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Dr. Spencer Behmer - Insect Physiology
Dr. Behmer's research focuses on insect physiology and behavior, including their ecological and evolutionary bases. The approach is "bottom-up", with an emphasis on using individual behavior as a tool to understand physiological and higher-level processes.
Researchers in Dr. Behmer’s laboratory pursue three broadly defined areas of research: 1) insect physiological ecology, 2) insect sterol/cholesterol biology, and 3) the mechanisms of learning in insects. The research uses a number of different insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, honeybees and ants.
Undergraduate students conducting research in Dr. Behmer’s laboratory would work on research in the areas of 1) physiological ecology and 2) the use of insects to explore issues of obesity. For these projects grasshoppers and caterpillars are the model organisms, and students would conduct rearing experiments using precisely defined synthetic foods. The key variables measured relate to consumption and utilization of ingested nutrients, and post-mortem analyses of lipid and nitrogen content. Upon completion of a research project, students will have developed an understanding of experimental design and whole organismal physiology, and will have gained experience in conducting biochemical analyses. 
Dr. Craig Coates - Genetic Transformation Systems
The primary research focus is the improvement of genetic transformation systems using ClassII transposable elements. There is particular interest in the use of DNA binding domains to modify the binding activity of these transposases to enable them to be utilized in a site-specific manner. To improve the transpositional activity of the transposons Dr. Coates is also involved in projects that use mutagenesis of both the DNA transposon and protein transposase. Additional research emphasis is on the identification and characterization of the multi-gene vitellogenin family of proteins found in social ants. Undergraduate research students have been involved in many aspects of this research and available research projects include the construction of genetic transformation plasmids by utilizing PCR, restriction digestion, ligation, plasmid propagation and preparation. Some of the ongoing research also involves the use of insect cell culture and transfection. Research on the vitellogenin gene families involves the design and use of degenerate primers for PCR amplification, cloning, DNA sequencing, and RT-PCR analysis of gene expression.
Dr. Raul Medina - Pest Species Population Genetics
Dr. Medina's research focuses on population genetic aspects of pest species and their natural enemies. Currently, he is searching for a system to explore host-associated differentiation in a tri-trophic context. The first step towards this direction is to understand the population genetics of plant-herbivore interactions in order to understand how genetic variability of herbivore species may impact the ecology of higher trophic levels. As part of this effort, work is currently underway to explore whether cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae), populations from cotton fields are distinct from fleahopper populations from wild vegetation and also assessing the population substructure of the pecan nut casebearer, Acrobasis nuxvorella (Neunzig) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), across its distribution in North America. Additionally, Dr. Medina is involved in learning if pecan nut casebearer populations that are attracted to different pheromone blends are reproductively isolated. Dr. Medina is also currently assessing the population substructure of the potato tuber worm (Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in the United States. This knowledge will provide insights into the origin of potato tuber worm populations recently detected in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Undergraduates will be guided through all the steps of research project development. Undergraduate students in Dr. Medina’s laboratory will learn and apply different molecular as well as ecological skills. The goal is to teach undergraduate students to do research by exposing them to real research scenarios and problems. Students will be trained in numerous laboratory and field techniques, such as DNA extraction, molecular marker development, behavioral observation, and rearing techniques. More importantly, they will learn the value of asking the right questions over the learning of techniques. Students will be encouraged to present their projects as posters or oral presentations at suitable national meetings. The experience of presenting results in professional meetings motivates students, and trains them in effectively communicating scientific findings.
Dr. Albert Mulenga - Molecular Interrelations Among Pests, Hosts and Pathogens
Major research activities in this research theme are focused on using molecular biology and immunological tools to characterize the complex molecular interrelationship of the tick-host-pathogen interaction triad. The desired outcome is to identify key molecules involved and subsequently devise methods to block their function for control of ticks and tick borne diseases. Students conducting research in Dr. Mulenga’s laboratory will be introduced to basic molecular biology and immunology laboratory skills. At the end of their REU experience, students will have a basic knowledge and understanding of PCR, gene cloning, DNA, RNA and protein analysis, basic bioinformatics, cell culture and other related techniques.
Dr. Tanya Pankiw - Honey Bee Pheromone Biology
The focus of Dr. Pankiw’s research is to understand how various honey bee foraging strategies affect an important fitness trait such as colony growth. The research uses brood pheromone as a tool through which controlled changes can be made to the foraging stimulus environment that changes honey bee foraging behaviors and patterns of colony growth. Additionally, the effects of synthetic honey bee pheromones and gland extracts on neuro-sensitivity to sucrose an important foraging stimulus are evaluated. In addition, Dr. Pankiw conducts research using allelochemicals to repel and arrest defensive and invading behaviors of venomous hymenoptera. Undergraduate students conducting research in Dr. Pankiw’s laboratory will have the opportunity to gain experience in such areas as: honey bee mitochondrial DNA analysis for research and regulatory purposes; pheromone extraction and gas chromatography of honey bee pheromones for research; behavioral bioassays at the individual bee and colony levels using direct observation as well as digital photo and video techniques; digital observation data handling in which students will not only learn but actively participate in developing new methods; physiological bioassays such as the Bradford assay to quantify protein, ovarian follicle development, and hemolymph protein identification and quantification; and neuro-sensitivity to sucrose bioassays. Students in the REU program will be encouraged to assume responsibility for a research study, promoting more in-depth understanding of the science behind the work and fostering a genuine interest in research.
Dr. Patricia Pietrantonio - Disease Vector Species
The research focus is the understanding of peptide hormone signal transduction in important arthropod pests. These are: the dengue vector, the mosquito Aedes aegypti; the cattle fever tick Boophilus microplus, the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Dr. Pietrantonio and her associates focus on the cloning, expression in mammalian cells in culture, and functional characterization through intracellular calcium bioluminescence assays. The goal is to validate and utilize these G protein-coupled receptors as targets for future pesticide development. Target validation is being investigated through RNA interference in female mosquitoes. In addition, the group works on detection of insecticide resistance in cotton pest through bioassays, molecular and biochemical (esterases) techniques. Students conducting research in Dr. Pietrantonio’s laboratory will have the opportunity to be integrated into projects already ongoing in the laboratory, or develop new experiments. They will gain an understanding of how their own research activities relate to the overall goals of the laboratory. Students will meet with Dr. Pietrantonio’s research group weekly in formal group meetings were all indicate what they have done that week, what problems or mistakes occurred and what have they learned from the experience. This will help the REU students understand that accepting successes as well as failures is an integral part of the educational experience in science. Students will also be expected to learn how to write a scientific report and keep well-organized research records. Some of the specific laboratory techniques students will have the opportunity to try tissue culture laboratory techniques, molecular techniques, and toxicological bioassays.
Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin – Forensic Entomology
Forensic Laboratory for the Investigation of Entomological Sciences (FLIES) Laboratory
One aspect of Forensic entomology is the use of insect evidence collected from decomposing human remains to predict the minimum time of death. Dr. Tomberlin represents one of fifteen board certified forensic entomologists in North America, and he is also a Fellow within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Research in the FLIES Laboratory currently is focused on elucidating the ecological mechanisms governing colonization and succession patterns of human remains by arthropods. Three primary paths of research related to forensically important arthropods are currently being pursued in Dr. Tomberlin’s laboratory: 1) microbial-arthropod interactions, 2) resource-insect interactions, and 3) ecological modeling of the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on the colonization of human remains by arthropods in order to understand the phenomena of delayed colonization. Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are currently the model insects used for research in his laboratory.
Undergraduates that work in Dr. Tomberlin’s laboratory will have the opportunity to conduct research on blow flies examining either the, 1) influence of biotic factors, such microbes, on their development, 2) influence of abiotic factors, such as light, on their development, or 3) their learning ability.
Time permitting undergraduates will have numerous opportunities to learn about the forensic sciences. These opportunities include interacting with graduate students conducting forensically relevant research and attending workshops on various aspects of the forensic sciences.
Dr. Tomberlin’s goal for students completing the REU experience will be for them to come away with a basic understanding of forensic entomology. They should also gain an understanding of how to design and conduct research in forensic entomology, as well as how to analyze data and prepare information in manuscript format.
Dr. James Woolley - Insect Taxonomy and Systematics
The research focus in on taxonomy and systematics of parasitic wasps in three families in the superfamily Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae, Aphelinidae and Signiphoridae. Projects include a wide range of taxonomic levels and methodologies including both morphological and molecular character systems, and they are typically a blend of descriptive taxonomy and phylogenetics. Currently, we are studying the evolution of morphological differentiation, reproductive isolation, and host use in a complex of cryptic species of aphid parasitoids in the genus Aphelinus, using molecular data to provide a phylogenetic framework. Dr. Woolley is working on a species level revision of Aphelinus, currently focusing on the some 40 species from North America. He and his associates are conducting revisionary and phylogenetic studies at various levels in the family Encyrtidae, which contains about 750 valid genera and over 3000 species, using both morphological and molecular data. They have also been active in developing and utilizing electronic imaging techniques, interactive multiple entry keys, and taxonomic databases to facilitate this work, including serving these data electronically. The research is based on use of geometric and distance-based morphometric methods for characterizing morphometric differentiation and of computer methods for assembly of montage, in-focus images from a set of serially focused digital images. There is also use stereomicroscopy, compound microscopy and scanning electron microscopy extensively for character exploration and descriptive taxonomy. Recent independent undergraduate research projects in Dr. Woolley’s lab have included taxonomic study of streblid bat parasites (Laurie Warriner), advanced digital imaging and digital photomicroscopy of parasitic Hymenoptera (Hee Kim, Lucy Rodriguez, Charlotte Ellis), mosquitoes of Dominica (Jennifer Murrell), close-up photography of insects (Frank Casillas), taxonomy and digital imaging of leafhoppers (Therese Catanach) and Hymenoptera of Dominica (Rachel Eden). Dr. Woolley works with students to bring the results of their projects together into a publication or presentation at a scientific meeting whenever possible. At least three of the students listed above have been supported on REU supplements to prior NSF awards.
Dr. Keyan Zhu-Salzman - Insect-Plant Interactions
The research focus is on insect-plant interaction. Over millions of years of co-evolution with insects, plants have developed various defense machineries that can be activated in response to insect herbivory. Insects, in turn, have developed a variety of strategies to evade these plant defense mechanisms. An improved understanding of this complex plant defense and insect counter-defense relationship will facilitate development of better strategies to improve host plant defense. Currently, Dr. Zhu-Salzman is using Arabidopsis to study plant defense signal transduction pathways against insect pests. Meanwhile, since effectiveness of plant defense is also determined by the insect response, the researchers are also investigating how insects adapt to the challenge of plant defense molecules, as well as to human imposed management strategies. Undergraduate students conducting research in Dr. Zhu-Salzman’s laboratory will be able to develop research projects in defense signal transduction using Arabidopsis and transcriptome regulation in herbivorous insects. Students will be exposed to a variety of laboratory techniques including gene cloning and protein expression. They will meet with Dr. Zhu-Salzman once a week to discuss their progress, and they will also be asked to attend weekly meetings of the laboratory research staff. In addition, REU students will be included as co-author on publications generated from projects in which they are involved.