Eye Spy: Microbial Growth on Contact Lenses (PowerPoint)
Description: This study was conducted in order examine microbial growth on contact lenses under different conditions, and we expect to find extensive biofilm growth on contact lenses that have been used incorrectly according to user instructions.
By: Theresa Edson and Kyle Hilsabeck

EFFECTS OF POLYFIBER AND CARBON SUBSTRATES ON THE GROWTH AND DIVERSITY OF BIOFILMS IN A FISH TANK FILTRATION SYSTEM (PowerPoint)
Description: The significance of this experiment is to determine what types of microorganisms grow on fish tank filters. This information will signify the importance of proper fish filter maintenance. By changing the filter every 2-4 weeks as directed, the growth of pathogenic microorganisms will be reduced. This will prevent dangerous levels of microorganisms and infectious disease from developing inside the filter and tank.
By: Annie Reiher and Jack Kampf

What You’re Swimming With (PowerPoint)
Description: A report released from the Centers for Disease Control proposed that hot tubs are not as harmless as they appear. The article talks about outbreaks of pseudomonas aeruginosa dermatitis associated with hot tub use. In fact, it suggests that the microorganism is present in the biofilm when sanitizer levels are inadequate of the hot tub has not been treated properly with chemical cleaners (pseudomonas dermatitis in hot tubs, 2000). It is believed that hot tubs have a biofilm in them that may contain pseudomonas aeruginosa or other potentially harmful microorganisms. The Center for Biofilm Engineering also describes how formerly healthy patients who used indoor hot tubs had developed a progressive cough, fever and fatigue, and eventually needed lung biopsies. However after removing the hot tubs from the houses, the patients recovered from what researchers termed “hot tub lung”(Germs throw cold water on hot tub hygiene, 2004). This would make a strong argument that the hot tub is the reason the patients are sick. It is hypothesized that a biofilm grown from a sample taken from a hot tub will contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa or another microorganism that could be harmful to humans.
By: Matt Fox and Erin Wright

Pinning Wrestling Mat Microorganisms (PowerPoint)
Description: Biofilms are a community of microorganisms attached to a solid surface. A wrestling mat is not usually thought of as a location for a biofilm. The surface of a wrestling mat has the potential to become home to millions of microbial cells including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and more. The wrestling mats at Wartburg College are used almost daily by numerous athletes with nothing on their minds but winning. But do they ever think about the cleanliness of the mat? What other organisms are crawling around on those mats? A simple inspection of the wresting mat may reveal that we aren’t the only ones wrestling on these mats. A biofilm that exists on this mat is not entirely killed when cleaned by the Wartburg staff as we attempt to show in this experiment.
By: Alaina Goos and Ryan Sturm