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Department of Biology - Research information
All permanent members of the biology department are actively engaged in a diverse range of ongoing research projects, working closely with undergraduate students to foster hands-on learning and collaborative scholarship. These research endeavors span various topics within the field of biology, providing students with valuable opportunities to contribute to meaningful scientific investigations. Below are detailed summaries of the specific research interests of each faculty member:
Research Opportunities:
Human serum has multiple components that have the capacity to kill bacteria. I am interested in how some types of bacteria are able to evade the effects of one such component. This component is known as complement. The undergraduate research students and I are examining the bacterial cell wall as a potential key structure in this evasion of the action of complement. Our experimental approach is to treat the cells in ways that perturb the cell wall structure to see if the cells then become sensitive to the effects of complement. This research may reveal new approaches to treating bacterial infections.
Research Topic: Surveying, Mapping and Monitoring Wildlands
A local nonprofit agency, the Redlands Conservancy, manages open space reserves around Redlands. I have been working with the RC since 2011. My students and I survey, map, and monitor the plant and animal communities in the reserves, look for impacts of human visitors on the native species, and make recommendations to the RC for adaptive management, conservation, and ecological restoration of the reserves.
Blauth is interested in using molecular genetic tools to understand molecular and biochemical processes. One of her projects centers on the formation of starch in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. By understanding starch synthesis, the amount of grain produced per plant could be increased or we may be able to create different forms of starch useful for food science and other industrial applications.
Research in fungal biology and ecology was conducted to determine the effects of pesticides and environmental factors on development of the fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This work showed that triazine herbicides were teratogenic, interfering with normal fungal development and spore production.
Basic and applied research on mycotoxins (fungal toxins occurring in food and animal feed) included fermentations, chemical extractions, purifications, and analysis of aflatoxins and trichothecene mycotoxins. Synthesis of mycotoxin analogs and protein conjugates to elicit antibodies with various specificities to mycotoxins, all phases of polyclonal and monoclonal antibody production, and immunoassay optimization contributed to the development of commercially marketed serological assay kits to detect mycotoxins in food and animal feed at 10-100 times lower concentrations than previous methods. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated inhibition of protein synthesis in plants by trichothecene mycotoxins.
Research in molecular genetics included studies on developmental gene regulation in the fungus, Mucor racemosus, as a model system for developmental gene regulation. Gene sequencing and expression experiments indicated distinct roles for each of three fungal genes with homology to human ras oncogenes in growth and development of M. racemosus.
Development of biocontrol of Phytophthora root rot of avocado included isolation and evaluation potential microbial agents and the use of recycled organic wastes as substrates for delivery of biocontrol agents. A related project identified a siderophore (iron-chelating compound) produced by the fungus, Trichoderma and investigated its role in microbial ecology.
Connect with Dr. Bill Casale
Dr. Caryl Forristall is interested in the genes involved in the development of vertebrate embryos, in particular, the amphibians Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. These interests have led to a variety of projects, from the analysis of localized mRNAs in the egg, to the role of the gene Xwnt3A in the ear, to the genetic control of taste in the tadpole. There are currently two projects being performed by the undergraduates in the laboratory:
- An analysis of the effects of agricultural pollutants on the development of the frog embryo. (This project is based on a collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Lyons in the Chemistry Department.)
- An analysis of possible developmental differences due the differences in the gene expression patterns of Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis.
Connect with Dr. Caryl Forristall
Recent Publication:
Forristall, C.A., Stellabotte, F., Castillo, A. and A. Collazo (2014) Embryological Manipulations in the Developing Xenopus Inner Ear Reveal an Intrinsic Role for Wnt Signaling in Dorsal-Ventral Patterning. Developmental Dynamics 243: 1262-1274
The focus of my teaching is introductory courses for non-science majors. I enjoy designing courses that engage students in scientific concepts while learning about subjects that interest them. From calculating the distance a blood drop travels in a forensic science class to investigating the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in ground beef purchased from local grocery stores in a microbiology course, these investigations explore scientific concepts in an accessible – and fun! - way.
Research Topic: "Psychophysiology of Stress and Meditation."
Dr. Lisa Olson is currently researching the connections between mind and body. This interdisciplinary investigation involves psychology, religion, neuroscience and physiology, and she works in partnership with the meditation curriculum offered at the University. She tests students before and after learning meditation techniques compared to a control group, measuring aspects such as the stress response, tendency to drink alcohol, and how students handle anger. She studies relationships between psychological traits such as compassion or mindfulness and biological traits such as blood pressure. Physiological measurements include cardiac and respiratory parameters, activity of the nervous system, and hormones secreted in saliva.
Connect with Dr. Lisa Olson
Publications
Students are active co-researchers with Dr. Olson and their work has often led to publication in scientific journals such as those listed below (*denotes a University of Redlands undergraduate student co-author):
*Grimley S.J., Ko C.M, Morrell H.E.R, Grace F., *Bañuelos M.S., *Bautista B.R, *Chavez G.N., *Dalrymple E.R, *Green M., *Gurning J., *Heuerman A.C., *Huerta M., *Marks M., *Ov J., *Overton-Harris P., and Olson L.E. 2018. The need for a neutral speaking period in psychosocial stress testing. Journal of Psychophysiology (in press).
Ko C.M., Grace F., *Chavez G.N., *Grimley S.J., *Dalrymple E.R., and Olson L.E. 2018. Effect of seminar on compassion on student self-compassion, mindfulness and well-being: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of American College Health (in press).
*Ellingwood L., *Espinoza M-A., *Acevedo M., and Olson L.E. 2018. College student drinkers have higher self-compassion scores than nondrinkers. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (in press).
*Bañuelos M.S., *Musleh A., and Olson L.E. 2017. Measuring salivary alpha-amylase in the undergraduate neuroscience laboratory. Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education 16(1), A23-A27.
Research Topic: “Mouse Behavior & Autism.”
Dr. Bryce Ryan conducts research aimed at improving human health. The Mouse Behavior Laboratory he established at the University of Redlands uses rodents to model certain autistic-like behaviors. To do this, the lab tracks the developmental time course of the mice from birth to adulthood and determines the presence of autistic-like behaviors such as motor stereotypies or low sociability. Our lab employs state-of-the-art video tracking systems and computerized behavioral scoring to assist our data collection, which is conducted entirely by undergraduates at the University. Current work in the lab is focused on testing potential treatments and novel therapeutics in our mice.
Recent Publications
* University of Redlands undergraduate student
JM Steinbach*, ET Garza*, BC Ryan (2016). Novel object exploration as a
potential assay for higher order repetitive behaviors in mice. Journal of
Visualized Experiments. 114:e54324. doi:10.3791/54324.
MG Blick*, BH Puchalski*, VJ Bolanos*, KM Wolfe*, MC Green*, BC Ryan (2015).
Novel object exploration in the C58/J mouse model of autistic-like
behavior. Behavioural Brain Research. 282:54-60.
doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2014.12.030.
BC Ryan, NB Young, JN Crawley, JW Bodfish, SS Moy (2010). Social deficits,
stereotypies, and early emergence of repetitive behavior in the C58/J
inbred mouse strain. Behavioural Brain Research. 208:178-188.
doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2009.11.031.
BC Ryan, NB Young, SS Moy, JN Crawley (2008). Olfactory cues are sufficient to
elicit social approach behaviors but not social transmission of food
preference in C57BL/6J mice. Behavioural Brain Research. 193:235-242.
doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2008.06.002.
Dr. Linda Silveira uses techniques in molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to study fungi. She and her research students investigate the chemicals that fungi make to obtain nutrients and defend themselves from neighboring fungi. Because fungi can’t run from threats, such chemicals play a key role in the organisms’ success in a crowded environment. In addition, these chemicals, and the organisms that make them, can often be helpful for human use, serving as biocontrol agents or drugs.
Along with her colleagues, Linda Silveira also has examined the impact of molecular genetics laboratory projects on student learning. These projects, part of an introductory majors biology course and a non-majors interdisciplinary course, were found to engage students and promoted their understanding of course concepts.
Connect with Dr. Linda Silveira
Publications
- Aronson, B.D. and Silveira, L.A. (2009) From genes to proteins to behavior: A laboratory project that enhances student understanding in cell and molecular biology. CBE-Life Sciences Education 8: 291-308. https://www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/cbe.09-07-0048
- Silveira, L. A. (2008) Experimenting with spirituality: analyzing The God Gene in a non-majors biology course. CBE-Life Sciences Education 7: 132- 145. https://www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/cbe.07-05-0029
Research Topic: Marine Mammal Ecology
Dr. Lei Lani Stelle investigates anthropogenic impacts on marine mammals off Southern California. With the assistance of students and volunteers, her research group monitors the distribution, behavior, and physiology of populations of all local cetacean and pinniped species. Photographic Identification is employed to track individual animals, estimate population sizes, and determine residency patterns. GIS maps display sightings, and are used to model habitat use and detect human disturbances.
In addition, she initiated and co-developed Whale mAPP, a collection of GIS-based web and mobile tools, to encourage public reports of animal sightings. Her outreach efforts help to educate the public and research findings contribute to marine mammal conservation and management.
UR students are encouraged to participate in this research as volunteers, summer students, and/or for their senior capstone projects.
Connect with Dr. Lei Lani Stelle
Recent Publications
* - graduate student, ** - undergraduate student
Hann, C.*; Stelle, L.L., Szabo, A., Torres, L.G. (2018) “Obstacles and Opportunities of Using a Mobile App for Marine Mammal Research”. International Journal of Geo-Information, 7(5):169.
Stelle, L.L. (2017) Using citizen science to study the impact of vessel traffic on marine mammal populations. In J.A. Cigliano and H.L. Ballard (Ed.) Citizen Science for Coastal and Marine Conservation, Routledge Publisher
Stelle, L.L., King, M.* and Hann, C.* (2016) “Whale mAPP: Engaging Citizen Scientists to Contribute and Map Marine Mammal Sightings”. In Ocean Solutions, Earth Solutions 2nd edition, ESRI Press, Redlands, CA.
Stelle, L.L., King, M.* (2015) “Whale mAPP: Citizen Scientists Contribute and Map Marine Mammal Sightings”. Chapter in Ocean Solutions, Earth Solutions, ESRI Press, Redlands, CA.
Stelle, L.L. (2015) “GIS Makes Citizen Science More Accessible: How the General Public Can Regain the Thrill of Scientific Discovery” ArcNews (Esri); Vol. 27, No. 2.
Thompson, L.** and Stelle, L.L. (2014) “Prey Preference of the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Evaluated According to Optimal Foraging Theory”. IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, 31(1): 14-28.
Stelle, L.L. and Atkins, A.** (2012) “The Conservation Column: Gray Whale Migration” Sport Diver, UK. http://www.sportdiver.co.uk/News/Latest-News/THE-CONSERVATION-COLUMN-The-Grey-Whale-Migration
Stelle, L.L., Megill, W.M. and Kinzel, M.R. (2008) “Activity Budgets and Diving Behavior of Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in Feeding Grounds off Coastal British Columbia”. Marine Mammal Science, 24(3): 462–478.
Stelle, L.L., Blake, R.W., and Trites, A.W. (2000) “Hydrodynamic Drag in Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus)”. Journal of Experimental Biology, 203: 1915-1923.
Dr. Dustin VanOverbeke is broadly interested in insect-plant interactions. Research projects include, but are not limited to; studying the self-selection of optimal diets (in terms of protein and carbohydrate ratio) by butterfly and moth caterpillars, the effects of diet on polyphenism in White-lined sphynx moth caterpillars (Hyles lineata), measuring how the preference for and effects of nectar-borne amino acids change in regard to larval and adult nutrition, and the effects of diet on mate selection. These studies further our knowledge on the evolutionary biology of plant-pollinator mutualisms. He is also interested in invertebrate conservation efforts. Where research has been done, results indicate troubling declines in insect abundance and diversity. Insects are integral to the health of ecosystems and this is especially apparent with native pollinators. There is a need for understanding how land management practices affect pollinators and Dr. VanOverbeke is monitoring the effects of replanting native plant species on the pollinator community within the San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary in Redlands, CA. His students are currently focusing on Hymenoptera (bees and wasps).
Connect with Dr. Dustin VanOverbeke