K-State Olathe microbiology workshop focuses on new technologies and methods in research

Friday, June 14, 2013

by Ashley Nietfeld

A new workshop at Kansas State University Olathe, "Emerging and Rapid Methods in Microbiology," will introduce participants to the application of new technologies and rapid methods in microbiology and the benefits they provide in the real world.

The workshop will be Aug. 19-23 on the K-State Olathe campus, 22201 W. Innovation Drive.

The workshop will focus on technologies designed to detect and analyze cellular components; to accelerate and facilitate the collection, concentration and detection of microorganisms; to measure biochemical or physiological parameters that reflect growth; or to improve the viability of detection and quantification without the need for cellular growth.

Participants will also learn about specific technologies newly designed for optical spectroscopy, nucleic acid amplification and immunological methods. Nanotechnology and micro-electrical-mechanical-systems technology will also be discussed.

K-State Olathe research assistant professor and conference director Patrick Williams said, "Those in the microbiology field have largely relied on the ability to view microorganisms as they grow within cultures. However, the time required for microbial growth can be time consuming and problematic. Emerging and rapid methods provide greater sensitivity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility when compared to conventional growth-based methods."

Microbiologists have recognized the need for rapid results from microbiological tests across numerous practices, including food safety, agriculture, biopharmaceuticals, environmental safety, diagnostics and animal health care.

The workshop is open to researchers, regulatory professionals, consultants, microbiologists, chemists, quality assurance managers, control managers and laboratory directors in the fields of food safety, agriculture, biopharmaceuticals, environmental safety, diagnostics and animal health care. Graduate students in these fields are also welcome and can receive two credit hours for attending.

View the complete agenda and register at https://ksuconferences.com/rapidmethods/ or contact Debbie Hagenmaier, conference coordinator, at 785-532-2560 or debbieh@k-state.edu.

K-State Olathe advances the mission of Kansas State University by integrating education, research and entrepreneurship, focused on animal health, food safety and security to address the needs of a rapidly changing world.