Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) provides UMD students of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience with the opportunity to engage in scaffolded, multidisciplinary team-based projects.
VIP Team Information
VIP Team
F.I.E.L.D.S.: Food, Integrated Environmental, Animal & Laboratory Detection Systems
VIP Faculty Mentors:
Dr. Magaly Toro
Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN)
Meeting Location, Day & Time:
Course Meeting TBA
Course meetings will be held either in person at JIFSAN or via Zoom, depending on scheduling and instructional needs. These meetings will be used for project discussions, background content, and team coordination.
Hands-on, methods-based work will take place in JIFSAN laboratory facilities, where students will engage in experimental activities and data analysis. The Team will use a hybrid format, combining in-person laboratory work with virtual or in-person meetings to support coordination, discussion of results, and project development.
When appropriate, course meetings may be held separately from laboratory activities to facilitate more focused instruction and group discussion.
Description:
How can we detect harmful microorganisms in food, animals, and the environment—and what happens when existing tools are not designed for specific, real-world applications?
In this VIP Team, students develop and test molecular tools (PCR-based methods) to detect and, when possible, quantify microorganisms in complex samples such as surface water, fresh produce, and animal-related environments. Many practical detection needs remain unaddressed because they are highly specific or not prioritized in commercial assay development, creating opportunities for applied, needs-driven research.
Projects are hands-on and based on real detection needs identified in collaboration with faculty, with students applying laboratory methods and data analysis to develop and evaluate solutions. Depending on your interests, you may:
Design and optimize assays for specific pathogens (e.g., Salmonella)
Work with environmental or food samples and improve processing methods
Compare and evaluate detection approaches
Analyze molecular or sequencing-based data
Students gain experience in laboratory techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and potentially digital PCR), experimental design, and basic data analysis. The Team is interdisciplinary, involving students from biological sciences, engineering, public health, and data science.
Over multiple semesters, students can take on increasing responsibility, including leading subprojects and mentoring newer members. The goal is to provide hands-on research experience connected to real-world applications in food and environmental systems, including considerations related to validation and regulatory context.
Methods:
Students will gain hands-on experience with laboratory and analytical methods used for microbial detection and quantification in food, animal, and environmental systems. These may include:
Sample processing of water, food, and environmental samples
DNA extraction from complex matrices
PCR-based methods, including real-time PCR (qPCR) and, when feasible, digital PCR (dPCR)
Assay development and evaluation (e.g., optimization, sensitivity, reproducibility)
Multiplexing and method comparison for specific applications
Data analysis and interpretation of molecular results
Depending on the project, students may also engage in:
Basic statistical analysis for assay evaluation and data interpretation
Metagenomic and AMR-related analyses
Consideration of regulatory context and practical application of detection methods
Majors:
Students from all majors are welcome to apply. Backgrounds in biological sciences, environmental sciences, engineering, public health, data science, and related fields may be particularly well aligned with project activities.
Preferred Interests:
This team is open to students from a wide range of disciplines. No prior laboratory experience is required; training will be provided. However, students with coursework or experience in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental science, or related fields may be better prepared for laboratory components of the project.
We are particularly interested in students who:
Are motivated to work on applied, real-world problems in food, environmental, or animal systems.
Are willing to engage in hands-on laboratory and/or data analysis work.
Are collaborative, reliable, and able to work in a team environment.
Are interested in developing projects over multiple semesters.
Students with experience or interest in molecular methods, data analysis, or coding are encouraged to apply, but this is not required.
Students should expect to dedicate approximately 6-8 hours per week to project activities, including lab work, meetings, and data analysis. Time commitment may vary depending on project stage, but consistent weekly engagement is important.
Because VIP projects are designed as multi-semester experiences, students are strongly encouraged to commit for at least 2-3 semesters.