Research Interests

My research interests in the lab are focused on bacterial strains that form communities in the environments where they survive and thrive. These communities include a study of violacien producing aquatic bacteria in the local watershed, Vibrio cholerae communities that are able to share genetic material and information, and the unique communities of bacterial that reside in microbial fuel cells. All of these interests are multifaceted, combining techniques from microbial physiology, genetics, microscopy and ecology.

Violacein Producing Bacterial Strains

Our lab group is currently examining the properties and prevalence of bacterial cells capable of producing the small indole based molecule violacein. Projects involving water collection, physiological screening, genomic sequencing, and transposon mutagenesis based screens are ongoing.

We are also currently active in local outreach projects focused on teaching about water collection to area 6th-12th grade students. Students are taught how to collect water samples, gather meta data, and plate water on growth media. Water samples and colonies are transferred to the Jude lab and followed up for stocking and further analysis. If you are interested in getting involved with this study, contact Professor Jude today!

Microbial Fuel Cells

As part of introductory level biology lab courses, and local outreach projects we have developed a series of laboratories focused on microbial fuel cells (MFC)- sustainable batteries powered by bacterial metabolism.

Vibrio cholerae related projects

Current projects in the Jude lab that are focused on the causative agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae, examine the mechanisms for the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells in a community. Previous work by Professor Jude focused on ultrastructural examination of the toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP), as well as mechanisms for surface attachment mediated by the protein GpbA.

Microscopy

Research in the Jude lab utilizes a number of microscopic techniques. At Bard we have a research grade compound light microscope and color camera, an Olympus fluorescent microscope, a field emission scanning electron microscope, and multiple wireless cameras for imaging ease. Funded by the Sherman Fairchild Foundational grant, we also have an atomic force microscope, an Olympus confocal system, and in 2017, purchased a Ti-Saph 2 photon laser that will allow for both confocal and 2 photon imaging.