ESTABLISHED FORMALLY in 2006, but building on the foundations of a program that began as early as 2000, the Program for Research Initiatives in Science and Math (PRISM) strives to promote research achievement among John Jay students and prepare them for professional careers as scientists. By establishing and supporting close mentoring relationships between students and faculty, PRISM embraces the apprenticeship model of science. Our UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH CHRONICLE describes our students’ research projects, and also tells their stories, motivations, and hopes for their future careers. 

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Forensic entomology studies how insects colonize cadavers, how those insects develop over time, and how they help decompose organic materials in a crime scene. Bacteria also play a role in decomposition and is a new area of interest for forensic entomologists. PRISM’s Samantha Davis and her mentor, Dr. Jennifer Rosati, have been investigating the role that bacteria play in the recruitment of blow flies to a corpse and have identified numerous bacterial and fungal species that are associated with blow fly eggs. Pictured here is a bacterial colony of Enterococcus faecalis, typically a common microbe found in the human gut microbiome, but was isolated from the surface of Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) eggs. The iridescence observed in the colonies is likely caused by the periodicity of the developing cell population as they grow. Click HERE to explore Samantha’s research.  

The PRISM Undergraduate Research Chronicle is produced by the Program for Research Initiatives in Science and Math at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. All copyrights are reserved. 

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PRISM is supported by external grants, and by the philanthropic support of generous individuals. To support and partner with PRISM, visit : http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/support-prism

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