Resources

We are fascinated by bacterial behavior and their evolution. The Brun Lab studies bacterial growth, reproduction, cellular organization, adhesion, and biofilm formation. We focus on biological questions and use a range of methods including microscopy, microfluidics, and genomics.

Teaching tools

  • Public Health England: E-bug Lesson plans, activities, worksheets and presentations to teach children and young people about hygiene, infections and antibiotics.
  • Bacteria: HHMI Biointeractive: Free searchable teaching resources, animations, labs and demos, lesson plans.
    • Origin of Antibiotics Lesson to guide analysis of a published scientific figure from a study on whether antibiotic resistance genes evolved before or after the introduction of modern-day antibiotics.
  • Drugs vs. Bugs Customizable board game that simulates antibiotic resistance
  • Genome Quebec: Education/Formation Basic concepts, activities and a game about genetics and genomics (French and English)

Why study bacteria?

Below are some quotes from members of the Brun Lab about what they find most interesting and exciting about working with microbes:

Microbes are alive!

  • They ares small organisms that do wonderful things.
  • Microbes can be “smart.”
  • They evolve!
  • They come in so many shapes and colors.
  • They are cute!

Microbes are everywhere!

  • They can live almost anywhere.
  • They can eat almost anything.
  • There are pretty much all over the Earth!

They are interesting and complex!

  • They are like little animals: they have different behaviors and can act alone or together.
  • They can do so many things: swim, swarm, produce different colors.
  • Microbes communicate with each other in a variety of ways (DNA, chemical signals).
  • Microbes have so many ways to solve problems that are elegant and simple.

Microbes are great for experiments!

  • They are simple model systems to work with.
  • You can screw them up, kill billions of them and still go home feeling happy.
  • You can manipulate them.

Microbes are important!

  • We have more bacterial cells in our bodies than “human” cells.
  • They are tiny but can kill us.
  • Some microbes are responsible for millions of deaths every year.
  • They can make you well or kill you.
  • They are very important and under-appreciated, so working with them feels valuable.

Lab links and collaborations

Science outreach around Quebec

  • Public events
    • 24 Hours of Science Science Pour Tous! puts on a day-long event filled with science and technology activities for everyone (children, teens, young adults, families, seniors, etc.). Over 400 activities take place throughout Quebec!
    • Pint of Science Canada Scientists are invited to your favorite local bars to discuss their latest research and discoveries over a drink or two.
    • Eureka Festival Quebec’s biggest celebration of science for the whole family.
  • Organizations
    • Let’s Talk Science Canadian organization focused on education to support youth development, delivering programs that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
    • The TechnoScience Network Develops young people’s interest in science, everywhere in Quebec through science fairs, engineering challenges and other events.
    • Musée Armand Frappier Museum that promotes the comprehension of scientific issues related to human health by offering educational activities, inspired by the legacy of microbiologist Dr. Armand Frappier.

Bacterial art