Ciona robusta (formerly C. intestinalis) as a model of gut host-microbe interactions
Outreach & Training
The Dishaw Lab takes outreach seriously. We are committed to communicating our multidisciplinary research, which will contribute to our understanding of host and microbe interactions in the gut and, more specifically, will help define the ecology of microbial colonization on host mucosal surfaces.
Our work is focused on training undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows in the cross-disciplinary field of microbial ecology and immunology.
Teaching & Inspring
Our collaborations to reach out to undergraduates is designed to inspire the next generation of STEM scientists and inspire some students that may even be “on the fence” about a career in science.
We also incorporate microbiome technologies in our St. Petersburg College Biotechnology Course guest lectures, take part in local science-themed activities such as the annual Saint Petersburg Science Festival, and also integrating microbial ecology modules into the USF Oceanography Camp for Girls each year of the program.
Communicating & Mentoring
At the undergraduate level, we have specific outreach collaborations with St. Petersburg College and Eckerd College; these programs encourage rigorous honors thesis projects in a laboratory engaged in microbiological, immunological, and marine biological research on a medical campus.





















