Asbury University Professor of Biology Dr. Ben Brammell recently received funding notification for his National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) grant titled: “eDNA metabarcoding-based profiling of microbial diversity and simultaneous fecal source tracking in urban lotic systems in the inner Bluegrass.” The $7,500 grant will fund research that tracks bacteria and other microorganisms, including human pathogens, in streams in Lexington, Ky., through the DNA present in these systems.
“The field of biology has been revolutionized by advances in DNA sequencing technology over the past two decades,” Brammell explained. “For example, sequencing of the first human genome took 13 years and cost $2.7 billion. Today, the same task requires hours and costs less than $300. This project represents the merger of environmental DNA with this advanced sequencing technology. Our previous research used these same techniques to detect rare organisms and profile communities of aquatic organisms; this new work represents an exploratory study utilizing these same techniques to address new questions.”
The NSF EPSCoR grant is designated as a seed grant, intended to support promising research and assist in the generation of data that facilitates the acquisition of larger funding sources.
“Pathogen surveillance in U.S. waters has been mandated since the 1970s,” Brammell said. “This study will contribute to a growing body of knowledge exploring the use of modern biotechnology in conducting this surveillance.”
Brammell and Asbury Shaw School of Science majors working in his lab will utilize water samples collected by Asbury Biology alumnus Ethan Hoogerheide ’24. Hoogerheide collected these samples as part of his graduate research, funded by the United States Geological Survey, that is a collaborative effort between Brammell, Dr. Cy Mott (EKU), and Dr. Kenton Sena ’12 (UK). Hoogerheide will complete his M.S. in biology (within the next year) in the lab of his advisor, Dr. Mott. Brammell serves as a graduate co-advisor and member of Hoogerheide’s committee.
Brammell and his Asbury students will explore the DNA sequences present in the water by first copying the DNA using tools (primers) that target DNA from specific groups of organisms. Then, they will modify the sequences through the addition of synthetic DNA that provides a unique signature for each sampling site and sequence it.
“The DNA sequencing techniques we utilize are incredibly powerful,” said Brammell. “We often obtain more than a million DNA sequences per sample site. If an organism is present at one of these sites, even in very low numbers, it’s highly likely we’ll detect it.”
The grant will support the undergraduate research of sophomore Exercise Science major Caroline Richmond ’28 who will work on the project with Brammell. Caroline will present a poster with preliminary findings at the annual Kentucky Academy of Science meeting in late November 2025.
“I see undergraduate research as one of the most significant opportunities available to me to impact the lives of my students,” Brammell said. “Having the opportunity to introduce them to research, and the incredible state of biotechnology today, is one of the greatest privileges of my career.”