Improving Plant Outcomes Using Beneficial Bacteria

Presenter: Natalie Hitchcock, General Biology & Plant Biology Major, Global Public Health Scholars

---

---

---

For my practicum, I worked in Dr. Micallef’s lab in the University of Maryland’s Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, which focuses on microbial food safety of fresh produce. The lab investigates how human pathogens interact with plant surfaces and the surrounding environment, particularly within specialty crop systems. Under the guidance of a graduate student mentor, I screened a collection of 96 bacterial isolates from Brassica rapa and B. juncea for plant growth-promoting traits such as phosphorus solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis. These abilities were assessed using selective agar media and colorimetric assays. Through this experience, I developed a stronger understanding of experimental design, microbiological techniques, and the importance of reproducibility in scientific research. I also gained valuable laboratory skills including micropipetting, plate streaking, and sterile technique, as well as experience recording and interpreting data. This work has direct implications for public health, as improving plant growth through beneficial microbes can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and enhance food safety by limiting opportunities for human pathogens to colonize crops. Additionally, understanding how bacterial communities interact with plants contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural systems, which supports long-term food security and environmental health which are two critical components of public health. Working in this lab helped me connect plant-microbe interactions to broader issues of nutrition, environmental exposure, and global food supply chains, all of which influence population health outcomes. This experience affirmed my interest in biology research and strengthened my commitment to public health-related science.