Madison J. Moreland

• Chemical Hygiene Training
• COI PHD Regulated Course
• GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Medical Devices (U.S. FDA Focus)
• Biomedical Course
• Bloodborne Pathogens for Lab Workers
• Humanitarian Use Device (HUD)
• Privacy and Information Security
• Responsible Conduct of Research

I have established a strong foundation in bacteriophage biology, bacterial pathogenesis, and antimicrobial innovation through diverse, multidisciplinary research experiences. My work ranges from phage-host molecular interactions in Mycobacterium smegmatis, where I identified critical residues in Msmeg_5894 essential for Phage Brilliant infection, to developing and characterizing bacteriophage cocktails targeting Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis and better understanding phage-antibiotic synergy. Additionally, I have investigated nontuberculous mycobacterial localization using advanced imaging techniques (MiPACT-HCR), optimized Staphylococcus aureus biofilm models for phage and antimicrobial testing, and contributed to ultrasound-based strategies for targeted antimicrobial delivery. Collectively, my research integrates molecular microbiology, therapeutic development, and translational innovation to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.

• Genomics Laboratory, BIOSC 1285, 2025-01-01, 2025-04-01, Participated in a research-based biology laboratory course investigating metagenomics and host-microbiome interactions, with a focus on the insect gut microbiome., Gaining hands-on experience in insect dissection, molecular barcoding, PCR, cloning, and sequencing., Utilizing bioinformatics techniques, including sequence comparison, phylogenetic analyses, and comparative genomics., Conducting hypothesis-driven research to investigate microbiota roles in parasitism, commensalism, and symbiosis.
• Microbiology Laboratory, BIOSC 1860, 2024-08-01, 2024-12-01, Investigated how the Gac-Rsm pathway influenced the plant microbiome by studying the impact of RetS deletion in Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 on fitness in Arabidopsis., Generated a RetS deletion mutant using molecular techniques, including primer design, plasmid creation, and transformation into E. coli, and conjugation into Pseudomonas., Assessed biofilm production in the RetS mutant via qualitative biofilm assays and compared results to the WCS365 wild type., Evaluated protease expression using casein hydrolysis tests and antifungal properties through the zone of inhibition assays against fungal cultures., Analyzed the effect of the RetS mutant on Arabidopsis health by measuring root lengths after inoculating seedling roots., Shared results with Dr. Cara Haney's lab in the Department of Biological Sciences to contribute to ongoing research on plant colonization and signaling.
• DNA Regulation & Disease, BIOSC 0067, 2023-01-01, 2023-04-01, Participated in a research-based biology laboratory course investigating mechanisms underlying eukaryotic DNA organization and gene expression., Studied how mutations in the helicase enzyme XPB (yeast homolog Ssl2) cause downstream shifts in transcription start sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae., Selected and screened six Ssl2 mutant candidates for transcription-related phenotypes using selective media and growth pattern analysis., Performed Sanger sequencing on candidate colonies and analyzed results with APE software, determining no Ssl2 mutations in selected strains., Presented findings at the Foundations of Biology Laboratory Poster Session., Shared results with Dr. Craig Kaplan's lab in the Department of Biological Sciences for ongoing research on genetic diseases linked to XPB mutations.
• Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES), BIOSC 0058, 2022-08-01, 2022-12-01, Participated in a semester-long discovery-based research course focused on isolating and characterizing bacteriophages infecting Gordonia terrae 3612, a relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis., Isolated a novel bacteriophage from a soil sample, generated a lysate, and determined concentration using spot titering assays., Conducted a host range assay, revealing that the phage infects G. lacunae and G. rubripertincta in addition to G. terrae., Presented findings at the Foundations of Biology Laboratory Poster Session., Results were recorded in the Actinobacteriophage Database associated with Dr. Graham Hatfull's lab in the Department of Biological Sciences.

• Laboratory Safety
• Laboratory Notebook Keeping
• Micropipette Techniques
• Serial Dilutions
• Experimental Design
• Streak Plating
• Phage titering
• Gel electrophoresis
• Electroporation
• PCR
• Flow Cytometry
• Scientific Writing
• Viral Staining
• Autoclaving
• Bacterial Cell Culture
• Bacteriophage Isolation
• Gateway Cloning
• Plasmid Isolation

• Cohort Representative, 2025-09-01, Present, Elected by peers to represent the Microbiology and Immunology cohort within the Microbiology and Immunology Student Association (MISA)., Acting as the primary liaison between first-year students and the MISA executive team, ensuring effective communication and advocacy., Represented cohort interests and contributed to decision-making during monthly executive meetings.
• Dean's List, Awarded Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 Semesters., Recognized for outstanding academic performance with a GPA of 3.50 or higher and no grade lower than a C.
• Women in Research (WIR) Club, 2024-09-01, 2025-05-01, A community for women and non-binary students passionate about scientific research, offering mentorship, research assistance, and career preparation through workshops on resume building and networking.
• Outside-of-Classroom Curriculum (OCC) Honor Society, 2024-01-01, 2025-05-01, Engaged in a co-curricular program focused on leadership development, professional communication, and global and cultural fluency, equipping students for successful careers.
• Tribeta Biological Honor Society, 2024-02-01, 2025-05-01, An honor society for undergraduates dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research., Pursuing a major offered by the Department of Biological Sciences., Achieved an average grade of B (3.00) in biology courses., Maintained a 3.00 GPA and remained in good academic standing.

• Dissecting the Role of Msmeg_5894 in Phage Brilliant Infection of Mycobacterium smegmatis, Madison J. Moreland, Ching-Chung Ko, Graham F. Hatfull, 2025-10-01, 30th Annual School of Medicine Graduate Student Research Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA, Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Scientific Poster Presentation
• Characterizing the virocell formed between cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and cyanophage Ma-LMM01, Madison J. Moreland, Laura E. Smith, Steven W. Wilhelm, 2024-08-01, University of Tennessee Annual Microbiology Departmental Retreat, Knoxville, TN
• Isolation, Sequencing, and Characterization of a Mutation Causing a Downstream Shift Transcription Start Site in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Madison J. Moreland, Siddharth Kesiraju, Tobenna Obi, 2023-04-01, Foundations of Biology Laboratory Poster Session, Pittsburgh, PA
• The Isolation and Characterization of Phage Capybara, Madison J. Moreland, Andrew Kiesel, Christopher Mulcahy, Sarah Pell, Emaline Brangan, Stephanie Cano, Al Gribov, Scott Stuckman, Graham Hatfull, 2022-12-01, Foundations of Biology Laboratory Poster Session, Pittsburgh, PA