Committee Chair

Harris, Bradley

Committee Member

Giles, David; Danquah, Michael; Yang, Sungwoo

Department

Dept. of Civil and Chemical Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

The proposed research focuses on the growth and potential risk associated with virulent spread of Vibrio cholerae. The thesis project is based upon a mathematical and computational simulation of pathogen dynamics that is validated via experimentation and data collection focused on the transmission and pathogenic evolution of Vibrio cholerae. While the larger scope of the project is focused around the importance of understanding Vibrio cholerae dynamics to create control and management strategies that may prevent future outbreaks, this thesis focuses on the experimentation and subsequent data collection surrounding the growth mechanisms of the bacterium under various environmental conditions. In addition, experimentation focuses on assessing virulence changes at different stages under varying virulence-inducing conditions that mimic those of a human host. This thesis discusses the methods used during experimentation, the rationale behind their selection, and the significance of the data collected in the larger scope of the project.

Acknowledgments

The work performed throughout this thesis involved countless hours of dedication an passion from some of the best people I know. I would like to first thank my advisor, Dr. Bradley Harris, who trusted me with such an important project. His knowledge and project management ability carried this project forward. Secondly, I would like to thank Dr. Jin Wang who received a CEACSE grant to support the work explored in this thesis. I am eternally grateful to be a part of such a multi-faceted project that taught me things beyond the scope of my own field of study. I would also like to acknowledge the work put forth by Dr. David Giles. His incredible intuition and ability to adapt in the laboratory was fundamental to the progression of this project. His knowledge and insight in microbiology was vital in producing viable data. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Eric Siv whose passion and determination positioned this project’s success even after his departure. Without his meticulous attention to detail and patience this project would not have been possible. This research was supported by an CEACSE grant to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to the following departments: Department of Mathematics, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering.

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

8-2019

Subject

Vibrio cholerae

Keyword

Allee effects; V. cholerae; Virulence; Microbiology; ELISA assay; Growth dynamics

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

xii, 84 leaves

Language

English

Rights

https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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