Grant Recipients
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA)
2009 Undergraduate Research Award (URA)
Benjamin Dudek, Environmental Conservation
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Erik Hobbie, Complex Systems Research Center
Project: δ¹³C and δ¹5N Analysis of National and Local Meat and Food Samples to Determine the Percentage of Corn in the New Hampshire Seacoast Area Diet
Thomas Kelleher, Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences
Project: Identification and Use of Double Mutant Lines of Arabidopsis thaliana to Study Protein Function
Andre Littlefield, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Deena Small, Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences
Project: Understanding Adipocyte-Mediated Angiogenesis
Holly Midkiff, Animal Science: Pre-vet
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Edward Tillinghast, Biological Sciences
Project: What is the Function of the Aggregate Duct Nodules of Spiders?
Monica Quimby, Biology: Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Tom Davis, Biological Sciences
Project: Is the Mitochondrial DNA of Fragaria (Rosaceae) Maternally Inherited?
2009 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) USA
Noel Alaka, Biology (Pre-med)
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Louis Tisa, Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences
Project: Effect of Temperature on the Identification of Photorhabdus asymbiotica Mutants Defective in Motility or Altered Surface Properties
Kristopher Block, Wildlife Ecology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Pekins, Natural Resources
Project: Ecology and Behavior of Nuisance Black Bears in Southeast New Hampshire
Hannah Bullock, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Louis Tisa, Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences Project: Biological Control: Efficiency of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Retaining Photorhabdus temperata Mutants
Brian Godbois, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Serita Frey, Natural Resources
Project: The Effects of Nitrogen Deposition & Soil Warming on Soil Water Quality
Ian Hanley, Wildlife Ecology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. John Litvaitis, Natural Resources
Project: Evaluation of Translocation Protocols for New England Cottontail
Scott Hurley, Environmental Science: Ecosystems
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Erik Hobbie, Complex Systems Research Center
Project: Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Exploration Types as Indicators of N Availability
Henry Jones, Wildlife Ecology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Pekins, Natural Resources
Project: Assessing the Impact of Moose Browsing on Regenerating Commercial Tree Species in Northern New Hampshire
Amy Lamb, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. John Aber, Natural Resources
Project: Composting and Sustainability: Trace Gas Yields and Energy Production with Different Materials and Methods
Daniel Perrinez, Marine/Freshwater Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Ihab Farag, Chemical Engineering
Project: Lipid Analysis of Micro-Algae used in Biodiesel Production
Rebecca Riding, Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences
Project: The Interaction of PP2A Subunits Using a Yeast Two-Hybrid Assay
Jaclyn Sullivan, Biology: Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Charles Walker, Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences
Project: Reactivating Wild-type P53 in Animal Cancer
Paula Teichholtz, Biology: Marine & Freshwater Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Larry Harris, Biological Sciences
Project: Recruitment and Survival of Tunicates Settling on Blue Mussel Shells
2009 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Abroad
John Greene, Environmental Conservation
Research Site: Brussels, Belgium
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stacy VanDeveer, Political Science
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Prof. Sebastian Oberthur, Vrije Universiteit Brussels
Topic: European Carbon Cap and Trade: Lessons and Applications for an American Market
Kaylene Szeto, Zoology
Research Site: Launceston, Tasmania
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Aaren Freeman, Natural Recourses & the Environment
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeff Wright, University of Tasmania
Topic: Assessing Rapid-Evolution of the Chemical Recognition of an Invasive Crab Species in Tasmania
2009 International Research Opportunities Program (IROP)
Caryn MacDonald
Research Site: Uppsala, Sweden
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stacia Sower, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dan Larhammar, Uppsala University
Topic: Evolutionary Studies of the Neuropeptide Y System in Vertebrates
Ben Marcek
Research Site: Sydney, Australia
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Jeb Byers, Zoology
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paul Gribben, University of Technology, Sydney
Topic: Evaluating How an Ecosystem Engineer Mediates Predation Rates and Consequent Distribution of Molluscan Prey
2009 Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program (REAP)
Tyler Burks, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Robert Taylor, Biological Sciences
Project: Embryonic Immune Tissue Gene Expression in Chicken Lines Selected for Differential Antibody Response
Amy Reichenbach, Zoology & French
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Barbara Cooper, French
Project: Research and Create Critical Edition of Alfred de Musset’s Drama: Il ne faut jurer de rien
Fall 2008 Undergraduate Research Award (URA)
David Dotchin, Mirobiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: Deterministic and Random Forces in the Evolution of Biofilm Production by Burkholderia cenocepacia
Whitney Hunter, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: The Role of Protein Phosphatase 2A and the Hormone Auxin in Plant Gravity Response
Daniel Kierstead, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Andrew Ouimette, Complex Systems Research Center
Topic: 13 C-Urea Breath Test to Determine Helicobacter pylori Infection of the Stomach
Sarah Kinsman, Animal Science, Pre-Vet
Faculty Mentor: Prof. David Townson, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: Effects of Uterine Pathogens on Postpartum Ovarian Function in Cows
Jack Lepine, Plant Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: RT-PCR Screening to Identify Mutant Arabidopsis Plants with a Knockout of Gene Function
Danielle Oliveri, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Wayne Fagerberg, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Topic: Anatomical Study of Oak Apple Galls
Bethany Reutemann, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Wayne Fagerberg, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: A Study of the Organelle and Nuclei Movement Patterns in Caulerpa mexicana
Michael Rezaee, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Lisa Brown, University of South Florida
Topic: Pandemic Resources Study
Carolyn, Schmitz, Biology – Ecology, Evolutionary and Behavioral
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Michelle Scott, Biological Sciences
Topic: The Effects of Winter Weather on Foraging Behaviors of New England Passerines
Melanie Schroer, Environmental Conservation
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Davis, Biological Sciences
Topic: DNA Sequence Variation in Fragaria virginiana Along an Environmental Gradient in Relation to Glacial Recession and Future Climate Change
Hilary Snyder, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Joanne Curran-Celentano, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: Exploring Macular Pigment: Lutein Transport and Deposition During 120-days of Lutein Supplementation
Kaitlyn Steele, Environmental Sciences: Ecosystems
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Ruth Varner, Climate Change Research Center
Topic: Using Stable Isotope Methods to Determine Controls on Methane Production in Coastal Sediments
Amy Taetzsch, Nutritional Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Gale Carey, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: Flame Retardants and Diabetes
Rechab Towne, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Topic: Comparing the Distribution of the Hormone Auxin in Wild-type and Mutant Line of Arabidopsis thaliana
Spring 2008 Undergraduate Research Award (URA)
Kiley Anderson, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Plant Biology
Project: Comparison of Transcript Levels in Wild-Type and Mutant Arabidopsis thaliana
Nicholas Bencivenga, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Roy Planalp, Chemistry
Topic: A Fluorescent Ratiometric Indicator for Cooper
Stacy Farina, Marine & Freshwater Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. William Howell, Zoology
Project: Onset of Feeding and Dietary Composition of Laboratory-Reared Winter Flounder Released in Cages Near the Mouth of the Great Bay Estuary, NH
Jonathan Felch, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. J. Matthew Davis, Earth Science
Project: Water Resources Assessment of Appledore Island, Maine
Kristin Garabedian, Marine & Freshwater Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. William Howell, Zoology
Project: Development of the Digestive Tract in Larvae and Juvenile Winter Flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus
Gregory Howarth, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. William Howell, Zoology
Project: The Effect of Temperature, Medium, and Container Type on the Growth and Reproduction of the White Worm (Enchytraeus albidus)
Sanjuro Jogdeo, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. W. Kelley Thomas, Biochemistry
Topic: Segmental Variation in the Daphnia Pulex Genome
Jenna Madore, Nutritional Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Jesse Morrell, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Project: Prescription Medicine Use Among Young Adults and the Association with Chronic Disease Risk
Munevver Makinistoglu, Biology: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Subhash Minocha, Plant Biology
Topic: Producing Decaffeinated Tea
Danielle Morse, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Project: Side Effects of Antibiotic Resistance in Evolved Burkholderia cenocepacia HI2424 Populations
Margret Mansfield, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Davis, Plant Biology
Topic: Tracking the Timeline of the Progression of Verticillium Wilt Infection in Susceptible and Resistant Plants of Mentha longifolia
Max Mehlman, Zoology / Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Brett Gibson, Psychology
Topic: Methods for Landmark Navigation Utilized by Rats
Adam Mirando, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Anthony Tagliaferro, Animal and Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Blood Insulin and Glucose Concentrations in Rats Exposed to Chemical Pollutants, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether
Sharmistha Mitra, Biology: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Clyde Denis, Biochemistry
Topic: Identification of Growth Conditions that Affect the Formation of a Truncated Poly (A) Binding Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Amanda Ramos, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
Project: Shiga-Like Toxin Induced Apoptosis in Blood Neutrophils
Linden Rayton, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Winsor Watson, Zoology
Topic: Can Horseshoe Crabs Breathe When Buried? An Investigation of Anaerobic Respiration in the Horseshoe Crab, Limulus Polyphemus
Michael Wilmot, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stacia Sower, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Topic: Development of a Detection Method (ELISA) for Purification of a Recombinant Lamprey Glycoprotein Hormone
2008 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) USA
Katharine Burnham, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Lee, Natural Resources
Project: Invasion of Forests by Glossy Buckthorn: Effects of Logging and the Role of Seed Banks
Joshua Collins, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stephen Torosian, Microbiology
Project: Development of Non-Isotopic Gene Probes to Identify the Presence of Enterohemorrhagic Escheriachia Coli
Kari Britt, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Deena Small, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Project: Do Sugar Groups Added to Proteins Make a Difference in Animal Fat Cell Formation?
Amy Cornell, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Rick Cote, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Project: The Evaluation of the Relative Abundance of Visual Signaling Proteins in Rana catesbeiana Rod and Cone Photoreceptors
Naomi Crystal, Nutritional Sciences / Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Joanne Curran-Celentano, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Project: Assessing a Practical Method for Determining Glycemic Index of Nutrition Bars: Comparison to Standard Method
Erin Cubley, Environmental Conservation
Faculty Mentor: Prof. David Burdick, Jackson Laboratory
Project: Evaluating Alternatives for Restoration of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) at Berry’s Brook, Rye, New Hampshire
Elizabeth DiBella, Mollecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kevin Culligan, Biochemistry
Project: Identification of Novel Hydroxyurea (HU) Sensitive Mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana
Mary Dokus, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Foxall, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Project: Endothelial Wound Healing in Diabetic-Like Conditions
Benjamin Field, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Deena Small, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Project: Jagged 1 Behavior in Response to Adipogenic Inducing Agents in L1-Adipocytes
Jonathan Gately, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Louis Tisa, Microbiology
Project: Identification of Photorhabdus temperate Mutants Defective in Symbiosis
Mariah Gavin, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Cheryl Whistler, Microbiology
Project: Identifying Virulence Mechanisms of an Emergent Pathogen Found in the Great Bay Estuary of New Hampshire
Caryn MacDonald, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stacia Sower, Biochemistry
Project: Lamprey Gonadotropin – Releasing Hormone Analogs and Inhibition of Steroidogenesis in Male Petromyzonmarinus (Sea Lamprey)
Max Mehlman, Zoology / Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Brett Gibson, Psychology
Project: Mental Map Integration by Rats
Rachel Mixon, Biology / Classics
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Lee, Natural Resources
Project: A Comparison of Breeding System and Fruit Production in Invasive and Native Shrubs
Julie Morrison, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Project: A Genetic Study of the Transition from Pathogenicity to Symbiosis
Danielle Oliveri, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. David Townson, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Project: A Pilot Study of Daily Patterns of Salivary Amylase and Salivary Cortisol in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Thomas Perry, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Project: The Pleiotropic Effects of Adaptive Mutations in Escherichia coli
Carolyn Schmitz, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Adrienne Kovach, Natural Resources
Project: Factors Influencing the Nesting Success of Saltmarsh Sharp-Tailed Sparrows in New Hampshire
Valerie Schoepfer, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. William McDowell, Natural Resources
Project: Leaf Leaching as a Source of Carbon and Nutrients in Tropical Streams
Erica Sennott, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
Project: The Effects of Antibiotics on Toxin Production in Escherichia coli 0157:H7
Wesley Smith, Wildlife Management
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Perkins, Natural Resources
Project: Ecology of Nuisance Suburban Black Bears in Southern New Hampshire
Hilary Snyder, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Joanne Curran-Celentano, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Project: Exploring Macular Pigment: Lutein Transport and Deposition During 120 Day Lutein Supplementation
Kaitlyn Steele, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Ruth Varner, Climate Change Research Center
Project: The Effect of Carbon Dioxide Concentrations on Methane Production in Coastal Marine Sediment
Amy Taetzsch, Nutritional Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Gale Carey, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Project: Flame Retardants and Diabetes
Elizabeth Willey, Wildlife Ecology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kimberly Babbitt, Natural Resources
Project: The Effects of Forest Fragmentation on Salamander Abundance and Body Condition
2008 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Abroad
KwangLi Park, Biochemistry
Research Site: Pusan, South Korea
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Laue, Biochemistry
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hae Young Chung, Pusan National University
Topic: Inhibition of Age-Associated NF-kB Activation by Isoflavone
Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program 2008
Kelly Boisvert, Wildlife Ecology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Perkins, Natural Resources
Project: Tagging and Tracking Black Bears in the Durham Area
2008 Research Presentation Grant
Mariah Gavin, Microbiology
Project: Evaluation of the Pathogenic Potential of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Found in New Hampshire’s Great Bay Estuary
Conference: American Society for Microbiology 108th General Meeting
Steven Hennigar, Nutrition
Project: Exposure to Flame Retardants Promotes Increased Consumption of Simple Sugars
Conference: Experimental Biology Meeting
Nicole Lefebvre, Biochemistry
Project: Evaluation of the Pathogenic Potential of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Found in New Hampshire’s Great Bay Estuary
Conference: American Society for Microbiology 108th General Meeting
Anna Malek, Biology: Marine & Freshwater
Project: Distribution of Trematode Parasitism in the Common Periwinkle Littorina littorea Across a Vertical Gradient in the Intertidal
Conference: Benthic Ecology Meeting
Sabrina Moreau, Environmental Science
Project: Observations of Hyporheic Zone Processes During Short-Term, Daily Water Releases on the Deerfield River in Charlemont, Massachusetts
Conference: Geological Society of America Annual Meeting
2008 Honors Thesis Grant
Anna Malek, Biology: Marine & Freshwater
Thesis: Distribution of Trematode Parasitism in the Common Periwinkle Littorina littorea Across a Vertical Gradient in the Intertidal
2007 Undergraduate Research Award (URA)
George Bell, Marine and Freshwater Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Larry Harris, Zoology
Topic: The Effects of an Invasive Species of Bryozoans on Local Nudibranch Predators
Nicholas Bencivenga, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Roy Planalp, Chemistry
Topic: Testing the Viability of Metal Chelators as Growth Inhibitors
Ilona DuBuske, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Subhash Minocha, Plant Biology
Topic: Towards the Production of a Hypo-Allergenic Birch: Cloning of the Birch Pollen Allergen Betv1 Gene
Stephen Hennigar, Nutritional Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Tony Tagliaferro Animal & nutritional Sciences
Topic: Flame Retardants: A Possible Promoter of Obesity
Heather Larivee, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Bradley Crannell, Civil Engineering
Topic: Adsorption of Phosphorus by Apatite Phosphate Rock – A Possible Freshwater Eutrophication Treatment Method
Keith Morley, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Topic: Beyond Darwin: Gaining Insight into Mutational Effects Through the Removal of Natural Selection
Charles Traverse, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Topic: Mutational Meltdown in Small Worlds: A Study of Specialization and Gene Connections in Bacteria
2007 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) USA
Thomas Beatman, Zoology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Edward Tillinghast, Zoology
Topic: Innervation and Physiology of the Aggregate Ducts of Orb Web Spiders
Amy Cornell, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Rick Cote, Biochemistry
Topic: Isolation and Purification of Cone Photoreceptor Cells from Rana Catesbeiana Retina
Chelsea Cunard, Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Tom Lee, Natural Resources
Topic: The Relationship Between Forest Canopy Composition Light Levels in the Understory, and the Mortality of Glossy Buckthorn
Chelsey Faller, Environmental Conservation
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kim Babbitt, Natural Resources
Topic: Effects of Clearcuts on Woodfrog Dispersal Rates
Darin Franceschini, Biology: EEB
Faculty Mentor: Prof. John Litvaitis, Natural Resources
Topic: The Effects of Invasive Shrubs on Nesting Songbirds in Early-Successional Habitats of New Hampshire
Ashley Green, Environmental Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kim Babbitt, Natural Resources
Topic: Fluorescent Tracking to Observe Microhabitat Preferences of Wood Frog (Rana Sylvatica) Metamorphs in the Presence of a Clearcut
Orrin Jones, Wildlife Management
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Pekins, Natural Resources
Topic: Analysis of Efficiency and Conditions Relating to Genetic Tagging of Black Bears in Northern New Hampshire
Lindsey Lemire, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Plant Biology
Topic: Factors Affecting the Expression of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Genes in the Moss Physcomitreila patens
Katrina Nunes, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Charles Walker, Zoology
Topic: Is the Truncated Variant of Clam Mortalin Protein Responsible for Clam Leukemia
Michael Rezaee, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Charles Walker, Zoology
Topic: Induction of Autophagy to Selectively Eliminate Leukemic Clam Hemocytes by Apoptosis
Brian Schuster, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Cheryl Whistler, Microbiology
Topic: An Experimental Evolution for Symbiosis Revolution
Paul Sweeny, Biology: Molecular
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kevin Culligan, Biochemistry
Topic: Positional Cloning of the Hydroxy Urea-sensitive hus2 Mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana
2007 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Abroad
Ryan Haley, Biochemistry
Research Site: Lima and Iquitos, Peru Faculty Mentor: Prof. Louis Tisa, Microbiology
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Bacon, Naval Medical Center, Lima
Topic: Epidemiological and Biochemical Surveillance of Drug Resistant Strains of Malaria in Lima and Iquitos Peru
2006-2007 Undergraduate Research Award
Elisabeth Antanavich, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Davis, Plant Biology
Topic: Determining the Effect of Limonene-3-H Alleles on Peppermint Oil Production in Mint Plants
Susan Boisvert, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Cheryl Whistler, Microbiology
Topic: Iron Sequestration by Siderophore in Vibrio fischeri: Regulation and Role in Symbiosis
Jan Boyer, Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kim Babbitt, Natural Resources
Topic: Effects of Caddisfly (Limnephilus indivisus) Predation on Development Rates of Embryonic Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma Maculatum)
Robert Citorik, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
TopicThe Effects of Probiotics and Organic Acids on Toxin Production in Escherichia coli O157:H7
Maire Folan, Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Gale Carey, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: The Effect of Flame Retardants on a Biochemical Marker of Obesity
Ariel Hudson, Animal Science: Pre-Vet
Faculty Mentor: Prof. David Townson, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Role of Cytokeratin 8/18 Intermediate Filaments in the Bovine Corpus Luteum: Protection Against Fas Ligand-Induced Apoptosis
Orrin Jones, Wildlife Management
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Pekins, Natural Resources
Topic: Winter Distribution Analysis of Wild Turkeys Surrounding Pease Tradeport
Kara Judson, Biology: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Faculty Mentor: David Townson, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Examination of Fas Aggregation on Bovine Luteal Cells: Influences of Cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18) Intermediate Filaments
Alisha Kennell, Zoology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Michelle Scott, Zoology
Topic: The Effect of Enriched Environment on Spatial Learning in Two Rodent Species Occupying Different Habitats
Mark Kilens, Tourism Planning & Development
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Lyndon Goodridge, Resource Economics & Development
Topic: The Efficacy of Rural Sourcing as Compared to Offshoring
Ginny King, Nutritional Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Jesse Morrell, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Bone Health and Risk Factors in the College-Age Population
Avery Krein, Animal Sciences: Pre-Vet
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Michelle Scott, Zoology
Topic: Sensory Cues that Initiate Conspecific Aggression in Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)
Daniel Lajoie, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Edward Tillinghast, Zoology (Emeritus)
Topic: Black Widow Defensive Secretion Proteins as a Tool for Understanding Silk Gland Evolution
Nathan Lee, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Plant Biology
Topic: Generation and Characterization of CPK6 Knockout Mutants in Physcomitrella patens
Lindsey Lemire, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Plant Biology
Topic: Factors Affecting the Expresssion of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Genes in the Moss Physcomitrella patens
Benjamin Orcheski, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Davis, Plant Biology
Topic: Determination of Sex Expression in Strawberry
Stephan Pirnie, Biology: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Subhash Minocha, Plant Biology
Topic: Harnessing the Power of an Invasive Species: Inducing Phytochelatin Synthase in Purple Loosestrife to Create a Bioremediator
Whitney Schwartz, Environmental Conservation
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kim Babbitt, Natural Resources
Topic: Estimates of Native Bird Species on Maungatautari and Mt. Pirongia, New Zealand
Paul Sweeny, Biology: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kevin Culligan, Biochemistry
Topic: Map-Based Cloning of the Hydroxyurea-Sensitive hus2 Mutant in Arabidipsis thaliana
Brian Thomson, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Foxall, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Inflammatory Mechanisms Relating Diabetes to Atherogenesis
Marjorie Wainwright, Nutritional Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Gale Carey, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Environmental Chemicals: Do They Alter Energy Balance & Promote Obesity?
Jennifer Walsh, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Adrienne Kovach, Natural Resources
Topic: Identification of Sharp-Tailed Sparrow Species Using Genetic Techniques
2005-2006 Undergraduate Research Award
Elisha Allan, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. James Haney, Zoology
Topic: Barcoding of the Growth Stages of Two Freshwater Calanoid Copepod Species
Jacob Borgeson, Wildlife Management
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Perkins, Natural Resources
Topic: Evaluation of Protocol and Conditions Associated with Genetic Tagging of Black Bears in Northern New Hampshire
Jill Brelsford, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Cheryl Whistler, Microbiology
Topic: A Tale of Two Sigma Factors: Characterization of Two Putative Stress Response Regulators in a Bacterial Symbiont
Jesse Brock, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Cheryl Whistler, Microbiology
Topic: Molecular Imperialism: The Role of GacS in Colonization and Host Association
Sarah Comeau, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Topic: Host Range and Fitness Effects of a Lysogenic Bacteriophange in the Burkholdecia cepacia Complex
Jennifer Forcina, Medical Laboratory Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
Topic: Interactions Between Bcl-2 Proteins and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Produced Stx-2 Toxin in Neutrophils
Darin Franceschini, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. James Taylor, Zoology
Topic: Effect of Human Activity on Predictions of Island Biogeography Theory
Evan Jordan, Plant Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Subhash Minocha, Plant Biology
Topic: Harnessing the Power of an Invasive Species: Inducing Phytochelatin Synthase in Purple Loosestrife to Create a Bioremediator
Jennifer Loquine, Pre-Veterinary
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Plant Biology
Topic: Expression Patterns of a Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase in Arabidopsis thaliana Using the GUS Reporter Gene
Jennifer Lyckland, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Robert Drugan, Psychology
Topic: The Effects of Serotonin Depletion on Intermittent Cold Water Swim Stress-Induced Depression
Ethan Miller, Bioscience & Technology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Wayne Fagerberg, Plant Biology
Topic: Inhibition of Trap Closure in Dionaea muscipula Through Manipulation of Membrane Aquaporin Channels
Hristina Natcheva, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Estelle Hrabak, Plant Biology
Topic: Targeted Mutagenesis of CPK Genes in Physcomitrella patens
Stephan Pirnie, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Subhash Minocha, Plant Biology
Topic: Harnessing the Power of an Invasive Species: Inducing Phytochelatin Synthase in Purple Loosestrife to Create a Bioremediator
Mark Santos, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stacia Sower, Zoology
Topic: Transnasal Delivery of a GnRH Analog in Miniature Swine
Satya Sardonicus, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Tony Taglifero, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: The Role of IL-18 BP Obesity and Atopy
Kristine Seigars, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Pistole, Microbiology
Topic: Quantitative Analysis of Neutrophil Binding to Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis in Their Wildtype, Mutant, and MBL Bound Forms
Jong Yu, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
Topic: “Stressed Out”: Toxin Production by Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in Response to Stress
2006 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship - USA
Nicholas Beauchemin, Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Louis Tisa, Microbiology
Topic: The Effect of Transposon Mutagenesis on Plant Microbe Interactions in the Actinorhizal Symbiosis
Jennifer A. Brackett, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
Topic: Apoptosis and Necrosis: Impact of Escherichia Coli Shiga-like Toxin 2 During the Eukaryotic Host Cell Cycle
Jill Brelsford, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Cheryl Whistler, Microbiology
Topic: Expressing While They’re Stressing: An Investigation of RpoS Expression in Vibrio Fischeri During Colonization of the Squid Euprymna scolopes
Katelyn B. Cassidy, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Wayne Fagerberg, Plant Biology
Topic: A Study of the Endosymbiont Bacterial Communities Found within Caulerpa: Spatial Location, Community Profiles, and in vitro Culture
Benjamin T. Danton, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas M. Davis, Plant Biology
Topic: Witnessing Evolution: Cellular Organelle and Nuclear Genomic Incompatibilities as a Source of Reproductive Isolation and Divergence of Species
Mary Dellenbaugh, Forestry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Mark Ducey, Natural Resources
Topic: Assessing the Impact of Urbanization on Water Quality in the Lamprey Watershed
DiManno, Nicole, Zoology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kimberly Babbitt, Natural Resources
Topic: Post-Breeding Dispersal of Adult Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica): Implications for Forest Management
Dustin Elwood, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Charles Walker, Zoology
Topic: Sea Urchin Nutritive Phagocyte Autophagy “vs” Growth – Differential Control by a Complex of Proteins
Loreen Fournier, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Andrew Laudano, Biochemistry Molecular Biology
Topic: Activation of Estrogen Receptors by HER2/NEU in Breast Cancer Cells
Tye Kindinger, Zoology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. James Haney, Zoology
Topic: Evolutionary Adaptation of Daphnia pulex in Peripheral Rock Pools on the Isle of Shoals, ME
Angela Kuehn, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Vaughn Cooper, Microbiology
Topic: Rotting to Success: Experimental Evolution of Burkholderia in Onions
Heather Moulton, Wildlife Management
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Kimberly Babbitt, Natural Resources
Topic: The Effects of Upland Habitat Type on Growth and Survival of Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica)
Nicholas Perros, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Richard Cote, Biochemistry Molecular Biology
Topic: The Regulation of Phosphodiesterase-6 by Glutamic Acid Rich Protein-2
Holli Pinard, Pre-Veterinary
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Peter Erickson, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Calf Starter Chemical and Physical Characteristics as They Relate to Overall Performance
Amanda Schweizer, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Charles Walker, Zoology
Topic: Localization of p53 to the Nucleus and Mitochondria During Programmed Cell Death of Clam Leukemia Cells
Gwen Stuart, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Joanne Curran-Celentano, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Visual and Biochemical Assessment of the Color Change in Egg Yolk Following Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplements
Joy Stronk, Marine & Freshwater Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Winsor Watson, Zoology
Topic: Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Behavior of the Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)
Jennifer Towle, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Wayne Fagernerg, Plant Biology
Topic: Bio-Adhesion: Search for Vitronectin in Caulerpa
Jennifer Walsh, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Adrienne Kovach, Natural Resources
Topic: Identification of Sharp-Tailed Sparrow Species Using Genetic Techniques
Robert Citorik, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank Rodgers, Microbiology
Topic: “Stressed Out”: Toxin Production by Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in Response to Stress
2005-2006 International Research Opportunities Program
Lena Collins, Ecology, Evolution & Behavior
Research Site: Wollongong, Australia
Faculty Mentor: Prof. James E. Byers, Zoology
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Prof. Jeff Wright, University of Wollongong
Topic: The Effect of the Invasive Species “Caulerpa Taxifolia” on Interactions among Native Species
Heather Ashley Tucker, Animal Science: Pre-Vet
Research Site: Manyara, Tanzania
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Drew Conroy, TSAS
Foreign Faculty Mentor: Lobulu Sakita, Coordinator Maasai Advancement Assoc.
Topic: Maasai-Elephant Conflict: An Investigation into Crop Protection and its Effect
2005-2006 Research Presentation Grants
Allison Percival, Environmental & Resource Economics
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Robert Robertson, Resource Economics
Topic: Stake Holders and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Management Goals for their Water Supply Reservoir
Conference: International Symposium for Society and Resource Management. Vancouver, BC
Darren Ferguson, Animal Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Paul Tsang, Animal & Nutritional Sciences
Topic: Is There a Relationship Between the Steroid Hormone Progesterone and Egg Case Production/Dynamics in Oviparous Elasmobranchs?
Conference: American Elasmobranch Society. New Orleans, LA
2005-2006 Undergraduate Research Conference
Sarah Grieve & Nicole Young, Animal Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. David Townson, Animal & Nutritional Science
Topic: Cytokeratin 8/18 Intermediate Filaments and Their Role in Regression of the Bovine Corpus Luteum
Mark Santos, Microbiology
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Stacia Sower, Biochemistry Molecular Biology
Topic: Transnasal Delivery of a GnRH Analog in Miniature Swine
Lisa Bedford, Biology: Molecular, Cellular, and Development
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Winsor Watson, Zoology
Topic: The Influence of Endogenous Circadian and Circatidal Clocks on Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) Locomotion