizing microbial metabolic processes within rock varnish, a mineral coating found on surfaces of rocks in Earth's deserts, and perhaps also on Mars.  Tom's research may lead to new methods for detection of life in extraterrestrial environments.


Edison Shieh
M.S. student
Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Major Professor: Ronald L. Crawford
Co-Major Professor: Andrzej Paszczynski
eshieh@uidaho.edu
Edison's research relates to sterilization with supercritical carbon dioxide.


Malcolm Burbank
Ph.D. student
Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Major Professor: Ronald L. Crawford
mburbank@vandals.uidaho..edu
Malcolm is working on biomineralization of liquefaction-prone soils.

Katarzyna Kucharzyk 
Ph.D. student
Environmental Science
Major professor: Thomas Hess
kkucharzyk@vandals.uidaho.edu 
Kate is studying the use of genetic algorithms to optimize perchlorate degradation.

Frederik P.J. Vandecasteele, 2006
Ph.D., Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Major professor: Thomas F. Hess
Dissertation title: Using genetic algorithms to optimize functions of microbial ecosystems

Chun Li, 2006
Ph.D., Chemistry
Major professor: Ronald L. Crawford
Dissertation title: Synthesis of isoxazole derivatives