Upper School Science Teacher Patricia Roth Published in International Research Journal

Indian Creek School is proud to announce that Upper School teacher Patricia Roth’s article, entitled “Propidium monoazide-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PMA-DGGE) assay for the characterization of viable diatoms in marine sediments” has been published in the Diatom Research Journal, Volume 32 Issue 3, on behalf of the International Society for Diatom Research.

Mrs. Roth, who teaches AP Environmental Science and is also the Co-Director of the BLinc (Blended Learning at Indian Creek School) Program, completed this research alongside co-authors Kristina M. Hill-Spanik, Chelsea McCurry, and Craig Plante through The College of Charleston and The Medical University of South Carolina’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program. The scientists sought to learn whether they could use a double stranded DNA-binding dye Propidium monoazide to selectively isolate the genetic signature of viable diatoms from marine cultures and environmental samples. (Spoiler alert: They can!) Click here to view the article abstract.

This publication is Mrs. Roth’s fourth published work as the first author (the scientist who completed the bulk of the research and writing), and her ninth overall publication. However, it was the first article she’s had published while also serving as mother of two, teaching AP Environmental Science, Co-Directing the BLinc program, and travelling to China on behalf of ICS to teach other educators about our blended learning program.

While the achievement of having her work recognized in an international publication is rewarding, Mrs. Roth says that the greatest benefit of staying involved in the scientific community is the access that she gains to the latest resources for her students. For example, Mrs. Roth read about research conducted by a group of researchers at Portland State University on microplastics becoming prolific in shellfish like oysters. This study corresponded closely with an AP Environmental Science lesson she planned to cover, so she reached out to the scientists through the journal and they sent her their research notes which could be adapted for a high school lab.

Indian Creek students are fortunate to reap the benefits of Mrs. Roth’s great work in the scientific community. Congratulations to Mrs. Roth on this recognition!
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Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland.  Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.