Ridgefield Resident, Brendan Reilly, receives grant for biochemical research at Saint Anselm College

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Saint Anselm College senior Brendan Reilly of Ridgefield, Conn., has received a research grant to continue his study of viruses that infect bacteria.

MANCHESTER, NH (12/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Saint Anselm College senior Brendan Reilly of Ridgefield, Conn., has received a research grant to continue his study of viruses that infect bacteria. Through the New Hampshire Idea Networking of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) grant, the biochemistry major uses a lab at Saint Anselm to study the bacterial pathogens in the genus Bordetella, a group of bacteria that causes Whooping Cough (pertussis) in humans, Kennel Cough in dogs, and Atrophic Rhinitis in pigs.

"Our work could have implications in the real world for bacterial disease prevention in animals and people," says Reilly.

Since the beginning of this semester Reilly has worked closely with Saint Anselm College biology professor Dr. Elizabeth Greguske whose research focus is in microbiology.

"It has been rewarding to work closely with a professor who specializes in a field I have interest in. She has helped improve my aseptic technique and given me experience working with bacteria. I chose this field of study because I have interest in viruses and the opportunity has been helpful in giving me an idea of what I might want to research in the future."

Reilly will spend the rest of his senior year doing research with Dr. Greguske.

The INBRE grant is intended to strengthen biomedical research experiences for students at undergraduate colleges by partnering them with faculty who specialize in the field of the student's interest. Reilly was one of 11 Saint Anselm students who received an INBRE grant.

Saint Anselm College is a Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts college located in Manchester, N.H.