Student Research · Est. 2023 · AACC

Team
Proteus

A dedicated group of student researchers at Anne Arundel Community College, advancing microbiology under the mentorship of Dr. Sandra Fox-Moon.

Founded 2023
Organism P. mirabilis HI4230
Mentor Dr. Fox-Moon
Location AACC · Arnold, MD
01 — About

From transposons
to broader microbiology.

Team Proteus was created in 2023 by Dr. Sandy Fox-Moon at Anne Arundel Community College. Our founding research centers on confirming transposon positions in Proteus mirabilis HI4230 mutants — identifying where transposable elements insert into the genome of a bacterium known for causing urinary tract infections.

Since then, the team has expanded to cover broader experiments in microbiology, including antimicrobial resistance profiling, biofilm quantification, and environmental microbial characterization.

Why "Proteus"?

Named for both the shape-shifting Greek god and the genus Proteus — the bacterium at the heart of our founding research. The name reflects our adaptability as we expand into new areas of microbiology.

01

Student-Led

Students drive the research: designing experiments, running assays, and analyzing results with faculty guidance.

02

Faculty-Mentored

Dr. Fox-Moon provides oversight, mentorship, and connects our work to the broader scientific community.

03

Expanding Scope

Beyond transposon work, we now investigate AMR, biofilm formation, and environmental microbial communities.

04

AACC Resources

Partnered with AACC, we access lab space, equipment, and institutional networks for real research.

02 — Research

Projects & Publications

Click a card to learn more, or view all to see the full list.

Ongoing
Published

Techniques & Methods

Colony PCRGel ElectrophoresisSanger SequencingBLAST AlignmentAseptic TechniqueBacterial CultureDisk DiffusionCrystal Violet AssayDNA ExtractionMIC Testing

All Projects

03 — Cohort Profile

By the Numbers

A snapshot of Team Proteus: our researchers, backgrounds, and output.

0Active Members
0Faculty Mentor
0Active Projects
0Founded

Member Backgrounds

Biology55%
Pre-Med / Pre-Health20%
Biotechnology15%
Other STEM10%

Output & Timeline

2026
Poster

AACC STEM Symposium — transposon confirmation in P. mirabilis HI4230

2024
Expansion

Research scope broadened to include AMR profiling and biofilm quantification

2023
Founded

Team Proteus created by Dr. Fox-Moon; mutant library received

Skills Members Develop

◆
Aseptic technique & culture
◆
PCR setup & troubleshooting
◆
Gel electrophoresis
◆
DNA extraction
◆
Sequence analysis & BLAST
◆
Scientific writing
◆
Biofilm quantification
◆
Antibiotic susceptibility testing
04 — Team

The people behind
the petri dish.

Current Members

SF
Faculty Mentor & Creator

Dr. Sandra Fox-Moon

AACC Microbiology faculty. Created Team Proteus in 2023 and provides mentorship, safety oversight, and connects student work to the broader research community.

SL
Student Lead

Student Name

Coordinates lab operations, manages PCR workflows, and mentors new members.

SR
Student Researcher

Student Name

Colony PCR, gel electrophoresis, and transposon insertion confirmation.

SR
Student Researcher

Student Name

Bioinformatic analysis and sequencing data validation.

SR
Student Researcher

Student Name

AMR profiling and biofilm quantification assays.

+
Open Position

Could be you

No experience needed — just curiosity.

Apply below ↓
PM
Former Researcher · 2023–2024

Past Member Name

Contributed to initial transposon library setup and safety protocol development.

PM
Former Researcher · 2024–2025

Past Member Name

Assisted with AMR screening and culture-based identification during the lab's expansion phase.

Names are placeholders — update with real team members.

05 — At a Glance

At a Glance

Key milestones in Team Proteus history.

2023

Lab Founded

Dr. Fox-Moon establishes Team Proteus at AACC. P. mirabilis HI4230 mutant library received. Initial safety training and protocols completed.

2024

Scope Expansion

Research broadened beyond transposon mapping to include antimicrobial resistance profiling and biofilm quantification across multiple strains.

2025

PCR Campaigns

Multiple rounds of colony PCR completed. Gel results confirming expected band sizes for priority transposon mutants.

2026

Website & Symposium

Team Proteus website launches. Poster presentation at AACC STEM Research Symposium on transposon confirmation results.

Next

Recruiting & Conferences

Open call for new student researchers. Expanding biofilm and AMR work. Preparing results for broader conference submission.

06 — Join

Want to do
real research?

AACC students curious about microbiology. No prior lab experience needed.

  • +Train in PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture, and more
  • +Mentorship from Dr. Fox-Moon
  • +Co-author posters and presentations
  • +Build skills for transfer and career
  • +All majors welcome

Express Interest

We'll reach out with next steps.

07 — Contact

Get in Touch

@

Email

proteuslab@aacc.edu

⌖

Location

Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012

◈

Faculty

Dr. Sandra Fox-Moon
School of Science & Technology