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At the most recent annual conference of the South Central Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, held in Little Rock, Arkansas, a University of Arkansas at Monticello biology student was awarded the top prize in the student division. The South Central Branch of the society includes researchers from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Macie Carter, a senior at UAM, won Outstanding Poster Presentation in the student division, which included all poster presentations delivered by undergraduate and master’s students. Carter is a double major in biology and biochemistry from East End, Arkansas. Her research focused on the effects of sodium chloride treatment prior to the germination of Bacillus anthracis spores.

“Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, supplementation is an extremely physiologically relevant research avenue because it is readily available in the human body,” Carter explained. “Learning more about its impact on the germination process of Bacillus anthracis spores can help further our understanding of the development of anthrax disease in humans, which can be deadly, especially when used in acts of bioterrorism.” 

Dr. Andrew Roser, assistant professor of biology at UAM, supported Carter during her research, which she conducted in his lab. His research includes the germination response of Bacillus anthracis spores, which cause anthrax disease in humans. He congratulated Carter, stating, “I am incredibly proud of the work that Macie has done during her time in my lab. She was able to communicate the research effectively and proudly represented UAM at a conference in which UAM has historically not had much involvement.”

Carter celebrated the experience the conference offered, explaining, “I have been to many research conferences during my time at UAM, but this conference holds a special place in my mind. We were treated as scientists, and it felt like an important stepping stone to the start of my career. I am beyond proud to have been able to represent our research team as well as UAM, and I am even more proud to have been recognized for my work. I could not have done it without the support of Dr. Roser and my past and present UAM labmates.”

Dr. Shuneize Slater, dean of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, stated, “The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences is very proud of Macie for all her accomplishments during her time here at UAM. She is a research-oriented student and never turns down an opportunity to present to others the work she is doing. In a competition for both undergraduate and master’s students, for Macie to win speaks volumes about her abilities and the relevance of her project with Dr. Roser. We look forward to seeing what Macie accomplishes in the future.”

According to its website, “The South Central Branch of the American Society of Microbiology is dedicated to the advancement of microbiological sciences as a vehicle for understanding life processes and to apply and communicate this knowledge for the improvement of health, environmental and economic well-being worldwide.”