SXU Biochemistry Student Presents at Research Symposium
Saint Xavier University (SXU) biochemistry student Anna Czernik recently presented her project, "The Effects of Mouthwash on Microorganisms Found in Your Mouth" at SXU's 2024 EXPLORE STEM Research Symposium.
Within her project, Czernik tested different bacteria and yeast, including candida glabrata and S. cerevisiae, which can both be found in the mouth and can be harmful if over- or under-populated. The two yeasts were diluted with saline solution and mouthwash to determine how much of the yeast colonies were killed or if there were still yeasts present while using either solution. She was able to conclude that mouthwash killed the yeast colonies while the saline solution did not. More colonies of candida glabrata were killed than those of S. cerevisiae.
"Participating in this high-impact learning opportunity was a great experience. At first, I was scared to undertake the work, but my mentors helped me to figure it out," said Czernik.
Czernik completed the project with the help of her mentors, biology professors William Santus, Ph.D., and Tatiana Tatum, Ph.D.
"They are both amazing mentors. Dr. Tatum guided my team throughout this project and helped us understand why we were doing this study and how we were going to do it. Dr. Santus helped us with the lab procedure and taught us how to plate the bacteria and understand what we needed to look for," said Czernik.
Czernik, who is a freshman and also has a minor in piano, finds that the science and math courses she's taking at SXU are challenging but preparing her for her future goals.
"I chose to major in biochemistry because I believe it will guide me to medical school. It's a hard major, but I know I can push myself. I was someone who struggled with classes like biology, but I really want to learn more about the science of life and challenge myself," said Czernik.
Czernik is grateful for the lifelong friends she's made during her time at Saint Xavier and has fond memories of taking study breaks at the on-campus Starbucks.
In the future, Czernik hopes to apply to medical school and become an orthopedic surgeon.
This research program was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (No. 1832511).