By Sadie Chronister, Staff Reporter
In 2022, biology teacher Derek Bosworth began researching yeast after meeting Dr. Robert Ballard, a professor at Clemson University who found a new species of yeast. Bosworth had the question of where somebody might go for yeast. He decided to answer this question in his biology master’s final project at Clemson University. Since then, he has continued his research and brought it to Conestoga. Senior Mahlon Bierly got the opportunity to work with Bosworth through his Science Olympiad class, which Bosworth teaches.
“This time, it is less geared towards answering the question and more towards exploring what is out there. We are trying to work on the protocols of how to successfully research and find a new species of yeast,” Bosworth said.
Previously, Bierly had been researching genetic engineering and yeast for his class project. As he gained experience, Bosworth asked Bierly to assist him with the yeast research. Now, Bierly searches the Conestoga courtyard and surrounding nature for samples of yeast. He finds them on trees and bark and then transfers the samples into a yeast extraction media.
“I find the research really cool because it lets me use equipment and resources that I wouldn’t be able to use on my own,” Bierly said. “Certain equipment is really expensive, so I wouldn’t have access without this class or Mr. Bosworth. Working with him has helped me learn about stuff that I couldn’t learn without him.”
With Bierly’s assistance, Bosworth can continue his research and pass on his knowledge. He has taught Bierly how to analyze yeast and to be aware of the properties that are present in certain samples. Every sample of yeast presents new challenges and characteristics that Bierly must identify. Bosworth enjoys the variety of their findings and the unprecedented processes throughout the research.
“There are so many species of yeast that exist and we just simply don’t know what they do, yet yeast is the most studied eukaryotic organism,” Bosworth said. “These species may be applicable, which would be important to our lives. That is why the research is so important.”
Bosworth has taught about the abundance and importance of yeast through his and Bierly’s research at Conestoga. Bierly’s findings on trees and bark in the courtyard and surrounding nature have aided the process and added to their knowledge about different species of yeast. Through this work, Bierly has learned the benefit of researching yeast and about the real world applications of it.
“I think it has helped me appreciate my natural surroundings a little more. Yeast is everywhere, and it is so important, especially to the medical field and to our life,” Bierly said. “Seeing yeast and microorganisms all around has made me recognize them more.”
Sadie Chronister can be reached at [email protected].
