Dr. Heidi Smith: Why the future of biofilm research is microscopic

Al Cunningham: The origins of biofilm research trace back to the founding of the CBE

Al Cunningham is truly a founding father of biofilm research. He was part of the research group that in 1990 founded what would become the world's first, largest, and best-known biofilm research center at Montana State University. He may have "emeritus" in his title nowadays. But make no mistake, he's as busy as any of his colleagues in the CBE's labs. Today, he talks about the origins of the CBE, how the center nearly collapsed upon the death of its founder, and the current state of biofilm research from his place at its leading edge.

Dr. Catherine Kirkland breaks down the role of biofilms and granular sludge in wastewater treatment

Dr. Catherine Kirkland breaks down the role of biofilms and granular sludge in wastewater treatment

Dr. Heidi Smith: Why the future of biofilm research is microscopic

Today, we’re talking with Dr. Heidi Smith, who runs one of the most powerful microscopy facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Heidi took on the task of managing the Bio-Imaging Facility at the Center for Biofilm Engineering [https://biofilm.montana.edu] in 2018. And one of her first orders of business was to undertake an ambitious plan to upgrade the microscopy hardware. She landed more than $1.5 million in grants, which enabled the purchase of research-expanding equipment that can peer deeper into biofilms than ever before, Importantly, by some standards, the new hardware will exceed the lab’s current capabilities eightfold.

Biofilm First-Dana Skorupa

Today we’re talking with Dr. Dana Skorupa, whose research interests at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University, include thermophiles, which are microbes that thrive in extreme environments such as the ever hot and caustic waters of Yellowstone National Park’s Geothermal Geyser Basins. We’ll also focus on Dana’s work getting young scientists involved with hands-on research. She regularly takes undergraduate researchers into Yellowstone to bioprospect for these thermophiles – specifically those that are capable of degrading plastics.

Biofilm First-Garth James

Today we’re talking with Dr. Garth James, who oversees the Medical Biofilms Lab at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University. Today, we’ll talk with Garth about the devastating role biofilms play in some chronic wounds, as well as hospital acquired infections.