Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research Projects Faculty Name Email Address Faculty School or College Faculty Departmen t Project title Project Description Project Location Important selection criteria Student Majors Desired Class Preferenc e Allen Nicholson anichol@te mple.edu CST Biology Analysis of a Gene- regulatory Ribonuclease Complex Proteomic analyses of protein-protein interactions in the bacterium Escherichia coli suggest that two ribonucleases, RNase III and RNase II, as well as the protein YmdB, function as a complex to process RNA molecules. We will investigate how RNase III and RNase II may work in concert to process RNA, and how YmdB regulates the action of RNase III. These experiments will use purified recombinant proteins and RNA substrates to examine the activity of the protein complex and the individual proteins. Main Interest in biochemistry and molecular biology; strong foundation of basic biochemical/bio logical concepts, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, willingness to Biology, Biochemistr y - Biology 2112, Genetics, Chemistry Allen Nicholson anichol@te mple.edu CST Biology Understanding ribonuclease mechanism and function in gene regulation We apply biochemical and molecular genetic techniques to probe the mechanism of ribonucleases and their function in gene expression and RNA stability. Our primary system is the bacterial cell, and we seek to understand how bacterial cell motility, biofilm formation, and response to stress are regulated by ribonucleases. Main Strong performance in biology and chemistry courses (including at least one semester of organic chemistry) Biology and Biochemistr y, Biology, Chemistry majors 10/24/2019 1
53
Embed
Faculty Email Faculty Project title Project Description ... 2020 CST Faculty Research...Faculty Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research Projects Name Email Address Faculty School or College
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Allen
Nicholson
anichol@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Analysis of a Gene-
regulatory
Ribonuclease Complex
Proteomic analyses of protein-protein interactions in the
bacterium Escherichia coli suggest that two ribonucleases,
RNase III and RNase II, as well as the protein YmdB,
function as a complex to process RNA molecules. We will
investigate how RNase III and RNase II may work in concert
to process RNA, and how YmdB regulates the action of
RNase III. These experiments will use purified recombinant
proteins and RNA substrates to examine the activity of the
protein complex and the individual proteins.
Main Interest in
biochemistry
and molecular
biology; strong
foundation of
basic
biochemical/bio
logical
concepts,
critical thinking
skills, attention
to detail,
willingness to
Biology,
Biochemistr
y - Biology
2112,
Genetics,
Chemistry
Allen
Nicholson
anichol@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Understanding
ribonuclease
mechanism and
function in gene
regulation
We apply biochemical and molecular genetic techniques to
probe the mechanism of ribonucleases and their function
in gene expression and RNA stability. Our primary system is
the bacterial cell, and we seek to understand how bacterial
cell motility, biofilm formation, and response to stress are
regulated by ribonucleases.
Main Strong
performance in
biology and
chemistry
courses
(including at
least one
semester of
organic
chemistry)
Biology and
Biochemistr
y, Biology,
Chemistry
majors
10/24/2019 1
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Amy
Freestone
amy.freest
one@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Biogeographic
variation in interaction
strength and invasions
at the ocean's
nearshore (BioVision).
Global patterns of biodiversity demonstrate that most of
the species on earth occur in the tropics, with strikingly
fewer species occurring in higher-latitude regions.
Biologists predict that this global pattern of species
diversity is likely shaped by ecological species interactions.
Yet few detailed experimental data exist that demonstrate
how species interactions influence ecological communities
from the tropics to the arctic. Therefore, a significant
opportunity exists to transform our understanding of how
these fundamental species interactions shape patterns of
biodiversity across the globe. Furthermore, these species
interactions have the strong potential to limit biological
invasions by non-native species, which are often
transported by human activities that breach historical
dispersal barriers, such as ocean basins and continents.
Biological invasions can cause undesired ecological and
economic effects and are considered one of the primary
drivers of global change. Through extensive field research
on marine ecosystems along the Pacific Coast of North and
Central America, from the tropics to the subarctic, this
project is elucidating ecological factors that shape global
patterns of diversity and limit biological invasions.
Main A strong
academic
record, a strong
interest in
ecology and
conservation,
and a desire to
apply these
interests in a
research
setting.
Relevant
coursework
(Principles of
Ecology, upper
level ecology
and/or
conservation
electives,
statistics, etc.) is
helpful but not
required.
Biology,
Environmen
tal Science
10/24/2019 2
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Ananias
Escalante
Ananias.Esc
alante@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Phylomedicine of
vector-borne
pathogens
It is increasingly evident that genomic information,
together with concepts from epidemiology and
evolutionary biology, allows for testing of hypotheses and
exploration of scenarios that otherwise could not be
investigated by traditional approaches. Our lab
characterizes the processes shaping the genetic variation of
vector-borne parasites and viruses. In particular, we utilize
genetic data to learn how pathogen populations respond
to the selective pressures exerted by the host immune
system or antimicrobial drugs. By comparing genetic data
derived from historical samples and/or comparing
pathogens genomes, we expect to provide information
regarding which types of parasite populations/dynamics
are most prone to the emergence of drug resistance or
how genes encoding antigens that are vaccine (or
diagnostic) targets change in time and space compromising
the efficacy of those public health interventions/tools. We
also utilize the parasite genetic information to ascertain
ongoing epidemiological processes such as outbreaks or
disease transmission patterns in space. Our approach
involves a suite of methods and models that include
population genetics/genomics analyses, phylogenetics, and
experimental work. The students’ main role will be to
assist in evolutionary genetic analyses. We are looking for 1
or 2 students interested in analyzing genetic data (target
gene and genomic data) of malarial parasites (protozoa
Main I am looking for
highly
motivated
students who
are interested
in gaining
research
experience. A
minimum of 3.7
GPA is required.
Basic
knowledge on
biology
(transcription/tr
anslation; DNA
structure and
replication) and
analytical/comp
utational skills
will be
considered as
selection
criteria.
Programming at
a basic level is
considered a
Biology,
Biochem,
Applied
Mathematic
s, Natural
Sciences
10/24/2019 3
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Ananias
Escalante
Ananias.Esc
alante@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Evolutionary
Bioinformatics and
Molecular ecology of
parasites
Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of parasites
demand integrating complex data. These projects require
the curation and organization of molecular data from
public databases and their analysis using a suite of
bioinformatics and phylogenetic methods. The projects
involve human malarias and related parasites in wildlife. By
interrogating single gene and genomic data, students will
participate in an individual research project seeking to
understand any of the following questions: the origin of
mutations linked to antimalarial drug resistance, the
evolution of genes encoding antigens considered vaccine
candidates, genes involved in the parasite invasion process
to their host red blood cell or vector, phylogeographic and
community-level (ecological) patterns of parasite
biodiversity, and molecular dating. These questions relate
to a variety of topics encompassing diverse fields from
public health to one health for those parasites linked to
diseases and from molecular evolution to community
ecology. Students will participate in regular lab meetings.
An interview with the PI is required.
Main No prior
experience is
required.
Biology majors
should be
interested in
learning
bioinformatics
while no-
biology majors
are expected to
learn relevant
concepts in
biology and
genomics. The
students in our
lab participate
in peer review
publications, so
organization
and good work
ethic are
required.
Biology,
Math
(applied or
basic),
Computer
Science,
Data
Science,
other
majors
could be
considered
Freshman -
Sophomor
e
preferred -
or Juniors
10/24/2019 4
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Ang Sun angsun@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Generate cell models
by using CRISPR-cas9
to knock out the RBL2
gene in normal and
cancerous colorectal
cell lines
As a member of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene
family, RBL2, which encodes pRb2/p130, has been
investigated over 20 years. It is believed works as a tumor
suppressor. Its function in cell cycle regulation and histone
methylation has been widely reported. However, its
potential role in epigenetics, in particular regulating DNA
methylation, especially at the genome level, remains to be
well studied. As a portion of a larger project, this project
for undergraduates is going to focus on employing CRISPR-
cas9, a revolutionary genome-editing tool being developed
in recent years, to knockout RBL2 in a normal human colon
epithelial cell line (FHC) as well as a few colorectal cancer
cell lines. This will prepare good cell models for further
investigating the role of RBL2 in epigenetic regulation. In
the future, by comparing wild-type with RBL2 knockout cell
lines, the DNA methylation level in the promoter region of
a few critical tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes will
be examined using a quantitative, fluorescence-based, real-
time PCR method (MethyLight), and then confirmed by
pyrosequencing and bisulfite cloning sequencing; secondly,
methylation of LINE-1, which indicates the global
methylation of the cells will be tested. If promising results
are obtained, further study of the genome-wide DNA
methylation level change will be analyzed by Illumina 450k
methylation array or digital restriction enzyme analysis of
methylation (DREAM).
Main Biology
Anna
Moore
annarmoor
e@temple.
edu
CST Biology Unraveling the
mechanisms of
neuronal plasticity
Students will use molecular biology and genetic
approaches to investigate how different molecules regulate
the excitability of individual neurons. Techniques in the lab
will include PCR, subcloning, tissue culture,
immunolabeling, and confocal imaging.
Main A basic
understanding
of molecular
biology and
genetics is
encouraged. A
desire to learn
new techniques
and think
critically as well
Neuroscienc
e, Biology,
Biochemistr
y
10/24/2019 5
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Blair
Hedges
sbh@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Building a tree of life
with DNA data
This project involves working with DNA sequence data of
diverse organisms, and software, to help build the tree of
life and better understand evolutionary principles. It takes
place in the Center for Biodiversity and mostly involves
learning and using new computer tools and applications.
The center is located in SERC Building
Main strong
academics
normally
biology but
could be
any major
Blair
Hedges
sbh@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Conserving the
biodiversity of Haiti
This project involves helping efforts in Temple’s Center for
Biodiversity to learn more about the biodiversity of Haiti,
and to protect it. The multi-faceted team efforts include
discovery of new species, mainly through DNA sequencing
of samples collected in Haiti, ecological and evolutionary
studies, and educational and outreach components. The
center is located in SERC Building
Main strong
academics
normally
biology but
could be
any major
Brent
Sewall
bjsewall@t
emple.edu
CST Biology Large-scale analysis of
correlates of
susceptibility to white-
nose syndrome, an
emerging pathogen in
hibernating bats
White-nose syndrome is an emerging fungal pathogen
affecting hibernating bat populations of eastern North
America. Although it only appeared for the first time in
2006, it has already spread rapidly and has had devastating
effects, including the death of millions of bats across
hundreds of caves and mines. Such losses have important
implications for endangered species management,
conservation biology, and the ecology of natural
communities in North America. Little is known about the
disease, but most research to date has focused on bat-to-
bat transmission and site-level effects. Recently, however,
the disease has spread across a broad geographic area, and
an improved understanding of factors influencing both the
impacts and spread of the disease is needed. We will
investigate factors that may influence the susceptibility of
bats to the disease and its spread across large geographic
scales.
Main Coursework,
training, or
experience in
relevant
subjects such as
statistics,
Geographic
Information
Systems,
epidemiology,
public health,
ecology, or
conservation
biology. Also
strong
motivation for
research and
strong interest
Biology,
Environmen
tal Science,
Mathematic
s, Computer
Science, or
related -
Statistics,
Geographic
Information
Systems
(GIS), or
Epidemiolog
y (PBHL
3101)
courses or
equivalent (
already
10/24/2019 6
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Brent
Sewall
bjsewall@t
emple.edu
CST Biology Influence of vertebrate
frugivory on plant seed
dispersal and
germination
Vertebrate frugivores (fruit-eating mammal and bird
species) play an essential ecological role, by facilitating the
dispersal and germination of the seeds of a diversity of
plant species. Vertebrate frugivory is therefore a key
determinant of the reproduction of many plants. Frugivory
is especially important in the tropics, where frugivorous
primates, birds, and bats disperse seeds for up to 90% of
tree species in some forests. The foraging behavior and
community ecology of most species of frugivore, however,
are poorly understood. This lack of understanding hinders
our ability to quantify the impact of specific frugivore
species on the plant community or to conserve threatened
frugivore species. In addition, frugivores are particularly
vulnerable to hunting, fragmentation, and other human-
caused threats, but we still have only a rudimentary ability
to predict the effects of the loss of a specific frugivore
species on the plant community. The objectives of this
study, therefore, are (1) to investigate the influence of
frugivore feeding preferences and frugivore interspecific
interactions on seed dispersal and germination, (2) to
examine the ultimate impact of frugivore species on the
composition of plant species in natural ecosystems, and
the regeneration of plant species in disturbed ecosystems,
and (3) to investigate means by which an improved
ecological understanding of frugivores can contribute to
their conservation.
Main Coursework,
training, or
experience in
relevant
subjects such as
ecology,
statistics,
Geographic
Information
Systems, animal
behavior,
conservation
biology, and/or
French
language. Also
strong
motivation for
research and
strong interest
in this topic.
Biology,
Environmen
tal Science,
or related -
Intro Series
in Biology
(Bio 1111,
2112) or
equivalent
required.
Principles of
Ecology (Bio
2227)
strongly
preferred.
Statistics,
Animal
Behavior
(Bio 3254),
and/or
Conservatio
n Biology
(Bio 3307)
preferred.
10/24/2019 7
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Brent
Sewall
bjsewall@t
emple.edu
CST Biology Conservation biology
and community
ecology
My lab is investigating multiple questions in the fields of
conservation biology and community ecology, focusing on
understanding human drivers of change in ecological
systems and developing effective conservation strategies.
Ongoing research projects focus on (1) understanding
pollination and seed dispersal interactions among species
in ecological communities, (2) clarifying the influence of
emerging infectious diseases on wildlife populations, and
(3) identifying management strategies to mitigate the
negative effects of human activities on plant and animal
communities. Research takes place both on campus and
off-campus at field sites. Work may require travel to
remote sites, hiking, and long hours of data collection in
hot and sunny or rainy conditions. Work may also require
data entry, manipulation of data in spreadsheets, and/or
statistical analysis.
Main and
off-
campus
at field
sites (may
involve
travel)
Interest in the
field of
conservation
biology or
community
ecology;
experience and
skills in biology,
math, and other
relevant fields;
ability to
conduct field
work or engage
in data
manipulation or
both;
willingness to
work hard
under
Biology,
Environmen
tal Science,
Mathematic
s, or related
fields
Darius
Balciunas
darius@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Redundant roles of Fli
transcription factors in
regeneration
We are using a combination of molecular genetics
techniques, from conditional gene traps to CRISPR/Cas9
mutagenesis, to analyze the potential roles of two closely
related transcription factors, fli1a and fli1b, in fin and heart
regeneration in zebrafish. The project is currently being
carried out by a graduating senior, and should be taken
over by a junior or sophomore.
Main For more
information,
please see the
lab website
Biology,
Biochemistr
y
10/24/2019 8
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Darius
Balciunas
darius@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Precision genome
editing using
CRISPR/Cas9
Unlike humans, zebrafish possess a remarkable
regenerative capacity, including the ability to regenerate
their hearts after severe injury. We are working to figure
out which genes control this process and precisely how. To
achieve this goal, we are using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to
introduce precise changes into the zebrafish genome,
including integration of sequences coding for epitope tags.
We are looking for several students to join this effort. One
sub-project is to compare the efficiency of Cas9 nucleases
from two different species, Streptocossus pyogenes and
Streptocossus thermophilus. Other sub-projects include
screening for CRISPR/Cas9-induced genome editing events
and analysis of generated mutant lines.
Main For more
information,
please see the
lab website
Biology,
Biochemistr
y
Erik Cordes ecordes@t
emple.edu
CST Biology Ecological Project TBD - Please contact Dr Cordes Main Students who
are interested
in pursuing
graduate school
in the natural
sciences,
ecology and
evolution.
Biology and
environmen
tal science
majors are
preferred,
but the
position
would be
open to
other
students as Erik Cordes ecordes@t
emple.edu
CST Biology Molecular stress
response of deep-sea
corals
Field studies and laboratory experiments have revealed the
effects of various anthropogenic stressors (ocean
acidification, oil and dispersant exposure) on deep-sea
corals. The next step is to identify the molecular markers
that underlie these responses. Once identified, these may
reveal the potential for corals to be resilient to stress, or
for use as biomarkers to identify stressed populations in
future incidents. The research scholar(s) would be
responsible for processing samples in the laboratory for a
combination of physiological measures (protein/lipid
analysis, enzyme activity, etc.) and genetic analyses (qPCR,
RNAseq) that will contribute to our research on the effects
of human impacts on the deep sea.
Main Students who
are interested
in pursuing
graduate school
in the natural
sciences,
ecology and
evolution.
Biology and
environmen
tal science
majors are
preferred,
but the
position
would be
open to
other
students as
well.
10/24/2019 9
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Gianfranco
Bellpanni
gianfranco.
bellipanni
@temple.e
du
CST Biology pygo2 regulation of
WNT/ b-Catenin
pathway in zebrafish
b-catenin plays essential roles in cellular physiology being
the pivotal player for Ca+-dependent cell-cell adhesion and
for transduction of Wnt signaling. In the cytoplasm b-
catenin interacts with a-catenin and type I cadherins
mediating cell-cell adherence junctions adhesion, but, in
response to Wnt signaling, it is also transduced into the
nucleus where binds to DNA binding factors of the lef/tcf
family and activates transcription of a battery of Wnt
target genes. Aberrant activity of this factor has been
linked with congenital birth defects and cancer. In our lab
we are interested to study the molecular and cellular
mechanisms leading to the induction and specification of
D/V patterning in the zebrafish embryo via Wnt/ b-catenin
activity. One of the aspects of our research is to
understand at molecular and biochemical level how b-cat
ability to act as transcription factor is regulated by
different splicing variants of the nuclear factor Pygo2. The
goal of this project is to create by CRISPR/Cas9 induced
deletion a Null mutant for the pygo2 gene in the zebrafish
and compare the phenotypes of this mutation with the
phenotypes of other (milder) mutations in the pygo2 gene.
Main
10/24/2019 10
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Gregory
Smutzer
smutzerg@
temple.edu
CST Biology Examination of Human
Chemosensory
Function
Humans perceive five basic taste qualities, which include
sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami taste. In addition,
humans readily detect chemosensory irritants in the oral
cavity, in the nose, and on the surface of the skin. One
important chemical irritant is capsaicin, which is the
pungent chemical that gives chili peppers their unique
taste. Capsaicin is a vanilloid compound that activates
TRPV1 receptors in trigeminal nerves in the oral cavity, and
causes a stinging or burning sensation in the mouth. We
recently developed a novel delivery method for examining
capsaicin perception in the human oral cavity by
incorporating this hydrophobic compound in edible taste
strips. In addition, we recently identified compounds that
temporarily block the stinging sensation of capsaicin in the
oral cavity. Finally, we have found that capsaicin
chemosensation contains both an olfactory and a
trigeminal component. The goal of this research project is
to examine the effect of inhibitors on capsaicin perception
in the oral cavity by means of threshold studies, whole
mouth suprathreshold taste studies, and regional studies
on the tongue surface. Experiments will also be undertaken
to examine how these inhibitors block TRP receptors when
these gene products are expressed in a stable cell line.
Results from this study could lead to effective oral and
topical treatments for chronic pain.
Main Grade point
average of 3.0
or higher.
Ability to learn
basic lab
techniques.
Standard lab
skills include
ability to
prepare
solutions, ability
to use pipettes,
and ability to
carry out
protein assays.
Willingness to
learn new lab
techniques such
as mammalian
cell culture and
fluorescence
microscopy.
Biology,
Biochemistr
y, Chemistry
-
10/24/2019 11
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Gregory
Smutzer
smutzerg@
temple.edu
CST Biology Inositol 1,4,5-
Trisphosphate
Signaling in
Mammalian
Odontoblast Cells.
Although calcium is critical for the formation of dentin,
the origin and regulation of calcium during dentinogenesis
is not known. Odontoblasts are specialized cells that
secrete proteins and other molecules during the formation
of dentin in mammalian teeth. We reported that secretory
odontoblasts express high levels of the inositol 1,4,5-
trisphosphate (IP3) receptor/channel, along with an
associated GTP-binding protein. This receptor/channel
releases calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum of cells.
We are currently using cultured MDPC-23 cells as a model
for dentin formation. The goal of this research is to
demonstrate that the IP3 receptor, and a related GTP-
binding protein are expressed in differentiated MDPC-23
cells. In addition, calcium flux will be measured in
differentiated MDPC-23 cells by the calcium indicator dyes
Fura-2 and calcium green-1. These experiments will
demonstrate the importance of IP3 signaling in controlling
intracellular and extracellular calcium flux during the
formation of dentin by odontoblast cells
Main Willingness to
learn new lab
techniques. -
Standard lab
skills including
ability to
prepare
solutions, ability
to use pipettes,
ability to carry
out protein
assays, ability to
carry out SDS-
gel
electrophoresis,
and basic
computer skills
GPA of 3.0 or
higher in
science.
Biochemistr
y - A year of
General
Biology.
Biology
Chemistry
Jocelyn
Behm
jebehm@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Evaluation of “green”
certification programs
for biodiversity
Starbucks! Chipotle! Target! What do these companies
have in common? They sell products with “green”
certifications, but how green are they? This project
involves evaluating “green” certification programs for how
biodiversity is considered during the certification process.
Main Must be a
creative,
independent
thinker with
good attention
to detail.
Willingness to
learn new skills
Anyone
interested in
both
ecology and
sustainabilit
y (biology,
environmen
tal science, Jocelyn
Behm
jebehm@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services
The reason we have food to eat, oxygen to breathe, and
we’re not up to our shoulders in dead leaves is due to the
services that ecosystems provide us. Despite the clear
importance of ecosystem services, we still have a lot to
learn about how the diverse species in ecosystems perform
these services. This project involves investigating how
biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services.
Main Attention to
detail,
willingness to
work outside,
organized
Biology,
Environmen
tal Science
10/24/2019 12
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Jody Hey hey@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Evolution and the
Human Genome
Student's will work on questions about how the human
genome has evolved. Some of the work may involve
comparisons with Ape genomes. Freshmen and
sophomores with interest in bioinformatics or in using
computers to address important biological or medical
questions.
Main all majors
Jody Hey hey@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Evolutionary Genomics Students will use genomic data to address questions about
natural selection and adaptation Freshmen and
sophomores with interest in bioinformatics or in using
computers to address important biological or medical
questions.
Main all majors
Jody Hey hey@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Population Genetics Students will help develop mathematical and statistical
models of evolutionary processes
Main Freshmen and
sophomores
with interest in
mathematical
and
computational
biology
Biology/Mat
h/Computer
Science
Joel
Sheffield
jbs@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Scanning Electron
Microscopy of
Developing Chick
Retina
We wish to expand our immunofluorescence studies of the
vascular structure of the chick retina with correlative
electron microscope analysis.
Main Fine Motor skills Biology or
Biochem
Junior or
senior
Joel
Sheffield
jbs@templ
e.edu
CST Biology Analysis of microglia in
retina and pecten
Immunohistochemical localization of specific antigens
during development of the chick retina.
Main Electrophoresis,
microscopy -
Bio 3096 is a
plus.
Biology
Joshua
Schraiber
joshua.schr
aiber@tem
ple.edu
CST Biology Detecting inbreeding in
ancient humans
We now have ancient DNA sequences from hundreds of
early modern humans spanning the last ~50 thousand
years of human evolution. Many of these individuals come
from nearby sites (such as individuals buried at the same
graveyard), raising the possibility that they are related to
each other. The student will develop an algorithm that
estimates the relatedness of ancient samples while
accounting for genotype uncertainty due to low coverage
sequencing data, and use it to determine how inbred
humans were during the colonization of Eurasia.
Main Some
programming,
some math,
willingness to
bang head
against hard
problems BIOL
2112 OR MATH
1044 OR CIS
1057
Math,
computer
science
10/24/2019 13
Fall 2019 CST Faculty Research ProjectsFaculty
Name
Email
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Departmen
t
Project title Project Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Karen B.
Palter
palter@te
mple.edu
CST Biology Does hyperinsulinemia
affect the basal and
induced levels of Upd2
(leptin) in Drosophila?
Patients who are obese are at an increased risk of
developing metabolic syndrome, characterized by impaired