Small Bugs, Big Impact: How Bacteria Run Your Body
Talk Overview:
At a microscopic level, you are made up of “cells” which are responsible for how you move, think, and survive. But your human cells are outnumbered by something not human at all: bacteria. Bacteria cover your skin, nose, mouth, intestines, and lungs, helping your body digest food, regulate your immune system, and even affect your mood. In this presentation, we will explore how “good” bacteria keep you healthy and what happens when “bad” bacteria take over. We will dive backwards in time to discover where your bacteria came from and jump into the future as we consider how your choices control the balance of bacteria in your body. Come prepared to learn more about the tiny bugs that make you who you are!
Biography:
Andrea Joseph is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at Syracuse University. She completed her B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in 2016 at the Johns Hopkins University and her PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2021 from the University of Washington. Her graduate and postdoctoral work has resulted in eleven peer-reviewed publications, one US patent, and multiple national and international awards. Her research interests lie at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine, focusing on the role of the microbiome on women’s health and the development of safer, more effective therapeutics against pregnancy complications. She is passionate about mentoring young scientists and engineers, especially women and other underrepresented identities in STEM.
Next TACNY Junior Café Scientifique:
March 21, 2026: Algorithms-Math