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Sarah Jane Quillin

Lecturer

Contact

Bio

Publications: Quillin SJ, Tran P, Prindle A: "Potential Roles for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Signaling in Bacterial Communities." Bioelectricity, 2021; Quillin SJ, Hockenberry AJ, Jewett MC, Seifert HS: Neisseria gonorrhoeae exposed to sublethal levels of hydrogen- peroxide mounts a complex transcriptional response. mSystems, 2018; Quillin SJ, Seifert HS: Neisseria gonorrhoeae host adaptation and pathogenesis. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2018; Hon J, Hwang MS, Charnetzki MA, Rashed IJ, Brady PB, Quillin S, Makinen MW: "Kinetic Characterization of the Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-1B by Vanadyl (VO2+) Chelates." Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2017; Brooks JF, Gyllborg MC, Cronin DC, Quillin SJ, Mallama CA, Foxall R, Whistler C, Goodman AL, Mandel MJ: Global discovery of colonization determinants in the squid symbiont Vibrio fischeri. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2014; Schwartz KT, Carleton JD, Quillin SJ, Rollins SD, Portney DA, Leber JH: Hyper-induction of host interferon Beta by a Listeria monocytogenes strain naturally over-expressing the multi-drug efflux pump MdrT. Infection and Immunity, 2012; Quillin SJ, Schwartz KT, Leber JH: The novel Listeria monocytogenes bile sensor BrtA controls expression of the cholic acid efflux pump MdrT. Molecular Microbiology, 2011.

Personal Statement

I am a microbiologist studying how bacteria behave in structured communities called biofilms, which have distinct genetic and physiological properties including social behaviors and antibiotic resistance. Biofilms occur naturally within the soil rhizome and human gut microbiome ecological niches, as well as in industrial and clinical settings, with widespread implications for emerging biotechnology, synthetic biology, and public health. I am interested in novel biofilm metabolism within the soil rhizome and human gut microbiota, focusing on biosynthesis of small metabolites typically thought of as human neurotransmitters. These molecules allow for inter-kingdom signaling that allows consortia of bacteria in the gut to affect human behavior, a phenomenon described as the gut-brain axis. I specialize in genetic engineering, systems biology, high-throughput forward genetic screens, and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

This course surveys the science behind emerging biotechnologies in neuroscience, genomics, genetic engineering, transhumanism and artificial intelligence. For each technology we discuss, we will focus on the biology on which that tool has been developed from/for. Once we obtain an understanding of the scientific background of these topics, we will also discuss potential bioethical situations the use of these biotechnologies brings. Finally, we will learn to think critically about these topics and how they are presented to us in the media. The objective of this course is to gain a thorough understanding of the scientific method, as well as the key functional components of the brain and body on a molecular level. These foundations are critical for the translation of scientific knowledge into critical thinking about the presentation of science in the media, as well as the creation of a strong justification for one?s own ethical positions.

Throughout the semester students will complete readings and written homework assignments. The final will consist of a written paper on a specific technology that the student would like to further analyze, as well as a short oral presentation to their peers.

Class Number

2295

Credits

3