For this project, the student group investigated the presence of Lyme disease in deer ticks in Massachusetts. Tick samples were collected from both urban and rural sites before being sorted by sex and location. Next, ticks were subjected to whole-DNA extraction for use in testing for the presence of the bacteria using PCR. Several individual ticks were positively identified as carrying Lyme disease, and comprehensive protocols were developed to support the study’s continuation with future project groups.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Moroney, Ciara
• McKaig, Connor
• Mackisey, Dylan

Subject

• Health
• Environment
• Project-Based Learning
• Well-Being

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 121710
• E-project-042524-125442

Keyword

• PCR
• Lyme disease
• DNA extraction
• MQP
• Field sampling
• Infectious disease

Advisor

• Collins, Chris
• Buckholt, Michael Allan

Year

• 2024

Sponsor

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology & Biotechnology

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Date created

• 2024-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Source

• E-project-042524-125442

Rights statement

• In Copyright