Dr. Brenda Schoffstall's Lab

Dr. Brenda Schoffstall's Lab at Barry University

While novel scientific discovery is an important focus in Dr. Schoffstall’s lab group, her largest passion and priority is training new scientists how to do research and do it well. “I am passionate about creating an environment where students learn the correct way to plan a research project from the ground up and giving them some of the tools to carry out their plans,” Dr. Schoffstall said.

 

By approaching scientific research at Barry University in this way, Dr. Schoffstall has been highly successful in graduating students who go on to positions in research labs, graduate schools, PhD programs, PA programs and MD programs. She has also been successful in creating the stage for undergraduate researchers to publish in scientific journals before they graduate from college. “It is very important to me that I give them the proper tools and knowledge to equip them to move on to research intensive institutions and succeed on their own,” she said.

Dr. Schoffstall’s research interests focus on teaching undergraduates how to do scientific research while pursuing deeper understanding about the role that phenotypic plasticity plays in the infectious capabilities of pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) encountered in the waters of Central and South Florida.

The Study Of Pathogenic Free-Living Amoeba

Several species of free-living amoeba (FLA) can be found living in local freshwater lakes and ponds. Likewise, some of these FLA have been detected in treated tap water systems. Under specific conditions, some can cause serious pathology in humans—even leading to death. Species of Acanthamoeba can lead to chronic encephalitis or keratitis; Naegleria fowleri can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) which is a serious acute pathological state that leads to rapid death due to deterioration of brain tissue. It is known that warm freshwater pond conditions contribute to the phenotypic plasticity of N. fowleri, potentially resulting in its ability to cause a deadly parasitic infection.
The current research aim of Dr. Schoffstall’s lab group is to investigate phenotypical changes in amoeba that occur in response to environmental factors, with an eventual goal of specifically studying the phenotypic plasticity of N. fowleri that leads to pathogenicity. We are currently working with established amoeba model systems (i.e. Amoeba proteus) as well as FLA isolated from local ponds, canals, and waterways to lay the groundwork for our anticipated in-depth study of the phenotypic plasticity of N. fowleri and the mechanisms surrounding initiation of PAM
  • For more information about Dr. Schoffstall and her research, contact Dr. Schoffstall at 305-899-4004 or BSchoffstall@barry.edu

    Dr. Schoffstall’s office is located on Barry University’s main campus in Room 337 of the Siena Building.

Research

My research students and I are on the quest to investigate phenotypical changes in free-living amoeba (FLA) that occur in response to environmental factors, with an eventual goal of specifically studying the phenotypic plasticity of Naegleria fowleri contributing to the lethal effects of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

To carry out our scientific quest, we use several experimental techniques, including:

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Quantitative PCR

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Conventional PCR

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Protein Gel Electrophoresis

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Western Blot

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Immunohistochemical Staining

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Fluorescence Microscopy

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Confocal Microscopy

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    Quantitative PCR

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    Conventional PCR

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    Protein Gel Electrophoresis

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    Western Blot

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    Immunohistochemical Staining

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    Fluorescence Microscopy

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    Confocal Microscopy

Research Students

Dr. Schoffstall mentors up to four student researchers in her lab each semester. Ideally, she identifies freshmen students who are interested in research as soon as possible; these students typically continue in the lab working on individual projects for several years until they graduate.

 

Dr. Schoffstall’s research students attend state and national research meetings, presenting their research in either poster form or as oral presentations. Her students have been successful over the years in winning research presentation competitions at Barry STEM Symposium, Life Sciences South Florida STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the annual meeting of The American Society for Cell Biology.

Opportunities in Lab

Students interested in becoming involved with research in Dr. Schoffstall’s lab are invited to request an appointment to discuss possible options.
Dr. Schoffstall is currently interested in identifying a freshman student with a firm and dedicated desire to have a future in scientific research.

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