Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Memphis received a $506,270 Project Grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) under the Environmental Health program (CFDA 93.113), awarded April 17, 2026, with a completion date of April 16, 2029. This research initiative investigates the role of oyster microbiomes in moderating environmental contaminant and pathogen accumulation in shellfish. The project delivers mechanistic research examining how microbiome disruption influences polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations—specifically phenanthrene—and pathogenic Vibrio species (V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus) in oyster tissues. Deliverables include experimental data from antibiotic-induced microbiome perturbation studies, contaminant and pathogen quantification analyses, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing results, and oyster physiological stress assessments.

The research addresses critical knowledge gaps in seafood safety and human health protection by identifying the biological mechanisms linking oyster microbiome composition to contaminant bioaccumulation and pathogen colonization. Findings will provide novel insights into protective or contaminant-degrading microbial taxa and their contribution to host health and contaminant resistance. The project integrates undergraduate participation, supporting workforce development in environmental health research aligned with NIEHS's mission to translate environmental exposure research into disease reduction and health promotion strategies for coastal communities reliant on oyster fisheries.