Biology Commons^™

Improving Biocompatibility And Structural Integrity Of Decellularized Biomaterials, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

Tissue engineering is a revolutionary approach to regenerative medicine. Within the field of tissue engineering, biomaterials such as the great saphenous vein or synthetic materials such as PET, are used in tissue generation for grafts and wound healing in many other uses. This is promising and has the potential to save many lives, but many glaring issues prevent the use of these scaffolds in a clinical setting. Some of these include body rejection, lack of hemocompatibility, and weak structural integrity.

The Role Of Nkx2-5 Variants Associated With Congenital Heart Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Jayda Russell

Student Posters

About 1% of live births worldwide are affected by congenital heart disease (CHD), a group of structural heart defects that exist from birth. Finding and evaluating the effects of NKX2-5 variations linked to CHD is the goal of this study. From basic heart defects like atrial septal defects (ASD) to more intricate malformations, congenital heart disease (CHD) encompasses a variety of structural heart abnormalities. Its development is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. NKX2-5 is a protein coding gene that encodes a home box- containing a transcription factor. This gene plays a role in the early development of the …

The Analysis Of Variants Of The Atm Gene In Breast Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Kyah Miller

Student Posters

Breast Cancer is defined as abnormal cell growth within the breast tissue, resulting in a tumor. Those affected by this disease often experience lumping in the breasts, changes in breast size and shape, nipple retraction, skin dimpling, and redness and irritation of the breast. This disease most commonly affects women, but men can be affected as well. Although subject to variation due to race and ethnicity, approximately 13% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer throughout their lifetime. With further study and new treatment methods, the mortality rate is steadily decreasing. The purpose of this research is to analyze …

Analysis Of Wwox Gene Associated With Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Jovaughn Redley

Student Posters

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth and uncontrollable spread throughout one’s body. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 5 people develop cancer: 1 in 9 in males and 1 in 12 in females (WHO). WWOX was the gene studied, and it has been reported to be involved in cancer progression. Specifically with Gastric cancer, an increase in invasion and migration of Gastric Cancer cells was caused by the WWOX gene. Simple ClinVar was used to identify WWOX as a gene and the three missense variants associated with the WWOX gene; Pro47Thr, Asp58Asn, and His46Tyr. …

An Analysis Of Pdgfra Variants Associated With Fibroids, Elaine Vanterpool, Nadja Hunt

Student Posters

Originally research was to be conducted on the effects of gene mutations associated with endometriosis, but there was not a substantial amount of information in the database for an adequate study. Instead, research was done on the genes associated with Fibroids. Fibroids are commonly characterized as benign tumors that typically form in the wall of the uterus. Fibroid symptoms usually include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Statistically, fibroids affect 20–30% of women ages 30–50. This study’s purpose is to identify and analyze the pathogenicity of PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor receptor …

Estimating The Amount Of Carbon Dioxide Gas Removed From The Atmosphere By The Bryant Park Tree Population, Edimarlyn Gonzalez

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Least Tern Abundance, Nesting Productivity, And Dispersal Between Nesting And On- And Off-River Foraging Sites In The Missouri National Recreational River, Kyle Jorgensen

Dissertations and Theses

The Interior Least Tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos) has experienced significant conservation success, culminating in its removal from the federal endangered species list in 2021. However, the species remains state-endangered in South Dakota, and knowledge gaps persist regarding its foraging ecology and population dynamics along the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR). This study aimed to address these gaps by quantifying Least Tern abundance, nesting productivity, and movement patterns between nesting and foraging sites during the 2024 and 2025 breeding seasons. We conducted surveys of Least Terns on riverine sandbars and off-river wetlands within a 30-km radius of the MNRR, employing both …

Analysis Of Recreational Data On Nearby Rivers, Rachael Meyers, Tamara Johnstone-Yellin

ASPIRE 2025

In the 1980’s. DuPont of Waynesboro, VA, contaminated over 100 miles of river on the South Fork of the Shenandoah and the South River. As part of their settlement, creel surveys are completed routinely by the Department of Wildlife Resources to collect data on angler and recreational use of these rivers. This project uses the recreational data to determine; ‘where on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River is recreational access the heaviest?’ ‘what forms of recreational use are most popular, and is there a change from 2016 to 2023?’ and ‘are there differences in the demographics of recreational users …

Size Of Age-0 Sander Vitreus Pre And Post Dreissena Polymorpha Infestation On Brainerd And Bemidji Area Lakes, Quady Bernu

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Walleye Sander vitreus is the Minnesota state fish and a vital predator fish in lake ecology. Zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha were first found in Minnesota inland lakes in the 1980’s. These mussels have had huge impacts on water clarity as well as phytoplankton and zooplankton population levels which affect how age-0 fish feed, especially a low light feeding predator fish like walleye. A study took place on age-0 walleye size and it supported the conclusion that age-0 walleye were negatively impacted by zebra mussels in Minnesota’s large lakes. The goals of this study were to determine how the size of …

Microsatellites Reveal The Population Genetic Structure Of Yellow Perch In Minnesota, Megan Boche

Journal of Earth and Life Science

When analyzing a population’s genetic makeup, looking at variation of individuals and populations is a crucial factor. The management of yellow perch will be aided by this information particularly in regard to stocking or relocation. Microsatellite loci were used to analyze the genetic population structure of yellow perch Perca flavescens within and among 29 sampling areas throughout Minnesota’s basins. Seven microsatellite DNA loci were evaluated, with heterozygosities ranging from 0.41 to 0.78. The Lower Mississippi basin samples showed higher numbers of alleles per locus and greater expected heterozygosities compared to other basins, with Lake Pepin (PEP) exhibiting the highest average …

Marine Heatwave Response Plan For Western Australia’S Wild Capture Fisheries And Aquaculture, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

The purpose of the Western Australian wild capture fisheries and aquaculture marine heatwave response plan (the Plan) is to document the Department’s approach for identifying and responding to the hazard of a marine heatwave on wild catch fisheries (commercial, recreational, charter and customary) and aquaculture resources within the geographic boundaries of WA. It provides risk reduction strategies and establishes best-practice processes for each stage of the hazard management and response continuum, ensuring that DPIRD is able to adequately prepare for, respond to, and recover from marine heatwave events. This Plan operates in conjunction with WA’s existing aquatic resource management framework, …

Homeostatic Influence Of Fig4 Outside Of The Fab1-Vac14-Fig4 Complex In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Hannah E. Reeves, Anna King, Imran Khan, Asha Thomas, Corey Chung, Anirudan Sivaprakash, Harrison A. Hall, Cole Mcguire, Victoria Cruz, Alim Habib, Lauren Dotson, Sophia R. Lee, Caroline L. Darbro, Bethany S. Strunk

Biology Faculty Research

The lipid phosphatase Fig4 is conserved in all eukaryotes and is associated with human neurological diseases for which there are currently no specific therapies. Fig4 functions in both the production and turnover of its lipid substrate, PI3,5P2, through participation in the Fab1-Vac14-Fig4 complex with its opposing kinase Fab1. The molecular mechanisms through which Fig4 influences PI3,5P2 production are not fully understood but are believed to require Fig4 binding to the scaffold protein Vac14. We unexpectedly found that multiple Fig4 disease-related mutants that are impaired in binding to the Fab1-Vac14-Fig4 complex dominantly confer tolerance to rapamycin, an inhibitor of the Target …

Developmental Regulation Of Corazonin, Eclosion Hormone, And Bursicon Messages And Rnai Suppression Of Corazonin In Adult Female American Dog Ticks, Dermacentor Variabilis, Anirudh Dhammi, Brooke Bissinger, Loganathan Ponnusamy, Daniel E. Sonenshine, R. Michael Roe

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The insect molting process is critical to growth and development and is regulated in part by the neuropeptides corazonin, eclosion hormone, and α and β bursicon. We found messages in a synganglion transcriptome from adult, female American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (that do not molt), with a high similarity to the larval insect neuropeptides that control molting. The phylogenetic analysis of the tick putative neuropeptides compared to other arthropods is discussed in detail. The relative gene expression of these peptides was determined by quantitative PCR during the following adult developmental stages: (i) virgin, unfed 0–24 h after entering the adult …

Assessing Relatedness Of Copperbelly Water Snakes In A Captive Breeding Program, Dehlia Deriemaker

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Breeding threatened and endangered animals in captivity and their subsequent release can help supplement wild populations. Within captive breeding programs, maintaining genetic diversity is an important consideration for ensuring the survival of a species as a whole. Preserving genetic diversity increases population persistence, as it may offer a better chance for a species to adapt to a changing environment. The Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta, CWS) is listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In an effort to aid CWS recovery efforts, the Toledo Zoo manages a captive breeding program initially consisting of nine adult and …

Supplemental Feeding Alters Foraging Behaviors Of Tarantulas In Their Natural Habitat (Aphonopelma Hentzi), Annalyse Leach Brogan

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Foraging success is a crucial factor in survival and reproductive success for many animals. One mechanism that can improve an organism’s foraging success is foraging plasticity, or the organism’s ability to alter their behavior in response to environmental changes. This study aims to evaluate if the Colorado Brown Tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi, a long-lived, sit-andwait predator will use foraging plasticity in response to increased prey encounters. I predicted that tarantulas with more prey encounters will have a higher body condition index, shorter foraging duration, and shorter distances traveled from the burrows. I conducted a field study on A. hentzi in their …

Body Size Distributions Of Riverine Freshwater Plankton Communities, Staci Ann Reynolds

Dissertations and Theses

The individual size distribution (ISD) is an individual based model that estimates the relative abundance of individual body sizes in a community. ISD’s slope or lambda (λ) gives insight into the communities’ food web and energy transfer. Climate change is expected to shift mean body sizes and λ as it increases individuals’ energy demands. Alterations in food webs and spatial distribution throughout the middle Missouri River basin may also have an impact on these communities λ. In a mesocosm experiment and field study, planktonic communities were sampled and had body sizes measured. Generalized linear mixed models were fit to calculate …

Jmorph Summary Data Cownose And Eagle Ray, Frank E. Fish

Biology Data Repository

The data are for the examination of hydrodynamic lift of the cephalic lobes of the cownose ray and spotted eagle ray. Data are from flow tank test of model heads of the two species.

Sea Turtle Turning, Frank E. Fish

Biology Data Repository

Data are for the analysis of the kinematics of turning by juvenile sea turtles.

Wild Horse Overpopulation- Consequences And Environmental Effects, Tessa M. Eslick Ms.

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

When considering wild horse overpopulation, there are many different facets of the issue that need to be addressed. Wild horse overpopulation is a significant issue across the American West, particularly on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management( BLM). The largest populations are often found in Nevada, other states include California, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Washington, and Arizona. Whether there are thousands of horses on many acres of land, or hundreds spread across smaller reservations or public lands, the effects of their overpopulation remain as imminent as ever. Overpopulation is causing ecological damage and strain on resources leading to concerns …

Using Secreted Biomarkers In The Development Of The Detection Of Advanced Cancer Screening System, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

An estimated 20 million people globally develop cancer every year. Furthermore, over 9.7 million people die from cancer. The best prognosis of cancer occurs when detected early. Cancer, in its early stages, usually does not display clinical symptoms and is usually not detectable by symptoms and is diagnosed later. The goal of the D.A.C.S. is to provide a screen that can detect cancer. It is hypothesized that developing a cancer detection system/technology, named D.A.C.S. (Detection of Advanced Cancer Screening) system, can help with early cancer detection, while still being affordable for the general public.

Mutation In Rpl10 Disrupts Ribosomal Function And Contributes To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Elaine Vanterpool, Paula Ramirez-Mejia

Student Posters

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. A study in 2020 estimated that ASD affects 2.8% of children in the United States (NIMH). The RPL10 gene, encodes the Ribosomal protein L10, has been implicated in ASD and plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and neuronal development, contributing to a protein essential for assembling the large ribosomal subunit. This study investigates how variations in PRL10 (Ribosomal Protein L10) can contribute to ASD.

Eed Gene Variants And Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Genetic Approach To Understanding Ibs, Elaine Vanterpool, Ted Howard

Student Posters

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disease linked with the gastrointestinal system and seen to cause bloating, abdominal pain, and harmful alterations in the digestive system. Its cause is complex and is known to have both environmental and genetic factors. Recent studies have shown that IBS occurs due to genetic variations, which leads to the pathogenesis of IBS. One gene, the EED (Embryonic Ectoderm Development) gene has been involved in various biological processes, particularly gastrointestinal functions. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential relationship between the EED gene and IBS.

Analyzing The Inhibition Of Chemical Compounds On Collagenase In P. Aeruginosa, Elaine Vanterpool, Marielle Cooper, Kiara Cameron

Student Posters

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that poses significant challenges in clinical treatment due to its production of collagenase. This bacterium can cause several infections including pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, and a host of other diseases. Collagenase acts as a key virulence factor by breaking down collagen in the host’s extracellular matrix, allowing bacteria to invade tissues. This study hypothesized that the effects of cell secreted collagenase would be inhibited by metronidazole, vanillin, and silver nanoparticles to reduce the pathogenicity of Ps. aeruginosa related infections.

Analysis Of Cys294arg Mutation In Cs1 Associated With Periodontal Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Collagen Degradation, Elaine Vanterpool, Amy Aboki

Student Posters

C1s enzyme plays a crucial role in the immune system so that the body can fight infection and repair damaged tissues. However, if it is not working properly, it will do more harm than good. This is shown in the case of periodontal Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (pEDS), a rare genetic disorder whereby C1s breaks down collagen I, a protein that gives structure and strength to connective tissues. Severe gum disease, loose teeth and premature teeth is a result of this. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the pathogenicity of C1s mutations and association in pEDS.

Spatial Variation In Sexual Size Dimorphism And Mating Associations In The Color Polymorphic Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon Cinereus), Maggie M. Hantak, Olivia L. Brooks, Kyle M. Brooks, Carl D. Anthony, Cari-Ann M. Hickerson, Kelly A. Williams, Shawn R. Kuchta

2025 Faculty Bibliography

Sexual selection due to mate preference for certain traits can maintain phenotypic diversity within populations and species. In taxa with discrete phenotypes, such as color polymorphic species, assortative mating may lead to disruptive selection and sympatric divergence, yet how such interactions vary over species' ranges remains poorly understood. To address this shortcoming, we examined spatial patterns of sexual size dimorphism and presumptive male–female mating pairs based on body size and coloration in the color polymorphic Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus. This species exhibits two common color morphs, striped and unstriped, that also differ in other elements of their biology, including …

Functional Trait Responses Of Emergent And Free-Floating Alternanthera Philoxeroides To Increasing Salinity With Sea Level Rise: Stress Tolerance, Avoidance, And Escape Strategies, Brenda J. Grewell, Blanca Gallego-Tevar, Jesus M. Castillo, Caryn J. Futrell, Rebecca E. Drenovsky, Nathan E. Harms, Paul D. Pratt

2025 Faculty Bibliography

ea level rise is having major impacts on estuaries due to salinity intrusion. These changes in stress profiles have ripple effects in ecosystems, including altering the invasibility of these wetlands depending on the salt tolerance of the invading species. Alternanthera philoxeroides Mart. (Griseb.) (alligator weed), native to South America and long recognized as one of the world’s worst freshwater aquatic weeds, recently invaded tidal wetlands in California’s San Francisco Bay–Delta Estuary. Generally considered a freshwater-limited glycophyte, observations suggested this invasive macrophyte may have some degree of salinity tolerance, though its degree of tolerance and capacity to spread with increased salinity …

Variation In Maternal Alkaloid Provisioning And Its Effects On Antimicrobial Defense In Tadpoles Of The Poison Frog Oophaga Pumilio, Erica Berent

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Genetic Influences On Individual Variability In Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla) Social Behavior, Hadley Mueller-Hill

Master's Theses

While primates are considered highly social animals, the evolutionary origins and mechanisms underlying their social behaviors remain unclear. Not only do they exhibit an extensive range of behaviors, but individuals within the same species can also vary widely in their social interactions. Genetics play a significant role in shaping these individual variations in behavior; multiple genetic variants have been associated with differences in social behavior in mammals. Examples of these include MAOA and OXTR genes, which influence the expression of behaviors associated with antisocial and prosocial temperaments. Genetic polymorphisms affect primate interactions, impacting an individual’s ability to maintain its status …

Aquatic Invertebrate Populations In Roadside Wetlands In Relation To Water Characteristics, Ellen P. Isakson

Journal of Earth and Life Science

The continual habitat destruction and draining of wetland systems makes the need to understand the ecology of roadside wetlands all the more necessary. Roadside wetlands provide valuable habitat to countless aquatic invertebrates, which can provide insight into the health of the wetland system due to their diversity. The objective of this study was to analyze the populations of aquatic invertebrates in roadside wetlands in relation to water characteristics such as pH, salinity, conductivity, water depth and temperature, and dissolved oxygen. This was done by collecting samples of invertebrate populations from roadside wetlands, in addition to data on water quality characteristics …

Introductory Biology Ii Lab Manual, Melissa A. Storm

OER Collection

Explore the diversity of life on the planet Earth with a focus on organisms found in the Southeast of the United States, examine the evolutionary relationships between organisms and the ways in which scientists are currently expanding their understanding of those relationships every day through this BIO 102 Lab Manual

How to use this book: 

Each unit of this book represents the information you will learn during a week of lab class. Within each unit you will find types of information to help you learn the content.

At the beginning of each unit, you will find lists of reinforced skills …