Rachelle E Beattie, PhD
Dr. Rachelle Beattie is a Research Microbiologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Dr. Beattie researches the impact of environmental contaminants on microbial communities in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Using a variety of traditional microbiological and advanced molecular approaches, she investigates the ways in which environmental contamination alters microbial community composition and function, which can have lasting impacts on biogeochemical cycles.
Professional Experience
2021-2022 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, NC
2020-2021 Laboratory Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor, Temple College, Temple, TX
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Biology, Marquette University, 2020
M.S. Biology, Northwest Missouri State University, 2016
B.S. Biology, Northwest Missouri State University, 2014
Science and Products
Water chemistry and molecular eDNA data observed in experimental laboratory mesocosms exposed to different nitrogen amendments in the presence or absence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community
Data describe the results of a controlled laboratory mesocosm experiment evaluating the influence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community on silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) milt eDNA degradation. Parameters described include the concentration results, limit of detection, and limit of quantification of two silver carp specific quantitative PCR assays and water chemistry results of exp
Identifying sources of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment using the microbial Find, Inform, and Test framework
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing public health concern for humans, animals, and the environment. However, the contributions of spatially distributed sources of AMR in the environment are not well defined.Methods: To identify the sources of environmental AMR, the novel microbial Find, Inform, and Test (FIT) model was applied to a panel of five antibiotic resistance-asso
Authors
Corinne Wiesner-Friedman, Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Jill R. Stewart, Krassimira R. Hristova, Marc L. Serre
A nitrifier-enriched microbial community contributes to the degradation of environmental DNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are a promising alternative to traditional monitoring of invasive species, rare species, and biodiversity. Detecting organism-specific eDNA reduces the need to collect physical specimens for population estimates, and the high sensitivity of eDNA assays may improve detection of rare or cryptic species. However, correlating estimated concentrations of eDNA with speci
Authors
Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Caren C. Helbing, Jacob J. Imbery, Katy E. Klymus, Jonathan Lopez Duran, Cathy A. Richter, Anita A. Thambirajah, Nathan Thompson, Thea Margaret Edwards
Probiotics beyond the farm: Benefits, costs, and considerations of using antibiotic alternatives in livestock
The increasing global expansion of antimicrobial resistant infections warrants the development of effective antibiotic alternative therapies, particularly for use in livestock production, an agricultural sector that is perceived to disproportionately contribute to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis by consuming nearly two-thirds of the global antibiotic supply. Probiotics and probiotic deri
Authors
Kyle R. Leistikow, Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Krassimira R. Hristova
Non-USGS Publications**
Beattie, R.E., Su, B., Thill, R., and Hristova, K.R., 2022, Recycled concrete aggregates are an economic form of urban riparian erosion management with limited impacts on freshwater chemistry and microbial diversity: Journal of Hazardous Materials, v. 434, p. 128934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128934
Wiesner-Friedman, C., Beattie, R.E., Stewart, J.R., Hristova, K.R., and Serre, M.L., 2022, Characterizing differences in sources of and contributions to fecal contamination of sediment and surface water with the microbial FIT framework: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 56, no. 7, p. 4231-4240. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c00224.
Liedhegner, E., Bojar, B., Beattie, R.E., Cahak, C., Hristova, K.R., and Skwor, T., 2022, Similarities in virulence and extended spectrum beta-lactamase gene profiles among cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli wastewater and clinical isolates: Antibiotics, v. 11, no. 2, p. 260. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/11/2/260.
Beattie, R.E., and Hristova, K.R., 2022, Manure derived nutrients alter microbial community composition and increase the presence of potential pathogens in freshwater sediment: Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 132, no. 1, p. 747-757.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15232
https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15232
Bojar, B., Sheridan, J., Beattie, R., Cahak, C., Liedhegner, E., Munoz-Price, L.S., Hristova, K.R., and Skwor, T., 2021, Antibiotic resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolates from the clinic through the wastewater pathway: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, v. 238, p. 113863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113863
Wiesner-Friedman, C., Beattie, R.E., Stewart, J.R., Hristova, K.R., and Serre, M.L., 2021, Microbial find, inform, and test model for identifying spatially distributed contamination sources: Framework Foundation and demonstration of ruminant bacteroides abundance in river sediments: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 55, no. 15, p. 10451-10461. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c01602.
Beattie, R.E., Skwor, T., and Hristova, K.R., 2020, Survivor microbial populations in post-chlorinated wastewater are strongly associated with untreated hospital sewage and include ceftazidime and meropenem resistant populations: Science of The Total Environment, v. 740, p. 140186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140186
Beattie, R.E., Bakke, E., Konopek, N., Thill, R., Munson, E., and Hristova, K.R., 2020, Antimicrobial resistance traits of Escherichia coli isolated from dairy manure and freshwater ecosystems are similar to one another but differ from associated clinical isolates: Microorganisms, v. 8, no. 5, p. 747. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8050747
Beattie, R.E., Bandla, A., Swarup, S., and Hristova, K.R., 2020, Freshwater sediment microbial communities are not resilient to disturbance from agricultural land runoff: Frontiers in Microbiology, v. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.539921.
Beattie, R.E., Henke, W., Campa, M.F., Hazen, T.C., McAliley, L.R., and Campbell, J.H., 2018, Variation in microbial community structure correlates with heavy-metal contamination in soils decades after mining ceased: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, v. 126, p. 57-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2018.08.011.
Beattie, R.E., Walsh, M., Cruz, M.C., McAliley, L.R., Dodgen, L., Zheng, W., and Hristova, K.R., 2018, Agricultural contamination impacts antibiotic resistance gene abundances in river bed sediment temporally: FEMS Microbiology Ecology, v. 94, no. 9. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiy131.
Beattie, R.E., Henke, W., Davis, C., Mottaleb, M.A., Campbell, J.H., and McAliley, L.R., 2017, Quantitative analysis of the extent of heavy-metal contamination in soils near Picher, Oklahoma, within the Tar Creek Superfund Site: Chemosphere, v. 172, p. 89-95.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.141
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.141
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Water chemistry and molecular eDNA data observed in experimental laboratory mesocosms exposed to different nitrogen amendments in the presence or absence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community
Data describe the results of a controlled laboratory mesocosm experiment evaluating the influence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community on silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) milt eDNA degradation. Parameters described include the concentration results, limit of detection, and limit of quantification of two silver carp specific quantitative PCR assays and water chemistry results of exp
Identifying sources of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment using the microbial Find, Inform, and Test framework
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing public health concern for humans, animals, and the environment. However, the contributions of spatially distributed sources of AMR in the environment are not well defined.Methods: To identify the sources of environmental AMR, the novel microbial Find, Inform, and Test (FIT) model was applied to a panel of five antibiotic resistance-asso
Authors
Corinne Wiesner-Friedman, Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Jill R. Stewart, Krassimira R. Hristova, Marc L. Serre
A nitrifier-enriched microbial community contributes to the degradation of environmental DNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are a promising alternative to traditional monitoring of invasive species, rare species, and biodiversity. Detecting organism-specific eDNA reduces the need to collect physical specimens for population estimates, and the high sensitivity of eDNA assays may improve detection of rare or cryptic species. However, correlating estimated concentrations of eDNA with speci
Authors
Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Caren C. Helbing, Jacob J. Imbery, Katy E. Klymus, Jonathan Lopez Duran, Cathy A. Richter, Anita A. Thambirajah, Nathan Thompson, Thea Margaret Edwards
Probiotics beyond the farm: Benefits, costs, and considerations of using antibiotic alternatives in livestock
The increasing global expansion of antimicrobial resistant infections warrants the development of effective antibiotic alternative therapies, particularly for use in livestock production, an agricultural sector that is perceived to disproportionately contribute to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis by consuming nearly two-thirds of the global antibiotic supply. Probiotics and probiotic deri
Authors
Kyle R. Leistikow, Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Krassimira R. Hristova
Non-USGS Publications**
Beattie, R.E., Su, B., Thill, R., and Hristova, K.R., 2022, Recycled concrete aggregates are an economic form of urban riparian erosion management with limited impacts on freshwater chemistry and microbial diversity: Journal of Hazardous Materials, v. 434, p. 128934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128934
Wiesner-Friedman, C., Beattie, R.E., Stewart, J.R., Hristova, K.R., and Serre, M.L., 2022, Characterizing differences in sources of and contributions to fecal contamination of sediment and surface water with the microbial FIT framework: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 56, no. 7, p. 4231-4240. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c00224.
Liedhegner, E., Bojar, B., Beattie, R.E., Cahak, C., Hristova, K.R., and Skwor, T., 2022, Similarities in virulence and extended spectrum beta-lactamase gene profiles among cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli wastewater and clinical isolates: Antibiotics, v. 11, no. 2, p. 260. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/11/2/260.
Beattie, R.E., and Hristova, K.R., 2022, Manure derived nutrients alter microbial community composition and increase the presence of potential pathogens in freshwater sediment: Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 132, no. 1, p. 747-757.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15232
https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15232
Bojar, B., Sheridan, J., Beattie, R., Cahak, C., Liedhegner, E., Munoz-Price, L.S., Hristova, K.R., and Skwor, T., 2021, Antibiotic resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolates from the clinic through the wastewater pathway: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, v. 238, p. 113863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113863
Wiesner-Friedman, C., Beattie, R.E., Stewart, J.R., Hristova, K.R., and Serre, M.L., 2021, Microbial find, inform, and test model for identifying spatially distributed contamination sources: Framework Foundation and demonstration of ruminant bacteroides abundance in river sediments: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 55, no. 15, p. 10451-10461. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c01602.
Beattie, R.E., Skwor, T., and Hristova, K.R., 2020, Survivor microbial populations in post-chlorinated wastewater are strongly associated with untreated hospital sewage and include ceftazidime and meropenem resistant populations: Science of The Total Environment, v. 740, p. 140186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140186
Beattie, R.E., Bakke, E., Konopek, N., Thill, R., Munson, E., and Hristova, K.R., 2020, Antimicrobial resistance traits of Escherichia coli isolated from dairy manure and freshwater ecosystems are similar to one another but differ from associated clinical isolates: Microorganisms, v. 8, no. 5, p. 747. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8050747
Beattie, R.E., Bandla, A., Swarup, S., and Hristova, K.R., 2020, Freshwater sediment microbial communities are not resilient to disturbance from agricultural land runoff: Frontiers in Microbiology, v. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.539921.
Beattie, R.E., Henke, W., Campa, M.F., Hazen, T.C., McAliley, L.R., and Campbell, J.H., 2018, Variation in microbial community structure correlates with heavy-metal contamination in soils decades after mining ceased: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, v. 126, p. 57-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2018.08.011.
Beattie, R.E., Walsh, M., Cruz, M.C., McAliley, L.R., Dodgen, L., Zheng, W., and Hristova, K.R., 2018, Agricultural contamination impacts antibiotic resistance gene abundances in river bed sediment temporally: FEMS Microbiology Ecology, v. 94, no. 9. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiy131.
Beattie, R.E., Henke, W., Davis, C., Mottaleb, M.A., Campbell, J.H., and McAliley, L.R., 2017, Quantitative analysis of the extent of heavy-metal contamination in soils near Picher, Oklahoma, within the Tar Creek Superfund Site: Chemosphere, v. 172, p. 89-95.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.141
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.141
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.