How do we fight off bacterial infections that make us sick?
Meet the Antibiotic Hunters—a team of professional and student scientists at the Tiny Earth Network who search for new antibiotics in the soil. In the resources below, you’ll learn about these scientists and their lab, discover why their research matters in real life, and try out an activity. Take notes as you explore!
Learn Why Research Matters
The Tiny Earth Network searches for new antibiotics so that we will have more options for fighting harmful bacterial infections. In the following video, you’ll learn about why they research this through a real-world story about a woman who developed an antibiotic-resistant infection when she was just starting high school.
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Questions to Consider:
Jessi’s experience with antibiotic-resistant bacteria made her curious about microbiology. What experiences have you had that make you curious about science?
It took several tries to find the right solution for Jessi’s infection. Can you think of a time when your first solution didn’t work and you had to try again?
“What I went through in high school was tough, but I’m hoping that it can inspire someone.”
Meet The Scientists
There are 4 cards to read.
Jo Handelsman
Principal Investigator
I’m the lab leader, which means that I bring the scientists together, attract new people to do training in my lab, and ensure it’s a dynamic and interesting place to work. ✨
Austin Hall
Graduate Student
As a graduate student, everyday I learn about the world of microbiology. One question I am interested in is: what special tools does a bacteria need to move into a community, also called a microbiome? 🏡
Julia Nepper
Postdoctoral Researcher
I study how the microbes in the soil respond to chemicals produced by other organisms living in the soil. 🦠
Amanda Hurley
Postdoctoral Associate
In the laboratory, I spend lots of time testing ideas and generating information from experiments… and then discussing the results with friends. 😊
You are a student scientist!
Create your own card. Add info all about you!
Ask questions!
Being a scientist means asking new questions and learning new things. Click through the topics below to ask questions of the scientists at the Tiny Earth Network and learn about their research.
Click on a tab above to begin.
What is your lab and what do you study there?
What is an antibiotic?
What signs do you look for when you're trying to discover a new antibiotic?
Why do you look in soil?
Where do you get your soil samples?
I want to become a scientist. What advice do you have?
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Do Science!
Science Practices Activity
Now put what you’ve learned into practice! Amanda is searching for new antibiotics. Can you help her identify soil types that might contain them?
Project Credits
Producers
Ian Glodich
Jessie Nixon
Coordinating Producer
Mia Forslund
Video Editor
Ian Glodich
Sound
Beauxregard Neylon
Curtis Sorensen
Web Design
Charles Barrows
Web Development
John Vieth
Tim Schneider
Graphic and Motion Design
Charles Barrows
Brian Lorbiecki
Amanda Roslansky
Jen Hadley
Video Captioning
Catie Pfeifer
Vicki Way Kipp
University of Wisconsin-Madison Cultural Linguistic Services
Science Education Consultant
Travis Tangen, WID
Kevin Anderson, PhD, DPI
Educator Guide and Activities
Mia Forslund
Travis Tangen
Jen Kobylecky
Christina Swords
Sara Krauskopf
Ian Glodich
Millie Rolander
Anika Gupta
Kaitlin Edwards
Amanda Hurley
Scientists
Jo Handelsman, PhD
Amanda Hurley, PhD
Deepa Acharya, PhD
Marc Chevrette, PhD
Julia Nepper, PhD
Austin Hall
Sarah Miller
Luis Balderrama
Project Partner
Morgridge Institute for Research
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
Handelsman Lab
Executive Producer
Megan Monday
Director of Education
Alyssa Tsagong
Director of Television
Jon Miskowski
Educator Advisors
Sarah Adumat
Oshkosh Area School District, Oshkosh, WI
Traci Marsolek
School District of Eleva-Strum, Strum, WI
Deborah Hilscher
Traeger Middle School, Oshkosh, WI
Aimee Spahos
Waunakee Intermediate School, Waunakee, WI (2024)
Funding Provided By
Timothy William Trout Education Fund
a gift of Monroe and Sandra Trout
Focus Fund for Education
Friends of PBS Wisconsin
Single Step Foundation
UW Health