As professors, we are interested in facilitating learning experiences not only in the classroom and teaching lab, but also through research opportunities. Working on research with a faculty member allows students to gain first-hand experience in experimental design, data collection, specimen identification, specimen curation, and data analysis. These experiences allow our students to be very competitive for entrance to post-undergraduate degree programs, whether they are in ecology or in medicine and human health.
Students who are interested in doing research may contact one or more of the faculty mentors listed below.
My current research involves looking at the efficacy of soilborne pathogens (Rhizoctonia spp. and Fusarium spp.) and flea beetles (Aphthona spp.) as biological control agents for the invasive weed, leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula ). This project began in Spring of 2006 and is being conducted in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Insectary in Palisade. We currently have 18 monitoring sites in and around Meeker, CO (Rio Blanco County). The majority of the work thus far has focused on monitoring the efficacy of the beetles at various sites and the collection of samples for fungal isolation. So far, we have been successful in isolating a putative Rhizoctonia from symptomatic leafy spurge plants. The next step is to characterize this fungus and confirm that is, in fact, pathogenic on leafy spurge. The hope is to be able to apply the fungi to several of our research sites to see if they will increase the efficiency of the biocontrol process. Previous work in Montana has shown that the beetles and the fungi work synergistically; as the beetle larvae feed on the roots, they create wounds that provide opportunities for the fungi to infect the plant. Opportunities for undergraduates include lab work related to identification and pathogenicity testing of the fungi as well as field work related to the application and monitoring of the sites where fungi will be applied.
Dr. Becktell may be contacted at mbecktel@mesastate.edu.
My current research interest involves the development of the amniochorionic ridge (ACR) of the chicken embryo. The ACR forms in the early embryo and demarcates cells that will become the amnion from those that will become the chorion. Cells of the ACR are elongated and possess numerous microfilaments. One research goal that would involve students is to determine whether these filaments are potentially contractile. FITC-labelled phalloidin will be used to determine the time course of actin filament appearance in ACR cells. In addition, myosin light chain inhibitors will be used to examine whether movement of the amnion itself over the embryo head involves myosin protein contraction.
Dr. Forbes Davidson may be contacted at davidson@mesastate.edu.
Dr. Dujay may be contacted at rdujay@mesastate.edu.
I have wide interests in the study of parasites, infectious disease, and disease vectors. I am especially interested in parasites of invertebrates and the invertebrate immune response. I have current research projects on pesticide resistance by insect disease vectors such as mosquitoes, and the distribution of MRSA on the MSC campus. I have also started a project on pesticide resistance in the native bees of western Colorado.
Dr. McCallister may be contacted at mccallis@mesastate.edu.
My research interests are in microbial ecology, especially projects involving the diversity of nitrogen fixing bacteria in soils. I have also collaborated with other researchers on a variety of microbiology projects, ranging from water quality determinations to bacterial sensitivity to suspected antibacterial plant extracts.
Dr. McKenney may be contacted at dmckenne@mesastate.edu.
Approximately 30% of human tumors bear mutations in genes encoding Ras GTPases, membrane-associated molecular switches that activate intracellular signaling networks in response to extracellular stimuli. To signal, Ras proteins require both post-translational addition of an isoprenyl lipid tail on the C-terminal cysteine residue and methylation of the isoprenyl cysteine. For this reason, clinicians are testing whether drugs that block Ras modifications reduce cell growth and limit tumor expansion. One class of drug that is being evaluated includes compounds that inhibit methylation of Ras proteins. The specific roles that methylation plays in Ras activity are unknown, however, and are the focus of the work done in my laboratory.
My current research focuses on methylation of Ras family members in the social amoebae Dictyostelium discoideum. Work in my laboratory is aimed at understanding the cellular roles of isoprenylcysteine methylation. Student projects are available that would provide experience and expertise in molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology.
Dr. McQuade may be contacted at kmcquade@mesastate.edu.
I am interested in using molecular genetic tools to explore the evolution of a variety of organisms. Currently, I am working on a project that seeks to understand how populations of polychaetes (marine worms) diverge. Using two model species that vary in their dispersal mechanisms, I am investigating the populations that occur off of the coasts of Oregon and Washington to try to understand how dispersal mechanisms, physical barriers, and hydrological phenomena interrelate to give rise to the genetic patterns observed in these worms. I also collaborate with Dr. Tony Schountz (University of Northern Colorado) on the molecular immunogenetics of deer mice and with Dr. Lee Dyer (University of Nevada, Reno) on the evolution of plants in the genus Piper. I enjoy working with student researchers who are interested in learning how to apply molecular genetic techniques to understand the evolution of lineages of organisms.
Dr. Palmer may be contacted at aparna@mesastate.edu.
Dr. Walla may be contacted at twalla@mesastate.edu.
Student research, on my projects, involves the identification and use of gene (DNA) and amino acid (protein) sequence information, and the application of these data to reptile phylogenetics and venom evolution. Students conducting research learn basic techniques of DNA isolation, gene amplification with PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and gene cloning. In addition, students gain experience on how to interpret DNA and protein sequence information with the aid of computer analysis (bioinformatics). Usually, Junior level status and completed coursework in general chemistry, genetics and zoology is required to be considered for student research opportunities.
Dr. Werman may be contacted at swerman@mesastate.edu.
Under the supervision of a professor, the student can participate in the research while simultaneously earning college credit by taking one of the following courses:
Under the supervison of a faculty mentor, students learn the techniques associated with the mentor's field of research and collaborate with the professor to collect and analyze data. Students must have the permission of the supervising mentor to enroll in the class, which can be taken for a variable number of credits.
After taking BIOL 387, students may continue to refine their skills in research by taking this course. Students continue to delve deeper into the research conducted by the faculty mentor and contribute to the research being conducted by the professor. Students must have the permission of the supervising mentor to enroll in the class, which can be taken for a variable number of credits.
The Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory at Mesa State provides the space and equipment for research conducted with undergraduates and for class projects. The research conducted here include those on the population genetics of mistletoe, the molecular basis for cell motility, the molecular phylogenetics of polychaetous worms, the molecular phylogenetics of snakes, and the characterization of cave microbes. Classes that benefit from the lab include Genetics, Cloning, and Forensic Molecular Biology.
Every year, many opportunities arise for summer research fellowships all over the country. Listed below are a few links that can help you get started on finding a summer fellowship. Please keep in mind that opportunities for the 2010 summer may not have been updates by these sites yet.
National Science Foundation Research Experiences For Undergraduates (NSF REU)
The American Physiological Society Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship
The Integrative Graduate Education And Research Traineeship (IGERT) Summer Research Opportunities
Margot Becktell: Dr. Becktell, now a faculty member at Mesa State, worked with Dr. Lee Dyer while she was an undergraduate here.
Ryan Bixenmann: Mr. Bixenmann is now a Ph.D. student at the University of Utah. As an undergraduate, he worked with Dr. Aparna Palmer and Dr. Tom Walla.
Colleen Cooper-Vanosdell: Ms. Cooper-Vanosdell is currently a graduate student at Montana State University. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Aparna Palmer.
Jennifer Forbey: Dr. Forbey, now a faculty member at Boise State University, received her Ph.D. from the University of Utah. As a Mesa State undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Lee Dyer.
Whitney Marquardt: Ms. Marquardt is now pursuing a law degree at the University of Wyoming. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Aparna Palmer.
Clark Pearson: Mr. Pearson, now Dr. Pearson, received his doctoral degree at Tulane University. As an undergraduate, he worked with Dr. Lee Dyer.
Kinta Serve: Ms. Serve received a Master's degree from Washington State University. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Steve Werman.
Angela Smilanich: Ms. Smilanich is now Dr. Smilanich and is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada at Reno. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Aparna Palmer, Dr. Lee Dyer, and Dr. Craig Dodson.
Shay West: Ms. West received her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Molecular and Cellular Biology. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Steve Werman.
Nicole White: Agent White works for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) Crime Lab. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Aparna Palmer and interned at the CBI.
Brad Winters: Mr. Winters is now a Ph.D. student at Washington State University. As an undergraduate, he worked with Dr. Kyle McQuade and Dr. Tom Walla.
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