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Meet the 1999 IBS-CORE Undergraduate Research Fellows (click on their names or scroll down the page to find out more about their research interests) |
To see the work of these students published in the UM Biology Undergraduate Journal click the BUG. |  |
Sandra Beirne, Mentor: Don Christian |
Suzanne Cox, Mentor: Erick Greene |
Vanessa Groves, Mentor: William Holben |
Maryann Hubbard, Mentor: George Card |
 Levia Jones, Mentor: Jack Stanford |
 Todd Osmundson, Mentor: Cathy Cripps (MSU) |
 Bethany Poulin, Mentor: Paul Spruell |
 Davin Ringen, Mentor: Cathy Zabinski |
 Robert Scalise, Mentor: Delbert Kilgore |
 Morgan Valliant, Mentor: Marilyn Marler |
Research Interests of IBS-CORE Undergraduate Research Fellows:
Sandra Beirne - Project Title: Ecological Relevance and Mechanisms of Mammal Fecal Effects on Early Conifer Life Histories
Project Description: The role of mycophagous rodents in forest ecology is more complex than originally thought. Fungal spores ingested by rodents through consumption of sporocarps are released in their feces, and along with readily minerizable nutrients, made available to plants. Work in this area had lead to the general view that rodent feces play a positive role in plant success. The bulk of research on this topic has focused on the application of rodent feces and mycorrhizal infection on established conifer seedlings. Our focus is on the effects of rodent feces on germination, growth, and early survivorship of conifers. BACK TO TOP
Suzanne Cox -Project Title: Using G.I.S. to Predict the Distribution of the Timberline Sparrow, Spizella breweri taverneri, in Montana
Project Description: The Timberline Sparrow (Spizella breweri taverneri) is a little known sub-species of the Brewers Sparrow (Spizella breweri). In 1998 they were documented as breeding in Glacier National Park. This was the first recorded breeding activity in the lower 48. The birds nest at treeline in rough country, so it is probable that the small population has previously been overlooked. Since Timberline Sparrows have a strong preference for a particular type of habitat, and their apparent low numbers make them difficult to study, they offer an ideal opportunity to test the efficacy of G.I.S. in locating previously unrecorded populations. BACK TO TOP
Vanessa Groves -Project Title: Survey of Microflora of Bees Using DNA Based Methods
Project Description: The bee body is covered with electrostatically charged hairs, which pick up particles of pollen which are subsequently carried to the next flower, hence, pollination. It is likely that the electrostatic charge on the bee’s exterior also attracts a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and fungal spores. Bees may serve as a vector for distribution of bacterial or viral pathogens that occur naturally or are introduced into an environment. Identifying the indigenous bacterial microflora that bees encounter will provide information as to whether bees can be effective carriers and transporters of bacteria. By using this information, it may be possible in the future to detect and monitor the fate and transport of an indigenous or introduced bacterium in the environment. BACK TO TOP
Maryann Hubbard - Project Title: The Role of CD45 in Lipopolysaccharide – Induced Signal Transduction
Project Description: Macrophages, large phagocytic cells which reside in a variety of tissues in the body, have been found to play a significant role in immune response. It is through regulation of the activities of macrophage cells that the immune system is kept in a healthy state of balanced responsiveness. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an amphiphilic component of Gram-negative cell walls, has been proven to be a key activator of macrophage cells, inducing both beneficial and pathological responses; yet the signal transduction pathway remains unclear. CD45 (Leukocyte Common Antigen) is a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase - it removes phosphate groups) found on macrophages. It may play a regulatory role in signal transduction in these cells. The work proposed for this project would gather data to support or refute involvement of CD45 in regulation of signal transduction in macrophages. BACK TO TOP
Levia Jones - Project Title: The Role of Mysis relicta in Determining Zooplankton Distribution and Abundance
Project Description: Beginning in the l950's, introduction of the opossum shrimp Mysis relicta was seen as an efficient mode of enhancing fisheries. However, Mysis is a voracious predator of zooplankton and Mysis introductions have dramatically reduced the populations of large zooplankton. Pelagic fish such as kokanee have generally declined after Mysis introductions due to competition for zooplankton. Mysis remains deep during the day, migrating upwards in the water column at night to feed on zooplankton. This diet vertical migration appears to be an extremely important adaptation to avoiding fish predation, as Mysis in the open water could be easily detected by fish under well lit conditions. My first research question will investigate the effects of turbidity on the vertical distribution of Mysis and the implications for zooplankton predation. My second research question addresses the effects of Mysis predation on zooplankton diet vertical migration.
Todd Osmundson - Project Title: Species Occurrence of White-Spored, Saprophytic Mushroom Taxa in an Alpine Tundra Ecosystem
Project Description: The project attempts to bridge some of the gaps in our knowledge of species distribution of alpine fungi by undertaking a detailed study of several groups of fungi collected in alpine tundra ecosystems on the Beartooth Plateau in southeastern Montana, USA. The taxonomic groups studied, the genera Clitocybe, Collybia, Omphalina, (family Tricholomataceae, agaricales, basidiomycetes) and allied genera, consist of small, white-spored mushrooms which appear to function primarily as decomposers of dead organic matter and thus as important sources of organic nutrients for plant and animal species. The objectives of this study are threefold: To increase the primary knowledge of the mycota of this region of North America; to observe physical associations (substrate, light, moisture, etc.) as a means of making preliminary assessments of the growth parameters of various species; and to compare occurrence of alpine species in this geographical area with that determined for European alpine regions.
Bethany Poulin - Project Title: Use of Microsatellites to estimate migration in Flathead River System Bull Trout
Project Description: The bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, is native to the northwest regions of Montana, Northern Idaho and reaching into Washington State. Present populations represent a fraction of original range once inhabited by native bull trout. Bull trout are born into tributary steams and migrate to larger lakes and rivers during adolescence, returning to their natal streams at maturity to breed. Conservation of bull trout is a major concern of local, state and federal agencies. Because much of their original habitat has been fragmented by the construction of dams, we lack data on the original ranges of given populations. Understanding of population genetics within and between sub-populations remains vital to understanding past and present migratory habits of local bull trout populations. Such understanding is essential to maintaining genetic diversity and accurate assessment of habitat requirements. Using DNA analysis we will be able to estimate relationships amongst populations in the Flathead and compare them to the results of allozymes and mtDNA of bull trout from the Clark Fork River System.
Davin Ringen - Project Title: The Role of Moss in Primary Succession of Metal-Contaminated Soils
Project Description: Metal-contaminated tailings, that are the product of the mining industry, are substrates which can undergo primary succession. The low nutrient content and the high metal content of the tailings substrates makes it a very challenging environment for plant establishment. Western Montana has many abandoned mine lands that require remediation to keep metals from leaching into adjacent undisturbed areas. Abandoned mines include old mine works built in the early part of this century, adits where the tailings were pulled from, and tailings ponds which represent the refuse of the sedimentation or other process used to extract metals from the substrate. My research focuses on mechanisms by which plants get established on these tailings ponds, and the role of moss in facilitating the establishment of grass.
Robert Scalise - Project Title: Acclimation and Deacclimation in Japanese Quail
Project Description: Studies have shown exposure to elevated CO2 during development can alter the ventilatory response of adults in non-burrowing species (e.g., rats, zebra finches, and Japanese quail). Results of these experiments suggest exposure to moderate CO2 during development alters the adult ventilatory response to CO2 in a way that is fundamentally different than acclimation. In other words, they suggest the effects of chronic CO2 exposure are age dependent, permanent during development but transitory in adults. This assertion rests completely on the assumption that acclimation deteriorates rapidly. However, this assumption is based on limited data in mammals, and its application to birds may not be valid. It is therefore desirable to test this assumption by determining the rate of deacclimation to CO2 in a bird such as the Japanese quail. When exposed to moderate CO2 during development, Japanese quail exhibit a blunted ventilatory response that lasts at least 50 days. What happens when they are exposed as adults?
Morgan Valiant - Project Title: Integrated Approach to Leafy Spurge Control
Project Description: The introduction of several Eurasian weed species has contributed to the fragmentation of Missoula valley’s native Palouse prairie. Perhaps one of the most problematic of these weeds is the perennial forb leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). The high viability and persistent root structure of this forb make its eradication difficult. Multiple studies have shown singular attempts to control leafy spurge populations are ineffective. To achieve long-term control of leafy spurge, the shoots from perennial rootstocks and the soil seed bank must be drastically reduced. While research has shown that leafy spurge can be effectively controlled with high rates of herbicide application, these treatments must be repeated over several years. Many agree that a successful management plan for leafy spurge must attack the plant with treatments from all sides and take advantage of the plant’s biology. I propose to study the effects multiple control methods on populations of leafy spurge. My goals are to find a reliable combination for control of leafy spurge and restoration of native plants.
