RESEARCH IN THE GONZALEZ-ORTA LAB

“Despite all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to 6” of topsoil and the fact it rains”
—Anonymous

MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES FOUND IN AGRICULTURAL AND CA VERNAL POOL ENVIRONMENTS

My lab is interested in the role Bacteria play in a variety of ecosystems. In collaboration with Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson at the USDA-ARS Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit in Davis, CA, we investigate the role of bacteria in the process of anaerobic soil disinfestation. In addition, I collaborate with Dr. Jamie Kneitel at Sacramento State on the role Bacteria have in the CA Vernal Pool Ecosystem.

TINY EARTH NETWORK AT SACRAMENTO STATE

The Tiny Earth Network, based out of the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery, is an international effort led by scientists to address two critical challenges facing our world today: 1) Training and retention of diverse undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines, and 2) the rise of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Sacramento State is proud to be part of the Tiny Earth Network, and the curriculum is currently implemented in BIO 145: Diversity of Microorganisms. My lab continues to catalog and study unusual antibiotic-producing bacteria that are found by students in this course.

PEOPLE

#TeamScience

ENID T. GONZALEZ-ORTA, PH.D.

Professor of Biological Sciences

Dr. Gonzalez-Orta is a Professor of Biological Sciences and the Director of the Science Educational Equity Program at Sacramento State. She is dedicated to causes and programs that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, including outreach to diverse youth in the greater Sacramento area through the 4-H On the Wild Side Program.

For more information about office hours, etc., please visit: Gonzalez-Orta Faculty Website

Gonzalez-Orta CV

LAB ALUMNI

MAHSHAD FALLAH

Mahshad Fallah is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Cell and Molecular biology. She is a science and math tutor at Peer and Academic Resource Center and the Pearly Whites Coordinator for the Pre-Dental Association at Sacramento State. Her future career goal is to become a general dentist and to help establish a nonprofit organization for oral health.