Dr. Prachi Tripathi, a visiting professor from the Interamerican University in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, recently completed a month long training and research project at Fort Valley State University.
The educator and researcher presented her work titled: “Atomic Force Microscopic Studies on Pili from Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG” on the last day of her month long training. An audience of more than 35 faculty, staff and students attending the presentation held in FVSU’s Stallworth Biotechnology building.
She said scientists could benefit from using this technique because it makes it easier for them to study positive and negative biological interactions. Atomic force microscopic methods enhance the scientist’s ability to see details in cells.
Tripathi said she decided to conduct research at FVSU because of interactions with Dr. Nirmal Joshee, FVSU professor of biotechnology. She said Joshee visited her institution several times in the past to teach short courses and some students from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico have participated in exchange programs with FVSU.
“I learned about their excellent microscopic facilities and how they have expertise in the area of plant tissue culture and imaging plants. The type of research facilities that students have access to is phenomenal,” Tripathi said, referencing FVSU. The biology professor said FVSU possesses resources that some larger universities don’t have.
Tripathi said that without hesitation or reservations, she would highly recommend FVSU to her students as a place to study and conduct research.
“My experience here has been extremely positive. It’s been much more than I expected to get out of one month’s training. The facilities are excellent and they are maintained very well. You have access to all of the finest instruments and state-of-the art technology. What I would tell my students and coworkers back at my university is that if they’re interested in any sort of exchange or developing any research capability for themselves, this is an excellent place,” Tripathi said.
Joshee expressed encouraging words about Tripathi’s work at FVSU. “It is always a pleasure for us to have scientists of Dr. Tripathi’s caliber acknowledge our research and appreciate the research infrastructure that we have developed during the last few years. We have established high standards in biological research and microscopic imaging. Visiting professors interact with our graduate students, providing them knowledge and suggestions for future placements in the workforce and graduate school,” Joshee said.
Majority of Tripathi’s work, conducted during her doctoral research in Belgium and post-doctoral work in the Netherlands, concentrates on the use of atomic force microscopic studies on probiotics. “It is a very versatile technique that allows you to study different aspects of different types of specimens,” Tripathi said.
She said that the study of probiotics is important in maintaining good intestinal health in animals or livestock because with the right balance or mix of these (probiotic) bacteria, a lot of digestive troubles can be avoided. Proper administration of probiotics can also insure that animals have good intestinal health, which is helpful to farmers and dairy producers.
For more information about FVSU’s biotechnology program, contact Joshee at (478) 822-7039 or e-mail josheen@fvsu.edu.