Embedded Files
April, 2025
April, 2025
Two undergraduate assistants, Shota and Phoebe, presented their research!
Shota presented his research titled "Accurate and Non-Invasive Monitoring of Biofilms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems Through the Analysis of Quorum Sensing-Related mRNA in the Effluent" at the ESSIE Symposium (awarded 1st place) and EPI Research Day (awarded 2nd place). His work is published in his Honors Thesis and has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Shota worked in our lab for two semesters.
Phoebe presented her research, "Elevated Risk of Algal Blooms in Residential Ponds in Gainesville, Florida," at the UF Undergraduate Research Symposium. She was the first undergraduate student to work in my lab and completed two semesters of research here.
March, 2025
March, 2025
The Oh Lab received an NSF Research Grant!
"RAPID: Impact of Back-to-Back Major Hurricanes on Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer to Autochthonous Bacteria in Estuarine and Coastal Water Systems".
Hurricanes and storm surges significantly impact coastal areas, where nearly 30% of the U.S. population resides, transporting various contaminants—including microplastics and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs)—into coastal waters. It is often assumed that elevated contaminant levels decrease rapidly as inland discharges are diluted by tidal and ocean currents.
However, we hypothesize that microplastics may serve as reservoirs for ARGs discharged from inland sources, facilitating their transfer to indigenous marine bacteria. We collected samples following two consecutive major hurricanes, Helene and Milton, and will investigate the mechanisms by which inland-origin ARGs transfer to marine bacteria—including V. vulnificus (flesh-eating bacteria), which coincidentally caused an outbreak in Florida.
We extend our gratitude to co-PIs Dr. Elise Morrison and Dr. Sungyoon Jung. We also appreciate Dr. Christine Angelini, UF Center for Coastal Solutions, and local agencies, including the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), for assisting with sample collection. A special thanks to the NSF Environmental Engineering (1440 program) for supporting this research!
September, 2024
September, 2024
The Oh Lab held a joint workshop with Dr. Hyunsuk Oh's lab at Seoul National University of Science and Technology in South Korea. We hope this collaboration will expand our knowledge of biofilm formation mechanisms. Also, the Oh Lab took a group photo for the first time!
June, 2024
June, 2024
Cham has been awarded the Edward J. Bouwer AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award for 2024. This award is one of the most prestigious honors a PhD graduate in environmental engineering and science can receive.
More information can be found on page 9 of the AEESP News letter (https://www.aeesp.org/sites/default/files/docs/AEESP-Newsletter-July-2024.pdf)
May, 2024
May, 2024
Two graduate students (Hai and Khuong) and three undergraduate students (Phoebe, Anthony, and Kameron) joined the Oh Lab this summer! We have embarked on multiple projects in hopes of improving environmental genomic surveillance and disinfection technologies.
December, 2023
December, 2023
We are excited to announce that we have won the first research grant as co-PI from the College of Health & Human Performance at the University of Florida. As highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, certain regions are more vulnerable to infectious diseases, depending on various factors, such as socioeconomic status, demographics, public health infrastructure, geographical locations, and more. We aim to identify the critical determinants of regional disease vulnerability through the integration of wastewater-based epidemiology and artificial intelligence models. This research will provide valuable insights, enabling public health officials to better prepare for disease outbreaks by strategically allocating resources and prioritizing preventive measures.
December, 2023
December, 2023
We have set up laboratories capable of handling biological agents in the Biosafety Level 2 risk group at Black Hall, the University of Florida. Our facilities are equipped with advanced tools for pathogen culture/propagation and molecular biological experiments, including digital PCR.
August, 2023
August, 2023
Oh Lab will embark on our new journey in August, 2023, in the Department of Environmental Engineering and Science at the University of Florida.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse