9702985 Ross The research portion this proposal is directed toward an understanding of the cell adhesion process between bacterial cells and collagen extracellular matrices. The ultimate goal is to better understand the bacterial disease initiation process. The PI's hypothesis is that the ability of S. sureus to adhere to collagen under physiological flow conditions is directly related to the number of collagen receptors on the bacteria. Thus, the number of collagen receptors will be determined, the cell adhesion measured, and the correlation tested. The impact of fluid shear on receptor expression will also be determined. The educational plan centers around increasing the participation of women in the engineering profession. Academically talented young women will be coached from high school through their undergraduate engineering training. Research opportunities will be developed for juniors and seniors. ***
