Pitt-Greensburg hosts American Society of Microbiology’s Allegheny branch
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The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in Hempfield recently welcomed participants from more than 15 universities and colleges for the annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology’s Allegheny branch.
Two days of professional development included networking and poster presentations based on participants’ research.
Several entries were recognized including:
• Junior Riley Lesko, a biological sciences major from Belle Vernon; junior Mackenzie Taylor, a biochemistry major from Connellsville; and Taylor Podob, a junior biological sciences major from North Huntingdon, took first place in the general microbiology poster competition for research into the effects of lithium chloride in the C. elegans nematode as a potential therapeutic treatment for Huntington’s disease.
• Faith Boyle of Greensburg, a sophomore biological sciences major from Greensburg, took first place in the SEA-PHAGES poster competition for “SEA-PHAGES in Your Dream, an Arthrobacter globiformis Bacteriophage appears: DreamEater.”
• Jennifer Labbe-Kinney, a 2024 biological sciences major from Murrysville, took first place in the computation microbiology poster competition for “Potential Function of Hypotheticel Gene in Arthrobacter sulfureus Bacteriophage MiniMommy Based on Synteny.”
• Jacob Calleja, a senior biological sciences major from Lincoln, R.I.; and Raychel Cass, a senior biological sciences and psychology major from Saltsburg, took first place in the environmental microbiology poster competition for “Isolating, Purifying and Amplifying Novel Phages Sling and SwissCheezer with a Microbaterium foliorum Host.”
“Seeing my students succeed at the regional ABASM microbiology conference was incredibly rewarding,” said Olivia Long, who served as advisor for Lesko, Taylor and Podob’s research. “Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and hard work. Attending these events is crucial because it allows students to engage with the broader scientific community, sharpen their presentation skills, and receive valuable feedback on their research. These experiences not only build confidence but also open doors to future opportunities in the field.”
The society’s distinguished speaker, Brenda Anne Wilson, presented the keynote speech, “Toxins, Toxins Everywhere: Turning Foe Into Friend,” and a spotlight presentation “Taking the Wheel: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations.”
Dorothy Zilic, the campus’s director of career services, organized and facilitated a career path seminar, “STEM Career Snapshots: 15 Minutes to Your Future,” which featured professionals and students sharing their journeys and experiences.
In November 2025, ABASM will take place at PennWest University, formerly California University of Pennsylvania.