Dr. Sharath Rongali, assistant professor of biology at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), will be the guest speaker at the Friends of the Garnett Library meeting on Feb. 9.

The group will gather from noon to 1 p.m. at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., on the MSU-WP campus.

Rongali was scheduled to speak at the group’s January meeting, but the meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.

About the presentation

He will discuss a research project on antibiotic resistant bacteria he is conducting with some of his students. “Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a growing crisis that threatens to undo the progress in combating bacterial illness. Students at MSU-WP are contributing to the project ‘The Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE)’,” he said.

The project, he said, aims to document areas where antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be found in the environment. The students are collecting soil samples in the area and extracting DNA to check for tetracycline resistant genes. The results will be submitted for confirmation then uploaded to a global database of antibiotic resistance surveillance, he added.

Cost of the Feb. 9 lunch is $10, payable at the door. Those wishing to eat should make a reservation by calling 417-255-7940 or emailing FriendsofGarnettLibrary@MissouriState.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 7.

“Everyone is welcome to attend,” organizers said. “We welcome you as a guest, or you can find out about joining the organization at the meeting.”

For more information about Friends of the Garnett Library and how you can join, visit the organization’s website, WP.MissouriState.edu/FriendsofGarnettLibrary, or call 417-255-7940.