Okatie, SC, June 21, 2019– The Port Royal Sound Foundation is pleased to announce a two-year, $60,000, 1:1 matching grant to the University of South Carolina Beaufort and Kim Ritchie, Ph.D., to support research in the Port Royal Sound Area starting August 2019. Dr. Ritchie is Associate Professor of Genetics and Prokaryotic Cell Biology in the Department of Natural Sciences at USCB. She has studied microbes associated with corals and coral reef organisms for more than 25 years. Her current research focuses on the role beneficial bacteria may play in wound healing in elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) and their potential as a source for novel antibiotics.
“Dr. Ritchie and her team at USCB have identified many organisms that may contribute to future antibiotics used to treat human infections and technologies to identify sources of pollution that allow quick response to protect oyster beds.”
Port Royal Sound Foundation Board Chairman Dean Moss
“Our many volunteers, our board and supporters have a great relationship with USCB and Dr. Ritchie. We welcome this opportunity to contribute to this important work which supports the overall health of the Port Royal Sound.”
Port Royal Sound Foundation Executive Director Jody Hayward
“Through the great work of the foundation and its partnerships with Beaufort County, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Waddell Mariculture Center, South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism and others, many people, including thousands of school children, have learned about the unique qualities of the Port Royal Sound Area. The pioneering work being done by Dr. Ritchie and USCB is confirming that species in the sound may hold keys to treating MRSA and similar infections. USCB and Dr. Ritchie bring academic and scientific rigor to confirm the importance of the Port Royal Sound Area. We are optimistic that this is the first of many important works!”
Port Royal Sound Foundation Board Treasurer Dick Stewart
