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The Extreme Biofilms National Research Traineeship (NRT) sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is a university-wide community of doctoral students in engineering, microbiology, computing, biochemistry, and environmental sciences with focused professional development and graduate training on biofilm-forming microorganisms in extreme environments. This graduate traineeship aims to prepare the next generation of science and engineering leaders. who will accelerate the translation of basic research into technological solutions for the betterment of society. 

 

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Explore the Extreme

Predict the observable characteristics of biofilms in extreme environments

Prevent and control biofilms in extreme engineered systems

Uncover the properties which confer survival of extremophilic biofilms

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Connect and Collaborate

Participate in convergent research that advances knowledge on microbial biofilms in extreme systems

Become one of our outstanding PhD graduate students

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Strength in STEM

Participate with other departments such as Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Civil Engineering, Microbiology and Cell Biology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Plant Sciences, Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science

 

 

Your Journey Through the Funded NRT Program

 

Photo of a Sporosarcian pasteurii biofilm under drip flow with text on top that says "Year 1". Photo by Sobia Anjum.

Year 1

Participate in Transferrable Skills Workshops

Build an Individual Development Plan

Create a Mentor Team

Start Tracking Personal Progress

Take the Extreme Biofilms Coursework

 

Photo of a biofilm labeled "Spaghetti and Meatballs" with text on top that says "Year 2". Photo by Erika Espinosa-Ortiz.

Year 2

Take the Extreme Biofilms Coursework

Carry Out a Career Internship Experience

Conduct Outreach Activities

 

Photo of Sporosarcina pasteurii cells with text on top that says "Year 3". Photo by Sobia Anjum.

Year 3

Organize a Scientific Meeting Session

Pursue External Grants

Photo of a Imaris snapshot with text on top that says "Years 4&5". Photo by Erika Espinosa-Ortiz.

Years 4 & 5

Refine Your Career Plan

Receive Assistance with Job Hunting

Graduate Training

 

Photo of students and researchers working in the Center For Biofilm Engineering lab at MSU with text on top that says "Career Internship Experience." Photo by Kelly Gorham.
Photo of students in a lab smiling with text on top that says "Team-Based Coursework." Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.
Photo of test tubes being prepared with text on top that says "Seed Grant Program." Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.
Photo of researchers working on various projects in the labs at MSU with text on top that says "Workshops and Short Courses on Applicable Skills." Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.
Photo of a student doing research at Soap Lake with text on top that says "Individual Development Plans." Photo by Robin Gerlach.
Photo of a Professor standing next to a student with text on top that says "Personalized Mentor Team." Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.

 

Scientists and researchers work on projects in the laboratories at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at MSU. With text on top that says "Competitive Stipends Awarded Annually". Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.

 

Montana State University's Research on Extreme Biofilms

A graphic showing the three research topics of the NRT program. Research topic one explores genomic traits of biofilms, topic two investigates patterns in the composition of biofilm samples, and topic 3 looks into the biofilm’s phenome activity.