BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Discipline
Jordan Adadevoh '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JESSICA STEPEHENS
LGBTQ+ experiences in STEM: A systematic literature review
Diversity and representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has lagged behind other fields, especially representation of those with different ethnicities and races. Our understanding of representation, experiences, and retention of LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields is lacking. We examined the literature to document the extent of research on LGBTQ+ people in STEM contexts (both educational and career), identify the major themes in this research, and make suggestions for future research. Paper selection for the literature review was conducted across three databases. Search terms included words associated with LGBTQ+ and STEM terms. After filtering this resulted in a final count of 128 articles. Articles were then reviewed and data was collected based on categories determined a priori. To date, 39 articles were reviewed; 14 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 25 articles, 13 contained quantitative data and 9 were qualitative. The majority of the research has focused on experiences of LGBTQ+ in STEM fields, while the remaining articles focused on attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals or representation within the field. Qualitative themes that emerged from the papers consisted of concern about career opportunities, STEM climate/acceptance, health/wellness, and representation. Our findings suggest that much of the historical structures within STEM programs/professions continues to negatively impact LGBTQ+ individuals. Future research on this topic should examine what interventions improve climate in STEM and should try to incorporate intersectionality of identities to examine experiences across more than LGBTQ+ identities.
Akhmet Azizov '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY & HEALTH SCIENCES
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
Using Acanthocephalans as Bioindicators for Heavy Metal Pollution off of the Pacific Coast
​Many areas are dealing with heavy metal pollution and the effect this pollution has on the environment. Much of this pollution results from mining and industrial production. A particular area of concern is heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. High levels of heavy metal exposure can affect aquatic organisms and in some cases lead to death. These metals can also have human health effects. This study will evaluate if acanthocephalans can serve as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution. Acanthocephalans, or spiny-headed worms, are endo-parasites that have complex life cycles. Current research suggests that acanthocephalans can serve as bioindicators for heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems because of their ability to accumulate heavy metals. Acanthocephalans used in this study were from two groups of Harbor seals off the Pacific coast of Oregon, one near the opening of the polluted Columbia River and another group of seals upcoast from the river. Selected acanthocephalans were digested in nitric acid (HNO3) and zinc, lead, and arsenic concentrations were measured using an atomic absorbance spectrophotometer. We hypothesize that there will be a detectable difference in heavy metals between these two groups of seals. If seals closer to the opening of the river have parasites with higher concentrations of heavy metals than parasites from seals farther away, this could indicate relative pollution in the area and offer support for using acanthocephalans as bioindicators for heavy metals. Having reliable bioindicators is important because monitoring these heavy metals are crucial for ecosystem health as well as public health.
Jean Ganek '23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
​Using Acanthocephalans as Bioindicators for Heavy Metal Pollution off of the Pacific Coast
Many areas are dealing with heavy metal pollution and the effect this pollution has on the environment. Much of this pollution results from mining and industrial production. A particular area of concern is heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. High levels of heavy metal exposure can affect aquatic organisms and in some cases lead to death. These metals can also have human health effects. This study will evaluate if acanthocephalans can serve as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution. Acanthocephalans, or spiny-headed worms, are endo-parasites that have complex life cycles. Current research suggests that acanthocephalans can serve as bioindicators for heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems because of their ability to accumulate heavy metals. Acanthocephalans used in this study were from two groups of Harbor seals off the Pacific coast of Oregon, one near the opening of the polluted Columbia River and another group of seals upcoast from the river. Selected acanthocephalans were digested in nitric acid (HNO3) and zinc, lead, and arsenic concentrations were measured using an atomic absorbance spectrophotometer. We hypothesize that there will be a detectable difference in heavy metals between these two groups of seals. If seals closer to the opening of the river have parasites with higher concentrations of heavy metals than parasites from seals farther away, this could indicate relative pollution in the area and offer support for using acanthocephalans as bioindicators for heavy metals. Having reliable bioindicators is important because monitoring these heavy metals are crucial for ecosystem health as well as public health.
Jacob Guzman '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
Using Acanthocephalans as Bioindicators for Heavy Metal Pollution off of the Pacific Coast
Many areas are dealing with heavy metal pollution and the effect this pollution has on the environment. Much of this pollution results from mining and industrial production. A particular area of concern is heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. High levels of heavy metal exposure can affect aquatic organisms and in some cases lead to death. These metals can also have human health effects. This study will evaluate if acanthocephalans can serve as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution. Acanthocephalans, or spiny-headed worms, are endo-parasites that have complex life cycles. Current research suggests that acanthocephalans can serve as bioindicators for heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems because of their ability to accumulate heavy metals. Acanthocephalans used in this study were from two groups of Harbor seals off the Pacific coast of Oregon, one near the opening of the polluted Columbia River and another group of seals upcoast from the river. Selected acanthocephalans were digested in nitric acid (HNO3) and zinc, lead, and arsenic concentrations were measured using an atomic absorbance spectrophotometer. We hypothesize that there will be a detectable difference in heavy metals between these two groups of seals. If seals closer to the opening of the river have parasites with higher concentrations of heavy metals than parasites from seals farther away, this could indicate relative pollution in the area and offer support for using acanthocephalans as bioindicators for heavy metals. Having reliable bioindicators is important because monitoring these heavy metals are crucial for ecosystem health as well as public health.
Morgan Boisvert
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
Cathepsin L3 (CL3) genomic expression in Acanthocephalan: Conservation of Genes
When inside a host, the parasite's main opposition is to affect the immune response of said host. The parasites in the phylum Acanthocephala are characterized by their thorny proboscis which they use to attach to the intestinal tissue of aquatic mammals, fish and birds. Acanthocephala in the genus Corynosoma are found to inhabit harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the Northwestern United States (OR, WA). It has been shown that infection by Acanthocephala has led to lower levels of immune response. Parasites of the phylum Platyhelminthes have shown expression of Cathepsin L3 (CL3) which is responsible for the parasites' induction of immunosuppression of their host. It is hypothesized that the genome of the CL3 cysteine protease in Platyhelminths has been conserved evolutionarily and is present in Corynosoma. This leads to the belief that there is a close phylogenetic relationship between Corynosoma and Platyhelminths and CL3 expression could potentially explain immunosuppression in Phoca vitulina by Corynosoma. PCR performed on Corynosoma using primers from Platyhelminthes, specifically Fasciola Hepatica and Eudiplozoon nipponicumn were used to identify the presence of the CL3 genome. Bands during electrophoresis found from the genome of Fasciola Hepatica, indicates that this genome is conserved in the genus Cornysoma. PCR purification to identify the exact genome will allow for confirmation of CL3 expression as well as indication of phylogeny amongst phylums of immunosuppressive parasites with CL3 expression.
Daniel Pellegrino '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
Cathepsin L3 (CL3) genomic expression in Acanthocephalan: Conservation of Genes
When inside a host, the parasite's main opposition is to affect the immune response of said host. The parasites in the phylum Acanthocephala are characterized by their thorny proboscis which they use to attach to the intestinal tissue of aquatic mammals, fish and birds. Acanthocephala in the genus Corynosoma are found to inhabit harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the Northwestern United States (OR, WA). It has been shown that infection by Acanthocephala has led to lower levels of immune response. Parasites of the phylum Platyhelminthes have shown expression of Cathepsin L3 (CL3) which is responsible for the parasites' induction of immunosuppression of their host. It is hypothesized that the genome of the CL3 cysteine protease in Platyhelminths has been conserved evolutionarily and is present in Corynosoma. This leads to the belief that there is a close phylogenetic relationship between Corynosoma and Platyhelminths and CL3 expression could potentially explain immunosuppression in Phoca vitulina by Corynosoma. PCR performed on Corynosoma using primers from Platyhelminthes, specifically Fasciola Hepatica and Eudiplozoon nipponicumn were used to identify the presence of the CL3 genome. Bands during electrophoresis found from the genome of Fasciola Hepatica, indicates that this genome is conserved in the genus Cornysoma. PCR purification to identify the exact genome will allow for confirmation of CL3 expression as well as indication of phylogeny amongst phylums of immunosuppressive parasites with CL3 expression.
Emma Strode '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
Cathepsin L3 (CL3) genomic expression in Acanthocephalan: Conservation of Genes
When inside a host, the parasite's main opposition is to affect the immune response of said host. The parasites in the phylum Acanthocephala are characterized by their thorny proboscis which they use to attach to the intestinal tissue of aquatic mammals, fish and birds. Acanthocephala in the genus Corynosoma are found to inhabit harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the Northwestern United States (OR, WA). It has been shown that infection by Acanthocephala has led to lower levels of immune response. Parasites of the phylum Platyhelminthes have shown expression of Cathepsin L3 (CL3) which is responsible for the parasites' induction of immunosuppression of their host. It is hypothesized that the genome of the CL3 cysteine protease in Platyhelminths has been conserved evolutionarily and is present in Corynosoma. This leads to the belief that there is a close phylogenetic relationship between Corynosoma and Platyhelminths and CL3 expression could potentially explain immunosuppression in Phoca vitulina by Corynosoma. PCR performed on Corynosoma using primers from Platyhelminthes, specifically Fasciola Hepatica and Eudiplozoon nipponicumn were used to identify the presence of the CL3 genome. Bands during electrophoresis found from the genome of Fasciola Hepatica, indicates that this genome is conserved in the genus Cornysoma. PCR purification to identify the exact genome will allow for confirmation of CL3 expression as well as indication of phylogeny amongst phylums of immunosuppressive parasites with CL3 expression.
Isabella Di Lorenzo '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR ROBIN WHITE
Effects of β-Hydroxybutyrate on Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is caused by mild collisions, jolts, or bumps to the head. These mild traumatic brain injuries can be experienced multiple times in an individual’s lifetime. Repeated concussive head trauma can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This is a neurodegenerative disease that causes behavioral changes like memory and thinking problems, aggression, and increased anxiety and depression. In a Drosophila model, we used a high-impact trauma device (Ketzenberger et al., 2013). Flies that have been subjected to 5 concussive strikes at varying degrees of severity (30° and 45°). Flies that experienced repetitive mTBI had somewhat decreased activeness. Their activeness was studied by performing a RING analysis (Gargano et. al., 2005) which uses the negative geotaxis nature of the Drosophila. Distance climbed by the flies were compared pre repetitive mTBI and post repetitive mTBI. Flies subjected to repetitive mTBI at 45° had significantly increase mortality when compared to the sham-mTBI flies. The flies subjected to repetitive mTBI at 30° did not have significantly increased mortality when compared to the sham-mTBI flies. The effects of a high fat ketogenic diet on mobility, behavioral abnormalities, degradation of brain anatomy will be explored. The ketogenic diet will be administered by supplementing a ketone body called β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which inhibits oxidative stress, into their food. The administration of β-Hydroxybutyrate should provide some insight into the effect of a high fat diet on recovery after repetitive mTBI. This study will provide more insight on symptoms of repetitive mTBI and whether diet has an effect on symptoms.
Amanda Courtemanche '24
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG, BIOLOGY
The Relationship Between the Ratio of Apex Size to Wing Size of Pieris rapae and Latitude
Cabbage White Butterflies, or Pieris rapae vary greatly in appearance based on location. One difference is the size of apex melanization. Apex melanization is thought to have an effect on thermoregulation. Our research attempts to determine if there is a correlation between the ratio of apex size to wing size and latitude. Previous research did not utilize ratios of wing size and apex melanization size to compare butterflies from different latitudes. In order to compile data from an established range of latitudes, we will use the program IDigBio. These photographs will be downloaded and cleaned to provide the necessary data. Then, they will be analyzed on ImageJ. We will measure and quantify data for the wing and apex size between our latitudinal ranges. After, we will compute their respective ratios. For each ratio, the latitude will be noted and will be used to generate a line graph on Excel to visualize our results. We will keep other variables as controlled as possible by using only images from IDIGBIO. We will also compute the standard deviation and p-value to determine the significance of our results. We expect the ratio of apex size to wing size in Pieris rapae will increase as latitude becomes closer to zero degrees. This is because with warmer temperatures, less light will be reflected to the body. This new evidence will allow scientists to further prove how Pieris rapae have adapted to different habitats. It will also show there is more intraspecific diversity closer to the equator.
Lauren Parziale '23
MAJOR: HEALTH SCIENCES
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG, BIOLOGY
The Relationship Between the Ratio of Apex Size to Wing Size of Pieris rapae and Latitude
Cabbage White Butterflies, or Pieris rapae vary greatly in appearance based on location. One difference is the size of apex melanization. Apex melanization is thought to have an effect on thermoregulation. Our research attempts to determine if there is a correlation between the ratio of apex size to wing size and latitude. Previous research did not utilize ratios of wing size and apex melanization size to compare butterflies from different latitudes. In order to compile data from an established range of latitudes, we will use the program IDigBio. These photographs will be downloaded and cleaned to provide the necessary data. Then, they will be analyzed on ImageJ. We will measure and quantify data for the wing and apex size between our latitudinal ranges. After, we will compute their respective ratios. For each ratio, the latitude will be noted and will be used to generate a line graph on Excel to visualize our results. We will keep other variables as controlled as possible by using only images from IDIGBIO. We will also compute the standard deviation and p-value to determine the significance of our results. We expect the ratio of apex size to wing size in Pieris rapae will increase as latitude becomes closer to zero degrees. This is because with warmer temperatures, less light will be reflected to the body. This new evidence will allow scientists to further prove how Pieris rapae have adapted to different habitats. It will also show there is more intraspecific diversity closer to the equator.
Samantha Falcone '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JASON RAMSAY
Functional morphology of the feeding apparatus in chain pickerel, Esox niger: Adaptations for manipulation and consumption of large live prey
Prey processing is a vital component of predation and includes techniques such as cutting, shearing, and crushing. However, when prey is swallowed whole, processing can include holding and repositioning for optimal swallowing. The prey processing mechanism of fish like chain pickerel, Esox niger, appears unique to the members of the Esox genus. Following ambush and capture, pickerel processes large prey by “walking” its jaws along the prey’s body until its head is reached. Once there, prey is swallowed head-first. The mechanism used by pickerel to “walk” its jaws along the body of its prey occurs while the prey is still alive and struggling. This is paradoxical, as pickerel appear to be holding onto prey to prevent escape yet simultaneously letting go to reposition it for swallowing. Here we explore morphological adaptations facilitating the pickerel prey processing mechanism. Potential similarities to the prey processing mechanism of snakes are discussed, as this form of processing appears similar to the pterygoid walk snakes perform as a “hands-free” way of moving their jaws along prey. Additionally, the musculoskeletal components of pickerel are compared to that of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, through dissection, manual manipulation, quantification of muscle architecture, and leverage analysis. Bass feed on similar prey but use water pressure to capture and position prey for swallowing. Anatomical differences in feeding structures suggests specialization for the mechanisms used by each species. Lastly, given a better understanding of the functioning of the prey processing mechanism of pickerel, potential applications to biomimetic tool design are discussed.
Jean Ganek '23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR ARNE CHRISTENSEN, BIOLOGY
​The Influence of Microplastic Color and Odor on Feeding Preference in Daphnia magna
​The presence of small pieces of plastic, termed Microplastics (MP), in the environment is an area of growing ecological concern, especially for the health of aquatic organisms that ingest them. Little is known about which MP characteristics may influence their likelihood of ingestion by small aquatic organisms, and in turn, their bioaccumulation in animals at higher trophic levels. We used a small freshwater invertebrate, Daphnia magna, that is near the base of the food chain in many aquatic ecosystems, to determine if the color or odor of MPs influenced feeding preference in this species. We hypothesized that D. magna would have a preference for MPs that resemble the color and odor of their algal food source. We conducted experiments exposing D. magna to mixtures of various colors of MP fibers, or mixtures of pristine and biofouled MP fibers. The number of ingested fibers in the intestine of each animal was quantified under a fluorescence microscope to determine if D. magna exhibited a preference for MP based on color or odor. Our results suggest that D. magna do not exhibit a preference for MPs based on color alone. However, in the presence of odorants (biofouled MPs) a significant preference for black MP over green MP is revealed suggesting that olfactory cues play a role in feeding preference and behavior. Our results offer insight into the relationship between MP color and odor characteristics and feeding preference in D. magna.
Jean Ganek '23
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR JENNIFER HANSELMAN, BIOLOGY
The Disproportionate Effects of Climate Change: Changes in Mortality, Fertility, and Sex Ratios at the Population Level
The consequences of climate change are already affecting the planet, ecosystems, and organisms. The climate is changing at an unprecedented rate and global warming is predicted to intensify in the coming years. Global warming is primarily driven by human activities that are releasing greenhouse gases in record amounts. In 2022, the growth rate of CO2 reached 2.49 ppm per year. Furthermore, current models predict the average global temperature will rise an additional 4°C during the 21st century, making rising temperatures a serious concern. Much attention is given to global warming and global temperature metrics; however, temperature changes in specific regions are especially concerning for at-risk local ecosystems and species. This study focuses on population-level concerns, such as higher mortality rates, lower fertility rates, and skewed sex ratios. For conservation biologists, these data serve as a critical red flag for areas that are being hit hard by rising temperatures. This study investigates how temperature changes are affecting model species to better understand how to implement conservation strategies and technological solutions where they are most needed. In the short term, conservation efforts focused on at-risk populations may help mitigate damaging population changes, but in the long term, humans must slow global warming by limiting further greenhouse gas emissions and work to lower current levels. In order to save at-risk species, the underlying problem of accelerated climate change must be addressed by world leaders, industries, and individuals.
Ezra Heilmann '24
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG, BIOLOGY
A Study on the Correlation Between Average Seasonal Temperature and the Wing Size of the Pieris rapae butterfly.
The Pieris rapae or cabbage white butterfly is an invasive species that has been affecting American agriculture for more than a century. This butterfly nests in a specific plant family called Brassicaceae (the cabbage family), this family consists of broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts and many other crops that the U.S relies on for food sources. It is important to know about these butterflies before thinking about possible mitigation or solutions. The optimal temperature for this species of butterfly is debated, and has been seen in many different locations across the world. However, most butterflies lie within the range of 82°-100°F. In this project, we investigated the effects seasonal temperature has on wing size. Wings are the butterflies most important feature, and are usually indicative of the overall health of the butterfly. Utilizing various softwares such as ImageJ, IDigBio, and GEOLocate we were able to pinpoint specific details such as the location the butterfly was found, time of capture, and size of wings. We collected an average wing size from roughly 1000 samples, gathering data such as temperature and location. We hypothesized that there will be a correlation between the seasonal temperature, and the wing size of the Pieris rapae butterfly. Additionally, we predict that Pieris rapae butterflies would have larger wings in locations with higher temperatures.
Brandon LaClair '24
MAJOR: COMPUTER SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG, BIOLOGY
A Study on the Correlation Between Average Seasonal Temperature and the Wing Size of the Pieris rapae butterfly.
The Pieris rapae or cabbage white butterfly is an invasive species that has been affecting American agriculture for more than a century. This butterfly nests in a specific plant family called Brassicaceae (the cabbage family), this family consists of broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts and many other crops that the U.S relies on for food sources. It is important to know about these butterflies before thinking about possible mitigation or solutions. The optimal temperature for this species of butterfly is debated, and has been seen in many different locations across the world. However, most butterflies lie within the range of 82°-100°F. In this project, we investigated the effects seasonal temperature has on wing size. Wings are the butterflies most important feature, and are usually indicative of the overall health of the butterfly. Utilizing various softwares such as ImageJ, IDigBio, and GEOLocate we were able to pinpoint specific details such as the location the butterfly was found, time of capture, and size of wings. We collected an average wing size from roughly 1000 samples, gathering data such as temperature and location. We hypothesized that there will be a correlation between the seasonal temperature, and the wing size of the Pieris rapae butterfly. Additionally, we predict that Pieris rapae butterflies would have larger wings in locations with higher temperatures.
Tim Polevoy '24
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG, BIOLOGY
A Study on the Correlation Between Average Seasonal Temperature and the Wing Size of the Pieris rapae butterfly.
The Pieris rapae or cabbage white butterfly is an invasive species that has been affecting American agriculture for more than a century. This butterfly nests in a specific plant family called Brassicaceae (the cabbage family), this family consists of broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts and many other crops that the U.S relies on for food sources. It is important to know about these butterflies before thinking about possible mitigation or solutions. The optimal temperature for this species of butterfly is debated, and has been seen in many different locations across the world. However, most butterflies lie within the range of 82°-100°F. In this project, we investigated the effects seasonal temperature has on wing size. Wings are the butterflies most important feature, and are usually indicative of the overall health of the butterfly. Utilizing various softwares such as ImageJ, IDigBio, and GEOLocate we were able to pinpoint specific details such as the location the butterfly was found, time of capture, and size of wings. We collected an average wing size from roughly 1000 samples, gathering data such as temperature and location. We hypothesized that there will be a correlation between the seasonal temperature, and the wing size of the Pieris rapae butterfly. Additionally, we predict that Pieris rapae butterflies would have larger wings in locations with higher temperatures.
Sharlene Jumba
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
The Effects of Climate Change on Acanthocephalan Reproduction
Acanthocephalans are a type of parasitic worm with spiny heads. These parasites inhabit a variety of locations all over the world and also a variety of hosts. Studies have recently shown that parasites of various species have been thriving due to the negative effects climate change has on their hosts. The purpose of this study was to see how climate change affects these parasites directly, specifically how it affects their ability to reproduce. Will the increasing atmospheric and water temperature increase the rate of acanthocephalan reproduction or will it decrease it. To investigate this, acanthocephalans were extracted from a variety of harbor seals and sent to us at Westfield State. These parasites were then separated by gender and then the females were dissected to see if they were egg bearing. We could then compare the percentage of egg bearing females to the water temperature that the seals were found in to see if the acanthocephalans rate of reproduction was indeed influenced by climate change and different temperatures.
Megan Long '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ, BIOLOGY
The Effects of Climate Change on Acanthocephalan Reproduction
Acanthocephalans are a type of parasitic worm with spiny heads. These parasites inhabit a variety of locations all over the world and also a variety of hosts. Studies have recently shown that parasites of various species have been thriving due to the negative effects climate change has on their hosts. The purpose of this study was to see how climate change affects these parasites directly, specifically how it affects their ability to reproduce. Will the increasing atmospheric and water temperature increase the rate of acanthocephalan reproduction or will it decrease it. To investigate this, acanthocephalans were extracted from a variety of harbor seals and sent to us at Westfield State. These parasites were then separated by gender and then the females were dissected to see if they were egg bearing. We could then compare the percentage of egg bearing females to the water temperature that the seals were found in to see if the acanthocephalans rate of reproduction was indeed influenced by climate change and different temperatures.
Elijah Mosley '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ
Environmental and Genetic factors of cancer with a tie into disproportionate medical care towards people of color
My project is on the environmental and genetic factors of lung, skin and ovarian cancer. I mention what factors can increase the risk of these cancers as well as how they could be associated with disproportionate medical care. I also discuss how people of color may not get proper treatment due to their race or gender.
Alice Teele '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ
Wing apex melanization variation in cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae): Spatial and temporal differences across North American specimens
Pieris rapae was accidentally introduced to North America from Europe in the late nineteenth century and spread westward. Mountain ranges serve as a potential barrier preventing two populations from breeding, possibly magnifying the founder effect for traits genotypically determined and potentially leading to differences between them - including variation in wing apex melanization. This study evaluates differences in the ratio of apex melanization area to whole wing area of P. rapae on opposite sides of North America. We hypothesized there is a difference in the ratios of wing apex melanization for specimens collected from eastern North America versus west of the Rocky Mountains. Specimens were downloaded and analyzed from iDigBio. Both the left and right wing’s length, width, wing spots, and apex melanization were measured. They were also georeferenced. Only specimens with nonzero values for length, width, and apex melanization were included in the final analysis. A linear regression test yielded a correlation between moving westward and the ratio of wing apex melanization. A t-test showed a difference between eastern and western specimens’ average ratios. There are implications when considering the effects of climate change across North America. Cabbage white butterflies, known pollinators, may lack the necessary variation in traits to overcome climate change’s effects, impacting the North American plants adapted to rely on P. rapae for survival.
Alice Teele '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR KATHRYN WEGLARZ
Historic Evidence of Introgression in Two Ursid Species, the Polar Bear and Brown Bear
​The phylogenetic relationships of bears (genus: Ursus) are complicated by incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), supported by evidence of gene flow between polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) occurring as recently as the last ice age and correlating with range overlap. While studies have focused on levels of introgressions early during the speciation process, little work has been conducted on introgression in the past century due to historic range overlap. The polar bear is noted as an animal symbolic of climate change’s effects, forced to move further into the brown bear range and resulting in fertile hybrids informally known as ‘grolar bears’. Here we present preliminary results of phylogenetic analyses for one historic brown bear and five historic polar bear specimens collected from 1878 to 1953 and ranging across the Arctic circle in locality. This work allows us to understand the speciation and evolutionary history of these closely related species. With the black bear (Ursus americanus) as an outgroup, we aim to estimate levels of historic introgression between polar bears and grizzly bears over the past century through hybridization inferences analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which are used to construct a maximum likelihood network utilizing a coalescent framework to incorporate ILS and gene flow. The results of this study will contribute to the growing research focusing on studying past hybridization trends to understand current hybridization by serving as a reference source for historic introgression versus current introgression induced by anthropogenic climate change.
Matthew Wandishion '22
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MAO-LUN WENG
​Analyzing Gut Microbiome Composition in Canines Afflicted with Acute Moist Dermatitis
​Microbiomes are the genetic material of all microbes that live in and around an environment. The canine gut is a highly diverse environment that is host to many species of bacteria. To gain an understanding of the canine gut microbiome and its relation to the acute moist dermatitis skin condition, we used nanopore sequencing technology to sequence 8 different Golden Retrievers gut microbiome DNA. We used fecal samples from the different dogs to study the gut microbiome composition in each. What we discovered was no significant correlation between the Shannon Diversity Index of the dogs with and without hot spots (p-value = 0.7857) and no correlation under the Simpson's Diversity Index (p-value = 0.3929). No correlation was found between the gut microbiota diversity and age (p-value = 0.3377) or weight (p-value = 0.07055) as well. While we did not find any correlation between age and weight, we did notice an increase in the abundance of Fusobacteria in our hot spot dog samples (20%) compared to that of our healthy dog samples (2%). Overall, many different factors could be associated with the host being afflicted by the hot spot skin condition. This preliminary study into hot spots and their association with Golden Retrievers, was revealing in how much more work could be done to try and understand these microbe interactions on the host. In the future, we would like to expand our study to incorporate many more individuals to gain a better overall understanding of the gut microbiome diversity in dogs.