About BROADN
BROADN, or the Biology Integration Institute Regional OneHealth Aerobiome Discovery Network, seeks to advance biologic discovery by assembling transdisciplinary expertise to study the aerobiome in relationship to the factors that shape it, and to investigate airborne biotic content, both near the Earth’s surface and into the lower atmosphere.
We integrate across disciplines to develop strategies, technologies, datasets and analytical tools for the scientific community studying microbes in the air and their implications for human, animal, and environmental health.
We will train and inspire students in an interdisciplinary, collaborative and innovative environment, develop an aggressive community outreach program, and embrace diversity in expertise, experience, and approach.
Who we are
BROADN’s diverse research team consists of faculty, staff, and students from Colorado State University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Doane University, and the University of Colorado, Boulder.
BROADN is funded by the National Science Foundation.
What we do
BROADN research is exploring the dynamics of the aerobiome through the integration of three intersecting research goals:
1) Establish Standards for Aerobiome Sampling and Analysis;
2) Develop a Predictive Model of Aerobiome Composition; and
3) Develop a Mechanistic Model for Microbe Survival.
5-Year Project Goal Overview
Aspirational Goal Leaders
The health of animals, plants, humans and the environment is undoubtedly dependent upon the function of this invisible community. This project supports a unique interdisciplinary research and training program for the next generation of biological scientists and has potentially transformational implications for understanding weather patterns, disease spread, microbial ecology, the environment and health of humans and animals.
Dr. Sue VandeWoude, principal investigator for the project, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and University Distinguished Professor at CSU