The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $672,850 Project Grant to Syracuse University under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to investigate the mechanisms of community coalescence in synthetic microbiomes. The 3-year research project, starting on March 1, 2024, will use fermented food model systems, including sourdough starters, kombucha, and fermented vegetables, to understand how microbiomes reassemble when they mix and how coalescence impacts microbiome functions. The findings will provide insights into leveraging community coalescence for microbiome engineering and manipulating medically and industrially relevant microbiomes. The project also aims to increase participation in undergraduate research and broaden the public understanding of microbiomes through outreach activities. No subawards are planned for this grant.
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