An SFC research team from the Haruo Suzuki Lab, comprising Suzuki, master’s student Xinxin Gao, and fourth-year undergraduate Jiamei Du, has earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Society of Genome Microbiology, Japan.
The annual meeting brings together researchers and students nationwide to share the latest findings in microbial genomics, environmental microbiology, infectious diseases, evolution, and bioinformatics through oral and poster presentations.
The SFC team presented their poster titled “Comparative Shotgun Metagenomic Analysis of Urban Subway Surface Microbiomes in the Greater Tokyo Area.” They examined samples collected from artificial surfaces in Tokyo by shotgun metagenomics and demonstrated how environmental factors such as location, surface type, season, temperature, and humidity influence microbial communities, shedding light on the microbiomes in the urban built environment.
“It is a great honor to receive this recognition,” noted Gao. “In this study, we analyzed samples collected from locations like subway station floors to compare the composition and diversity of microbial communities. Urban environmental samples are influenced by many factors, and this project taught me how critical it is to thoroughly document environmental data and carefully interpret it.”
“I am truly delighted to receive the award,” said Du. “As an undergraduate, I found it invaluable to participate in a large-scale, multi-year metagenomic study involving multiple subway stations. Each hands-on experience, from field sampling to bioinformatics analysis, taught me the importance of teamwork and a rigorous approach to data collection and analysis.”
In a joint statement, the team shared: “We extend our sincere thanks to our co-researchers, everyone who assisted with sample collection, the Laboratory for Creating Advanced Smart Town at the Keio Research Institute at SFC, and the Advanced Biosciences Joint Research Group.”
Released by: Office of General Affairs at Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC)