This semester 9 students taking Microbiology with Dr. Kristian Hargadon have been learning diagnostic techniques for the identification of bacterial species.  As part of a semester-long project, these students have recently been giving an unknown bacterium and are now applying the techniques they are learning in the laboratory to identify their organism at the species level.  Techniques to be used include differential staining techniques to visualize their microorganism as well as biochemical testing to determine metabolic and enzymatic properties of their bacterium.  Upon identifying their unknown organism, students will prepare a written report that describes their laboratory research as well as the significance of their bacterium.

Now don't they look like they're having fun???