header=[Research interests] body=[Physiology and Biochemistry<br><br>My research interests are centered around bioenergetics with an emphasis on the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism during insect development. Programmed cell death (PCD) is an essential process for the removal of obsolete cells during animal development and it is now clear from studies on mammalian cells that mitochondria play a key role in PCD. It is not known, however, whether mitochondria play a similar role in the PCD that occurs during insect molting and metamorphosis. Current research in my laboratory focuses on the changes in insect mitochondrial function during the PCD of the midgut epithelium of the caterpillar, the tobacco hornworm. Projects in the lab include determining developmental changes in the mitochondrial cytochrome c content, the kinetics of mitochondrial enzymes, and the control of oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, studies are underway to determine if the molting hormones, the ecdysteroids, are ultimately responsible for the PCD of the midgut and the alteration of midgut mitochondrial function.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience<br>Adaptational and Comparative Physiology, Biochemistry<br><br>To understand dietary factors that limit zooplankton growth it is necessary to identify key components in the diet and define the conditions under which these components become limiting. One biomolecule that has never systematically been tested as a possible limiting factor is cholesterol and its sterol precursors. Requirements for cholesterol in animals are likely to be driven largely by contents of cholesterol in plasma membranes. In collaboration with Patrick Hassett (also in Biological Sciences) we will examine both ecological and physiological aspects of cholesterol biology in zooplankton. More specifically, we will 1) identify the physical and biotic conditions for which dietary sterols become limiting, and 2) define the coupling between dietary and membrane-specific requirements for cholesterol.<br>This is a project particularly well-suited for undergraduate student participation and will involve work both at OU and in Maine (at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory). We have funding from NSF to take two undergraduate students with us to Maine in the summer.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Plant-Herbivore Coevolution, Insect-Plant Interaction, Physiology<br><br>My research interests include the chemical ecology of plant-herbivore interactions, comparative aspects of digestive strategies in insects and more recently, responses of aquatic insects to water pollutants. Ongoing projects that students could contribute to fall into two broad categories:<br>Aquatic Insect Ecology - Our laboratory has biomonitoring sites in three local watersheds impacted by acid mine drainage. In addition to sorting and identifying macroinvertebrates from field samples, there are opportunities to for independent projects to investigate effects of specific pollutants (pH, heavy metals) on feeding behavior and growth, test sediments for residual effects of contaminants on colonization and other processes, or investigate physiological mechanisms for tolerating acidity or toxins.<br>Chemical Ecology of Insect-Plant interactions – A focus in my lab is on the metabolic fate of plant defensive compounds after they are ingested by caterpillars, and the effects of compounds on growth and performance. I am investigating the role of oxygen availability in the caterpillar midgut for “activating” plant antiherbivore defenses (primarily phenolics). Students could assist in maintaining laboratory colony insects, performing microelectrode measurements of O2 in dissected caterpillars, or conducting experiments to better characterize oxidases in gut fluid that deplete O2.<br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[Physiology<br><br>The main purpose of my laboratory is to investigate the integrative processes that regulate the human reproductive system. Our interest in this subject is motivated by the high prevalence of menstrual disorders in physically active women. These menstrual disorders include luteal suppression (reduced hormone production during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle) and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycles). Progressive and apparently irreversible bone loss occurs in amenorrheic women as a result of their low estrogen levels. We are especially interested to learn whether these menstrual disorders are caused by exercise itself or by some other factor, such as under-nutrition, in the lifestyle of physically active women. We also want to identify other factors, such as body fatness, age, gender, or genetics that may modulate these effects. We further seek to discover the metabolic and endocrine mechanisms that mediate the influence of these factors on reproductive function, and to develop practical means for preventing and reversing these menstrual disorders.<br>Another purpose of this laboratory is to investigate the integrative processes that regulate metabolic responses to exercise. Of particular interest are the endocrine mechanisms that mobilize metabolic fuels during exercise in men and women.<br>Students working in my lab have had an interest in exercise physiology, nutrition, endocrinology, or reproductive physiology.<br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[Genetics, Molecular and Developmental Biology<br><br>The main focus in my laboratory is to understand genetic and molecular mechanisms of blood cell differentiation in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Using the best model organism for genetic research, we aim to identify genes important for blood cell differentiation and to elucidate their interactions at the molecular level. The genes of our interest have human counterparts, thus we hope that the progress in the laboratory contributes to a better understanding and an effective cure of leukemia. We are particularly interested in how the fruit fly controls the total blood cell number and how it differentially produces different types of blood cells for their defense against bacterial and fungal infections. Our study also explores to understand how stem cells give rise to daughter cells with different cell fates.]

Cell Biology and Physiology

Chamberlin, MaryÂ Â Â Â Crockett, Lisa Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Johnson, KellyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Loucks, AnneÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tanda, Soichi

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

header=[Research interests] body=[Paleozoic Vertebrate Paleontology My research centers on evolutionary patterns and processes in early gnathostome vertebrates (Middle and Upper Devonian). This work is based, in part, on an active field program collecting fossil fishes from regional deposits (OH, PA, NY, MI, KY, IL, MO). Fieldwork incorporates aspects of geological and biological sciences in an effort to understand the organism and its paleo-environment. A regional emphasis allows for the analysis of biogeographic effects on the distribution and evolution of fishes within adjacent basins and the comparison of regional faunas before and after major global extinction events in the mid-Paleozoic Era.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience<br>Adaptational and Comparative Physiology, Biochemistry<br><br>To understand dietary factors that limit zooplankton growth it is necessary to identify key components in the diet and define the conditions under which these components become limiting. One biomolecule that has never systematically been tested as a possible limiting factor is cholesterol and its sterol precursors. Requirements for cholesterol in animals are likely to be driven largely by contents of cholesterol in plasma membranes. In collaboration with Patrick Hassett (also in Biological Sciences) we will examine both ecological and physiological aspects of cholesterol biology in zooplankton. More specifically, we will 1) identify the physical and biotic conditions for which dietary sterols become limiting, and 2) define the coupling between dietary and membrane-specific requirements for cholesterol.<br>This is a project particularly well-suited for undergraduate student participation and will involve work both at OU and in Maine (at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory). We have funding from NSF to take two undergraduate students with us to Maine in the summer.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Patrick Hassett received his A.B. (magna cum laude) in Biology from Harvard University and M.S. and Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Washington. He has held positions as a National Research Council Research Associate at the National Marine Fisheries Service Honolulu Laboratory, Research Scientist at SUNY-Stony Brook’s Marine Science Center, and Research Associate at Arizona State University’s Department of Zoology where he conducted a comparative study of marine and freshwater ecosystems in collaboration with Dr. James Elser. He held a research position at Ohio University from 1995-2001, and began a teaching position in September 2001. Dr. Hassett’s research interests are centered on the physiology and feeding ecology of marine and freshwater zooplankton, particularly copepods (millimeter-sized crustaceans that frequently dominate the zooplankton). His research has taken him to a variety of marine and freshwater habitats, from polar and sub-polar seas off the Aleutian Islands and Antarctica, to temperate waters of the North Pacific and Gulf of Maine, to sub-tropical waters of Hawaii and the Gulf of California, as well as to lakes of Wisconsin and Michigan. His most recent research, in collaboration with Dr. Lisa Crockett at OU, centers on the role of dietary sterols (such as cholesterol) in copepod nutrition and the effects of sterol limitation on cell membranes. Much of this research is conducted out of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory during the summer. Dr. Hassett teaches majors courses in Marine Biology (BIOS 429) and Invertebrate Biology (BIOS 430), and an introductory non-majors course The Animal Kingdom (BIOS100).<br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[Plant-Herbivore Coevolution, Insect-Plant Interaction, Physiology<br><br>My research interests include the chemical ecology of plant-herbivore interactions, comparative aspects of digestive strategies in insects and more recently, responses of aquatic insects to water pollutants. Ongoing projects that students could contribute to fall into two broad categories:<br>Aquatic Insect Ecology - Our laboratory has biomonitoring sites in three local watersheds impacted by acid mine drainage. In addition to sorting and identifying macroinvertebrates from field samples, there are opportunities to for independent projects to investigate effects of specific pollutants (pH, heavy metals) on feeding behavior and growth, test sediments for residual effects of contaminants on colonization and other processes, or investigate physiological mechanisms for tolerating acidity or toxins.<br>Chemical Ecology of Insect-Plant interactions – A focus in my lab is on the metabolic fate of plant defensive compounds after they are ingested by caterpillars, and the effects of compounds on growth and performance. I am investigating the role of oxygen availability in the caterpillar midgut for “activating” plant antiherbivore defenses (primarily phenolics). Students could assist in maintaining laboratory colony insects, performing microelectrode measurements of O2 in dissected caterpillars, or conducting experiments to better characterize oxidases in gut fluid that deplete O2.<br>]

Carr, RobertÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Crockett, LisaÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hassett, PatrickÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Johnson, Kelly Miles, DonÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Morris, MollyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

header=[Research interests] body=[ Comparative Methods<br>Ecomorphology<br>Evolution of Locomotor Performance<br>Selective significance of locomotor performance in Urosaurus ornatus tree lizard.<br><br>Dominance and Locomotor Performance in Urosaurus ornatus<br>Cost of Reproduction in Uta in collaboration with Barry Sinervo and Tony Frankino <br>Hormones, Behavior and Fitness in Uta in collaboration with Barry Sinervo<br><br>Evolution of Sexual Size Dimorphism in Galapagos Lava Lizards genus Microlophus<br><br>Squamate Life History Evolution<br><br>Evolution of Viviparity in Sceloporus]

header=[Research interests] body=[Behavioral Ecology<br><br>My research interests are in sexual selection, the evolution of alternative mating strategies, and the evolution of communication in aggressive interactions. Currently in my lab we are examining the evolution of a sexually selected signal (vertical bars) and the mating behaviors associated with this signal in swordtail and platyfishes (Xiphophorus). Mating is one of the most important selection events driving the evolution of diversity. We examine the role that female mating preferences and the aggressive interactions between males play in the evolution of diverse behaviors, morphologies and new species. The fishes we study are found in small, freshwater streams in Mexico. We observe behavior in the field as well as the laboratory. In addition, we use molecular techniques to examine gene flow, conduct paternity analyses and estimate phlogenetic relationships among populations and species. The phylogenetic trees we construct allow us to examine the evolution of behaviors and morphology across species, and test hypotheses about the evolution of female preferences and male-male aggressive behaviors, as well as the evolution of these species. <br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[My research integrates morphological, biomechanical, functional, and developmental analyses to study how ontogeny, ecology, and phylogeny affect vertebrate design and function. This involves experimental and morphometric approaches to the analysis of form and function in organisms, testing organismal performance in the lab and field, and ecomorphological approaches to the study of resource use. Current research in the lab is focusing on vertebrate locomotion and feeding.<br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[Vertebrate Population Biology, Evolutionary Ecology<br>In my research, I investigate the evolution of life history traits (e.g. survivorship, reproductive rates, age of first reproduction etc.) and the conservation biology (extinction and loss of biodiversity due to anthropomorphic causes) of long-lived organisms. My research philosophy is to develop a species of interest as a model system and to gain a mechanistic understanding of how environmental variation affects population dynamics of that species, using a variety of tools. I combine demographic and experimental techniques to observe variation within populations and to predict the outcome of environmental perturbations on survivorship and reproductive rates. The utility of my approach is that it allows me to simultaneously address basic ecological and evolutionary questions as well as conservation and management issues. My research focuses on how population structure, behavior, and offspring phenotype are influenced by the interaction between the incubation environment and environmental sex determination (ESD), a peculiar sex determining system in which the sex of the developing embryos is determined by the incubation temperature after the eggs are laid.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Genetics, Molecular and Developmental Biology<br><br>The main focus in my laboratory is to understand genetic and molecular mechanisms of blood cell differentiation in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Using the best model organism for genetic research, we aim to identify genes important for blood cell differentiation and to elucidate their interactions at the molecular level. The genes of our interest have human counterparts, thus we hope that the progress in the laboratory contributes to a better understanding and an effective cure of leukemia. We are particularly interested in how the fruit fly controls the total blood cell number and how it differentially produces different types of blood cells for their defense against bacterial and fungal infections. Our study also explores to understand how stem cells give rise to daughter cells with different cell fates.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Patterns of genetic variation within and among natural populations reflect the contributions of historical and contemporary processes. In an area of study called phylogeography, my laboratory uses molecular markers to evaluate the distribution of variation among populations of freshwater fishes and assesses the relative roles of vicariance, dispersal, and gene flow in that distribution. In cooperation with the states of Kentucky and West Virginia, we are using mitochondrial DNA sequence variation and microsatellite DNA variation to study differentiation among native and introduced walleye populations. Several native populations have been identified and we are examining the magnitude of introgression with introduced populations. One goal is to identify populations that could be used to reestablish other native populations. A parallel study of sauger allows us to examine differentiation in a closely-related species much less influenced by hatchery introductions. Studies of populations of a freshwater lamprey (genus Lampetra) using mtDNA sequence variation have demonstrated highly significant differentiation among populations. Our data suggest that many of these populations have been isolated since the Miocene. We hope to use this data to identify undescribed forms of this widespread species. We are further clarifying patterns of differentiation in these lampreys by examining the distribution of tandem repeats in the mitochondrial control region. Ongoing collaborations include a study of differentiation in the Stonecat madtom, and in the Ouachita map turtle. I teach General Genetics, Evolutionary Genetics, Conservation Biology, and Ichthyology.<br>]

Reilly, StephenÂ Â Â Roosenburg, WillemÂ Â Â Svendsen, GeraldÂ Â Â Â Â Tanda, Soichi White, Matthew

Exercise Physiology and Muscle Biology

header=[Research interests] body=[Physiology<br><br>The main purpose of my laboratory is to investigate the integrative processes that regulate the human reproductive system. Our interest in this subject is motivated by the high prevalence of menstrual disorders in physically active women. These menstrual disorders include luteal suppression (reduced hormone production during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle) and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycles). Progressive and apparently irreversible bone loss occurs in amenorrheic women as a result of their low estrogen levels. We are especially interested to learn whether these menstrual disorders are caused by exercise itself or by some other factor, such as under-nutrition, in the lifestyle of physically active women. We also want to identify other factors, such as body fatness, age, gender, or genetics that may modulate these effects. We further seek to discover the metabolic and endocrine mechanisms that mediate the influence of these factors on reproductive function, and to develop practical means for preventing and reversing these menstrual disorders.<br>Another purpose of this laboratory is to investigate the integrative processes that regulate metabolic responses to exercise. Of particular interest are the endocrine mechanisms that mobilize metabolic fuels during exercise in men and women.<br>Students working in my lab have had an interest in exercise physiology, nutrition, endocrinology, or reproductive physiology.<br>]

Loucks, Anne

Microbiology

header=[Research interests] body=[My research interests are in two areas: RNA molecular biology and microbial biochemistry. One long term goal is to elucidate the functional roles of RNA molecules, particularly small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), in cellular metabolism and how the biological activities are regulated at a molecular level.]

Chen, ShawnÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Holzschu, Donald

Neurobiology

header=[Research interests] body=[Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience<br><br>Our current research is focused on delineating the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration that occurs in a variety of disorders such as cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer's Disease. Zinc is quite abundant in the brain. It is an essential trace element required as a co-factor for several metalloproteins (e.g., transcription factors, metalloenzymes), but may also have signaling functions too. Like most other things in life, too much zinc is not good for cell survival. High levels of zinc inside cells, kill them, so there are several cellular mechanisms for maintaining intracellular zinc concentrations within a narrow range. One important mechanism is zinc transporters, but very little is known about these proteins. Elevations of intracellular zinc may contribute to glutamate excitotoxicity (a mechanism of neuron death in stroke) and play a role in Alzheimer's disease pathology. We are using several different techniques to study zinc transport. These include direct measurement of the zinc transport function in primary cell culture and various imaging techniques using fluorescent dyes.<br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[My primary research focus is on the functional and integrative properties of nonspiking neurons involved in the control of motor behavior. The majority of neurons in most organisms must generate active, regenerative potentials action potentials in order to transmit information over even modest distances in the nervous system. In contrast, nonspiking neurons function without generating action potentials, and therefore use continuous or analog information transmission, rather than the requiring a digital encoding and transmission scheme inherent in the use of action potentials for information transmission and integration. Nonspiking neurons have been described in a variety of nervous systems and appear to play an important role in neuronal integration and provide a novel mechanism for the control of behavior.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Courses taught: BIOS 320 – Fundamentals of Animal Cell Biology, BIOS 322 – Animal Cell Biology Laboratory, BIOS 615 – Current Research Topics in Biology, BIOS 712 – Seminar in Neuroscience. Also, lectures in MCB 670 – Current Topics in Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, MCB 710 – Advanced Signal Transduction, and MCB 760 – Advanced Cell Biology).<br><br>Research Interests: The research in our laboratory uses a model organism, the small soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, to examine the development and function of the nervous system. C. elegans is a wonderful animal for studying the nervous system, since many of the genes and processes necessary for nervous system development and function are conserved in humans. However, C. elegans has only 302 neurons controlling its simple behaviors, rather than the hundreds of billions of neurons needed to generate complex behaviors in humans. We use genetics (including transgenic animals), molecular biology, cell biology, microscopy, and behavioral assays to examine the development, distribution, and function of genes that are necessary for neuronal signaling using monoamine neurotransmitters. In humans, monoamines are important for modulating behaviors such as arousal and reward; proteins that alter the uptake and release of monoamines are targets of several psychoactive drugs. Monoamines are also important for the modulation of specific simple behaviors in C. elegans. We are studying the development and function of several genes that are required for the normal function of monoaminergic neurons, including synthetic enzymes, vesicular and plasma membrane transporters, and putative monoamine degradation enzymes. We are interested in understanding how acute and chronic changes in these proteins alter monoamine-dependent behaviors and sensitivity to monoamines. What short-term or developmental changes occur when monoamine synthesis, release, re-uptake, and/or degradation are perturbed? We expect that understanding changes in this simple animal will increase our understanding of the much more complex changes that occur when monoamines are altered in humans.<br>]

header=[Research interests] body=[Current work focuses on the development of mathematical and computational models of individual neurons of the hippocampus that will be appropriate for use in network models to explore hippocampal function. The immediate focus is to develop models of CA1 pyramidal cells that describe how computation and synaptic modification occur in these cells. Work is done in collaboration with Larry Grover at Marshall University School of Medicine and Jose Ambros-Ingerson here at Ohio University. Models are done on three different levels: the molecular level, the synapse level, and the neuron level. Simulations are done with GENESIS, NEURON, and with code written specifically for a particular model.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Rhythmic neuronal activity is widespread in nervous systems, and plays a central role in certain types of sensory processing, in motor pattern production, and possibly (in vertebrates) in attention. These rhythms are generated endogenously (i.e., they can continue without rhythmic sensory input) by central neural networks, and hence are an example of the nervous system's ability to spontaneously create patterns. Network rhythmicity has been extensively studied in several invertebrate preparations and in the lamprey, and we now have a good general understanding of the mechanisms underlying it. However, we understand relatively little about its dynamic regulation (e.g., how rhythmic pattern frequency and phasing are controlled), and, in the case of motor systems, how these neural networks interact with their peripheral effectors (the musculoskeletal system) so as to continually generate behaviorally relevant, functional motor outputs.<br>Our lab studies these issues in the pyloric neuromuscular system of the lobster. The pyloric neural network produces a wide range of rhythmic neural outputs (similar to our ability to walk, run, hop, etc.), but has only 15 neurons divided into 6 neuronal types. As a result of this small size, the mechanisms underlying the activity of this small neural computer can be studied on the individual neuron and network level. Similarly, the muscles that the network innervates are known, and thus how the nervous system and the periphery interact to produce behavior can also be studied on a well-defined and fundamental level. Our research techniques include computational modeling, neuronal electrophysiology, and measurement of muscle electrical and contractile responses to neuronal input. Undergraduates can contribute to this effort in any of these areas; due to the preparation’s experimental advantages, undergraduates can generally be making significant scientific contributions within their first quarter of work.]

header=[Research interests] body=[Molecular and Neurophysiolgy<br><br>The overall goal of my research is to understand molecular and cellular bases of neuronal communication in the central nervous system. In particular, we are interested in elucidating genes and signaling cascades that regulate neural circuits, mediating higher brain functions and coordinated behaviors. A fruitful approach to attack this formidable challenge is to utilize a model experimental organism, which allows us to systematically identify and genetically manipulate each component of the circuit in order to assay its function. In this study, we have chosen the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to identify genes involved in fundamental features of brain cell function including neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission & plasticity, and neuromodulation.<br>We are also very interested in utilizing Drosophila as a model animal to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, an intriguing PD model has been developed by engineering transgenic flies that express the human alpha-synuclein protein (Feany and Bender, 2000). These transgenic animals exhibit typical anatomical and behavioral symptoms of PD, including an age-dependent loss of dopaminergic neurons, filamentous inclusion of Lewy Bodies and locomotor dysfunction. In our laboratory, we are going to establish an in vitro model to study the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons and to explore the mechanisms underlying alpha-synuclein induced parkinsonianism.<br>]

Colvin, RobertÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dicaprio, RalphÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Duerr, JanetÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Holmes, BillÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hooper, ScottÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lee, Daewoo

header=[Research interests] body=[My research focuses on vestibular neuroscience: the neural control of balance and spatial orientation by the inner ear and brain. Current projects use immunochemistry, morphometry, and computer graphics to unravel mechanisms of signaling by hair cells (receptors of the inner ear) and vestibular afferents (neurons that carry hair cell signals to the brain). My laboratory is part of an interdisciplinary team that includes physiologists, behavioral biologists, engineers, and physicists at Ohio University and three additional institutions. The goal of our team is to understand mechanisms of vestibular signaling during natural behaviors. I also teach neuroscience to undergraduate and graduate students.<br>]

Peterson, EllengeneÂ Â Â Rowe, Michael

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