Three Professors Receive Large Grant to Aid Research

Three Georgia Southern professors have recently been awarded a more than $233,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to aid their research project titled “Identification of the sources of pathogens in wetland sediments and their influence on beach water quality.” Funded for one year, research is now underway. A collaborative study including Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health professors Asli Aslan and Marina Eremeeva, and College of Science and Mathematics professor John Van Stan, the researchers will use state-of-the-art molecular laboratory techniques and geographic mapping tools to create a database for more informed resource management decisions to help develop healthier beaches in Georgia. The study will be conducted at Kings Ferry, a beach that has been under permanent advisory since 2005 because of high concentrations of enterococci, a fecal indicator bacterium to detect pollution at recreational marine beaches. “This is the first time a rapid and sensitive method for detection of the pollution sources will be applied to Georgia’s beaches,” says Asli Aslan, professor and researcher. “These new methods have the potential to better understand the water quality problems and provide solutions. We will work with state agencies to develop beach rehabilitation strategies based on our results. With this project, we bridge theory in a sophisticated research laboratory with practice in the field, creating opportunities for our students to improve their skills in applied sciences.  Our overarching goal is to create public health awareness on the potential health risks from exposure to waterborne pathogens in recreational waters.” “Surveillance of free-living amoeba in recreational waters is very important since some of these organisms can cause severe clinical conditions in humans and livestock, but also serve as a ‘Trojan horse’ supporting the survival of many pathogenic bacteria including Legionella and Chlamydia,” added Marina Eremeeva, professor and researcher. The results of this project will be disseminated through a series of public meetings jointly organized by Georgia Southern University, Chatham County Health Department and Ogeechee Riverkeeper to educate the public on recreational activities and health outcomes at rural beaches in Georgia. Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125-degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student–centered and hands-on approach to education.