This week you have learned about how the food you eat influences your metabolism and digestive processes. When considering these digestive processes, we tend to think about the organs of the gut, including the colon; however, it turns out there are other cells that are just as important to our digestive health – bacterial cells. This leads us to our next scientist in the “Get to Know a Scientist” series.

Dr. Lawrence David is a biologist currently working as a professor at Duke University. His work examines the intersections of diet, the digestive system, and gut bacteria. More specifically, his lab focuses on how the microbes in our guts behave over time and in response to dietary changes. In addition to work in his lab, he also helped start a website (Links to an external site.) to showcase illustrated, science-related poetry. 

1. If you haven’t already, watch the following short video that highlights the inspiration behind Dr. David’s research.

Video Credit: Why Do You Study That? Poop. (Links to an external site.) by Duke University (Links to an external site.) | Duration: 1 minute 57 seconds

1. Nest, listen to Dr. Lawrence David’s story of an extreme self-study (Links to an external site.) (14:15). Alternatively, you can read the transcript (Links to an external site.) of this story.
2. Lastly, read this interview from The Chronicle (Links to an external site.) that highlights Dr. David’s educational background and examines his research a bit further.

Assignment Details

After reviewing the videos and articles, write a 300 word or more reflection with your responses to what you saw. Some topics you might wish to discuss include but are not limited to:

• What was most interesting to you in reviewing these resources?
• What did you learn from these resources about the relationships between the digestive system and bacteria?
• What new questions do you have after reviewing these resources?
• What do these resources tell you about the types of people that do science?

Grading

To see how this assignment will be graded, scroll down to view the grading rubric. If no rubric is visible, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of this page, then click “Show Rubric”. If you’re reviewing this assignment using the Canvas mobile app, the rubric is included in the Grade tab.

While I am not specifically grading you on your spelling or grammar, scientific communication is an important skill. Please proofread and spellcheck before posting/submitting to ensure that your ideas come across clearly. Up to 10% may be deducted for excessive grammar and spelling errors that affect the readability of your work.

Rubric

Get to Know A ScientistGet to Know A ScientistCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReflection Submission10 to >8.0 ptsExcellent!Reflection incorporates and addresses the materials provided in the assignment. Reflection meets the minimum word count.8 to >6.0 ptsAlmost there!Reflection incorporates and addresses the materials provided in the assignment. Reflection does not meet the minimum word count (200-299 words).6 to >0.0 ptsNeeds improvementReflection may not be relevant to the materials provided in the assignment OR reflection is significantly shorter than the minimum word count (<200 words).0 ptsNo Marks10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpelling and Grammar0 ptsDeduction10% deduction for excessive spelling and grammar errors.0 ptsFull CreditThe submission has no (or only minor) spelling and grammar errors that do not interfere with readability.0 pts
Total Points: 10