The spread of antibiotic resistance from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) to soil, crops, and waterways is of international concern and little research has been done with regards to the genetic mobility and persistence of resistant genes. Working with a local swine farmer, the researcher will build on previous work, studying E.coli levels in soil fertilized with swine manure, quantifying the amounts of seven antibiotic-resistant genes in manure and soil samples, pre- and post-manure application.
Shannon Hinsa-Leasure is an associate professor of biology at Grinnell College. She earned a Ph.D. from Dartmouth Medical School in molecular and cellular biology. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hinsa-Leasure has done post-doctorate research at NASA, Michigan State University, and Dartmouth.
Email: hinsa@grinnell.edu