Biomedical Science program students at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus will soon benefit from involvement in Tiny Earth, a nationwide initiative run by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a focus on undergraduate research.

Professor and Program Director Shawn McPartland who will now also serve as a Tiny Earth Partner Instructor, shared that just one gram of earth contains tens of thousands of bacterial species and over one billion bacterial cells. “While many people may believe that all new antibiotics come from pharmaceutical laboratories, the fact is that many newly discovered drugs are found in nature.  As a Tiny Earth affiliated institution, Keiser University Flagship Campus Biomedical Science program students gain additional hands-on research experience, with opportunities to present their findings to an international audience of fellow students and educators.  The prospect of conducting original research and collaborating with students from across the globe will be an invaluable experience to these students as they prepare for graduate school, professional school, or the workplace,” said McPartland of the group that will be collecting, purifying, growing, and isolating soil samples prior to studying their chemical make-up with a focus on bacteria and its antibiotic properties.

The partnership is expected to begin during the spring of 2023. Student participants will also enjoy the opportunity to present their findings as part of Keiser University’s Annual Research Symposium.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences program prepares students for entry into health sciences and analytical/research laboratories. Graduates possess the skills to perform in a variety of science related positions in health departments, zoos, clinical and environmental chemistry, pharmaceutics, and laboratories.  Graduates of the program will have completed the prerequisites necessary to be successful in graduate programs in the sciences as well as a multitude of professional programs such as occupational and physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, physician and physician assistant programs. However, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences can also be a program for individuals who wish to work in laboratory settings and other occupations.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a  designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News And World Report in 2022.

Shawn McPartland, Keiser University Biomedical Science Program Director, and Teaching and Learning Committee Chair

Biomedical Science program students at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus will soon benefit from involvement in Tiny Earth, a nationwide initiative run by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a focus on undergraduate research.