Dr. Jason Baker
Title: Professor
Email: jcbaker@missouriwestern.edu
Phone: (816)271-4380
Accepting Students: Yes
Quick Bio
Dr. Baker is a protein biochemist, microbiologist, and molecular biologist who has been on faculty at 大象传媒 since 2000. He teaches courses in microbiology and immunology. His research focuses on soil microbes as sources of bacteriocins (antimicrobial peptides), molecular methods for detecting parasitic infection, and dietary influence on gut microbiome changes.
Education/Academic Qualifications
B.S. Biochemistry, Kansas State University
Ph.D., Biochemistry, Kansas State University
Development of a Molecular Method to Detect Beer Brainwork (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in Snail Intermediate Hosts
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (P. tenuis) is an extrapulmonary lungworm that infects ruminants and requires a gastropod intermediate host. Symptoms are minor or absent in white-tailed deer, but infection can be fatal in elk and other cervids. Assessing the prevalence of P. tenuis is therefore useful in gauging risks associated with elk reintroduction to 大象传媒. While previous methods for detection of P. tenuis in gastropods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and only detect final-instar larvae, we are developing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to detect P. tenuis at any larval stage in a gastropod intermediate host in just 3-4 hours.
Requirements
Interest in molecular biology techniques and attention to detail are a must.
Modulation of Fecal Microbiome and Potential Therapeutic Effects of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan in a Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In this project, we will evaluate the potentially positive effects of a soluble prebiotic, rice bran arabinoxylan, on the composition of the fecal microbiome and on intestinal inflammation in a widely used mouse model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Arabinoxylans (AX), a diverse group of dietary fiber compounds found in cereal grains such as wheat, corn, rye, barley, and rice, have been associated with favorable outcomes in some commonly used mouse models of IBD, and there is also evidence that various AX may have anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects. However, little has been published on the effects of AX derived from rice, the world鈥檚 most consumed grain, on IBD.
Requirements
Interest in molecular biology techniques, animal care/testing, and attention to detail are a must.
Past Research / Publications
- Susan Brock, Judith Knadler, Tabitha Ritter and Jason C. Baker. Characterization of a Bacteriocin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci. 2018, 7(6): 1492-1503
- Judith Knadler, David Ashley, Jason Baker. A Selective Survey of Microbial Flora in the Water of Seven 大象传媒 Caves. Transactions of the 大象传媒 Academy, 2010, 43: 1-7
- Destiny Christopher, Callie Punzo, Jason Baker, Carissa Ganong. 鈥淨uantification of deer brainworm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) prevalence in snail hosts using a novel molecular technique鈥�, 大象传媒 Academy of Science, St. Joseph, MO, April. 2024
- L. Bloodgood, T. Mull, and J. Baker, 鈥淚DENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL MICROBES PRODUCING ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUNDS鈥� 大象传媒 Academy of Science, Fayette, MO, April, 2022
- Baker, J. and Mahl, S., 鈥淒EVELOPMENT OF STRAIN-SPECIFIC REAL-TIME PCR TO EVALUATE GROWTH COMPETITION BETWEEN FOUR BRADYRHIZOBIUM JAPONICUM STRAINS鈥�, 大象传媒 Academy of Science, Maryville, MO, April, 2019