BioSynthesis

BAHS alumna Kristen Venditti , BS Biology 2015 (right), is greeted by Dean Robert Aronstam (middle) and Assistant Dean (and sister!) Dr. Jennifer Venditti (left) at the College of Science and Technology Tent during homecoming weekend festivities. A good time was had with plenty of food, a raffle, Roongo, and BAHS staff and faculty.

Tri-Beta Biology Officers,Rho chi chapter,  2016-2017 Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) Biology Honor Society is a national organization for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. The mission of Tri-Beta is to stimulate scholarship, to disseminate scientific knowledge, and to promote biological research. The BAHS Rho Chi chapter of Tri-Beta was established in 1984.  Leading the chapter this year are officers (pictured at right) Vice President Emily Broadbent, Historian Gabriella Bonchack, Secretary Alexandra Schlack, Treasurer Aubrey Cole, and President Lauren Chamberlin . Current members are Tala Abdulal, Beverly Andre, Kelly Barko, Hanan Ben Nacef, Paige Betts, Allison Bleistein, Gabriella Bonchack, Emily Broadbent, Lauren Chamberlin, Aubrey Cole, Jaclyn Cortlessa, Elliott Fackler, Olivia Falko, Jacqlene Hoffman, Kurt Knepley, Haley Kravitz, Nat...

Beverly Andre, a senior pre-med major, receives travel grant from the Council for Undergraduate Research Beverly Andre , a senior biology major, pre-medicine option, and chemistry minor, has received a travel grant from the Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR). CUR is a national organization whose mission is to enhance opportunities for students and faculties to engage in investigations that make an original intellectual contribution to their discipline. Over 900 colleges and universities, including Bloomsburg University, are members of CUR. The CUR travel grant will support Beverly's attendance at the annual conference of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in New Orleans, LA in January 2017. Bloomsburg University's College of Science and Technology will provide a matching grant. Beverly will present a poster entitled: Sublethal Stress Associated with Apiary Treatments for Varroa Mites.   The presentation is co-authored with Beverly's mentors,   Drs...

Mr. Ken Roszel, M.S., R.T. (R), program director, School of Radiologic Technology at Geisinger Medical Center discusses careers in Medical Imaging. BAHS students turned out in great numbers for the biology and allied health panels at the College of Science and Technology Career Day that was held at Kehr union on October 14, 2016.  Students had the opportunity to ask questions of alumni panelists, to get advice on how to enter and succeed in various graduate and professional programs, and to learn about the daily activities and opportunities that can be found in various careers.  Panelists at the biology session were: Melissa Tomacavage, senior analyst in Genomics at GeneDx; Deidre Fahy Belolan, quality engineer at Amcor Rigid Plastics; Kerri Horwath, Vaccine Specialist at Vaxserve, Inc; Dr. Gene Kinney, Chief Operating Officer at Prothena Corporation; Amanda Naugle Robinson, medical laboratory scientist at Evangelical Community Hospital; and Jessical Willis, doctoral stude...

Celebrating Dean's Candy Bar Day in Hartline Lobby Dean's List Candy Bar Day celebrates students in the College of Science and Technology who were named to the Dean's List during Spring Semester 2016. To be eligible, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or above. Receiving her candy bar is Madison Quinn , BAHS Medical Imaging major. Shown with Madison are from left, student worker Meaghan Eckel, Dr Robert Aronstam, Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Madison Quinn and Shannon Yarnell, CoST secretary. Congratulations to Madison and to all our candy bar recipients!. BAHS Students on the Dean's List, Spring 2016  Ramona Adrien,  Health Sciences BS, pre-physical therapy Alina Allgyer,  Biology BA Nicholas Angeny.  Health Sciences BS, pre-physical therapy Elijah Anseaume,  Biology BS Darianny Antonio,  Medical Imaging BS Nicholas Apfelbaum,  Biology BS, environmental biology Brandon Arnsberger,  Biology BS, pre-medical sciences Emil...

Shandna Burroughs at work in the lab S handna Burroughs , a graduate student in Dr. Candice Klingerman's laboratory, received the  Kristin M. Lynch Memorial Scholarship for graduate students (fall 2016). Her research  examines the effects of a protein, prokineticin-2 (PK-2), on reproductive and ingestive behaviors of Syrian hamsters.  She has found that the protein has profound effects on both sets of behaviors.  PK-2 acted as an appetite suppressant, while increasing female reproductive behavior. This research is the first to show that PK-2 can affect both of these behaviors simultaneously and may indicate a potential treatment in the war against obesity, while having a positive side effect - increased sex drive!  Ms. Burroughs is currently examining how PK-2 influences peptide hormones in the blood with Dr. Jennifer Venditti  and mRNA expression in the brain with Dr. Schwindinger .  She will be defending her Master's thesis this Nov...

Electives are a great opportunity to explore new fields, pursue a specific interest, or prepare for graduate or professional school. The following biology and health science electives are planned for spring 2017. Consult your curriculum guide or academic advisor to determine which ones count towards your particular academic program. Biology 233 Human Genetics, Dr. Chamruis Biology 301 Introduction to Healthcare, Dr. Venditti Biology 333 Molecular Biology, Dr. Davis Biology 342 Medical Microbiology, Dr. Henry Biology 361 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Dr. Corbin Biology 420/520, Global Change Biology, Dr. Rier Biology 442/542 Virology, Dr. Nolt Biology 472 Animal Cell Physiology, Dr. Brubaker Biology 474 Human Physiology, Dr. Hansen Biology 470 Integrated Physiology Lab, Drs Williams and Coleman Biology 489/589 Current Topics in Biology, Lyme Disease Writing in Biology will also be offered by Dr. Ardizzi. In addition, to the above electives, the following core classes ...

Dr. George Davis , associate professor, Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences, and his colleague Dr. Mark Stocksdale, Department of Chemistry at Earlham College, have been granted a provisional patent for their invention  “'Trojan Horse' targeted delivery system for crop species” as listed on the Penn State “Technologies Available for Licensing” page.   This invention uses the iron uptake system found in grasses to deliver nutrients / minerals, growth regulators, herbicides, and fertilizers to a wide range of plants that have been genetically engineered to express the iron transporter. This technology has the potential to promote more vigorous growth in crop plants and to reduce the detrimental environmental impacts of fertilizers.   The provisional patent allows protection for the development of the technology until April, 2017. A description is available at:   https://www.research.psu.edu/sites/default/files/PSSHE-24%20Non-Confidential%20...

    Drs. Nolt and Klingerman and a lively group of Medical Imaging Majors headed off to an Open House at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD on September 23, 2016. Students  had the opportunity to learn more about the imaging programs available at John Hopkins and to take a tour. On the field trip were Morgan Campbell, Doronella Simon, Morgan Berger, Stevie Voss,          Chelsea Harlan, Jayne Confalone, Bailey Smith, Tessa Eckman, Madison Quinn, Courtney Kovilaritch, Jamie Rosencranse, Emma Hecker, Zackary Lehman, Shannon Marks, MacKenzie Bernstiel, Rebecca Stalvey, Jennifer Albanese, and Madeleine Stander.

BAHS welcomes several speakers during the month of October to present information on various career options in biology and allied health. Everyone is invited to attend!   Careers in Biology/Allied Health   Monday, Oct. 10               Tuesday, Oct. 11 HSC G42 6:30 pm                           HSC G42 6:15 pm   Mr. Kenneth Roszel                      Mr.SteveUhl                           Radiography                          ...

ABLE, the Academic Biology Learning Environment, welcomed students in introductory biology courses to its Open House on September 15. Over 50 students along with BAHS faculty members Drs. Amin, Hess, Nolt, Schwindinger, and Surmacz, graduate asaistant John Poling, Dean Aronstam, and Assistant Dean Dr, Venditti, were on hand to kick off the new academic year. at Columbia Residence Hall.  Students had the opportunity to view  ABLE resources and facilities, meet faculty and tutors, learn about ABLE workshops and study sessions, and of course have some snacks.  Dr. Hess's human body cookies were a big hit!  Students also received prizes that ranged from school supplies to miniature skeletons. Thanks to all who attended. Please take advantage of the opportunities available at ABLE!

Dr. Steven Rier Bloomsburg University, along with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Susquehanna University and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are partners in a three year initiative to restore and conserve the Susquehanna River Watershed. This project of the Chesapeake Conservancy was funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundatioin.This collaborative project pilots a new approach called precision conservation that aims to use new technologies and data sets to improve water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient pollution from non-point sources.  . Dr. Steven Rier  and his students will directly evaluate the effectiveness of the precision conservation approach by determining if restoration efforts actually reduce nutrient and sediment loads and restore key ecosystem functions. Bloomsburg University will receive $115,000 to complete this work. Congratulations to Dr. Rier. We look forward to learning the results of your research on ...

Here are some scenes from Dr. Klinger's Marine Invertebrates class that was held at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, VA this summer. Looks like fun!  For more information on marine biology or summer courses at Wallops Island, please contact Dr. Thomas Klinger at tklinger@bloomu.edu

Nathan Feiertag Nathan Feiertag , B.S. Biology, pre-medical sciences option, interned this summer as a research scholar at Lehigh Valley Hospital.  Nathan collaborated with fellow research scholars and Dr. Patruno, Dr. Pellini, Dr. Martino, Andrew Katz, and Michael Fink in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Their research goal was to determine if a videotaping technology called Simcapture is a reliable and useful tool for assessing the surgical competencies of residents in endoscopic, laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, and robotic laparoscopic cases.  The research team developed an evaluation rubric to assess the performance of the surgical residents on criteria such as dexterity, procedural methods, and depth perception.  After recording the residents' surgical techniques using the Simcapture technology, the videotapes were scored using the evaluation rubric by the residents' attending physicians and by other surgeons in a blind external review. The researchers ...

Jamie Shinskie and a hellbender Congratulations to Jamie Shinskie for successfully defending her Master's thesis on September 3, 2016. Jamie's interdisciplinary ecological project assessed land cover data and its influence on eastern hellbender occurrence within the Susquehanna River drainage of Pennsylvania. Her results demonstrated that the loss of hellbender populations was associated with increases in siltation, sedimentation, and turbidity in stream channels accompanying deforestation. Jamie also presented her work at the recent Northeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Meeting, where she earned an award for best presentation. Dr. Pitt is Jamie's thesis advisor. Serving on her thesis committee were Dr. Delahunty, Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences. Physics and Dr. Rier, Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences.  Congratulations Jamie!

The 2016-2017 academic year is underway!  Welcome to all BAHS students, faculty and staff. In addition to our returning students, 191 new freshmen and transfer students have joined BAHS this semester. We are delighted to have you aboard and are looking forward to working with you this academic year. The first week was a busy one with students heading out to Kocher Park in Ecology lab with Dr. Williams and into the laboratory for some crime solving in Cell Biology with Dr. Brubaker. We wish you all a successful and rewarding academic year!  

The College of Science and Technology Ice Cream Crew To kick off Welcome Weekend, freshmen in the College of Science and Technology were treated by the Dean's Office to an ice cream social  with faculty and staff in front of Hartline Science Center. It was fun to meet and and greet incoming students in BAHS and other CoST majors while enjoying ice cream treats. Some of the students ventured off to catch Pokemon, while others hung around to enjoy the beautiful evening and eat more ice cream. Welcome to all! 

Dr. Barry Nolt with new tropical aquariums on display n Hartline Lobby. There's something fishy in Hartline! Two beautiful tropical aquariums are now on display in Hartline Lobby. The aquariums are gifts from Dr. Judith Downing , professor emerita. Dr. Downing taught Microbiology and Immunology in BAHS for many years. Dr. Barry Nolt has been busy this summer preparing for their new home. The aquariums  house a host of aquatic plants, Colombian tetra, and Angel fish, with more fish on the way. Check it out!

The BU Honors Program welcomed 39 freshmen this year at a picnic in Town Park. Among them are five BAHS students:   Lauren Bunnell, biology, pre-medicine;  Tara Full , biology pre-medicine;   Aurora Tamblin,  biology major, Elizabeth Neifer , health sciences, pre-physical therapy; and Mikayla Ulicny , medical imaging.  As part of the honors programs, students will have opportunities to travel,  enroll in special classes,conduct a full-year of honors research with a mentor, engage in a variety of service projects,  and participate in a community of scholars. It is great to have you aboard!

BAHS faculty plan for the future at the department retreat. BAHS faculty gathered for a retreat to discuss short term and long term planning for the department. The day was spent discussing topics ranging from curriculum and facilities to student research and assessment. BAHS students can look forward to some new ideas heading their way.  Stay tuned!

Daniel Steinhauser , a double major in biology, environmental biology option and philosophy and minor in Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems, earned a prize for top poster in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Category at the Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium (SVURS). Daniel's poster presentation was entitled " Quantification of the Spatial Extent and Water Quality Improvement Functions of Alluvial River Islands in the North Branch Susquehanna River Basin." He was mentored by Dr. Matthew Ricker in the Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences. Daniel's research examined the content of coal sand and the concentrations of lead, arsenic and zinc in soil samples from two islands in the north branch of the Susquehanna River. Their  results revealed elevated levels of lead and zinc in the soil, suggesting that the islands continue to play a role in improving the water quality of the Susquehanna River....

Allison Bleistein , B.S. biology major, environmental biology option, conducted a summer internship at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, Virginia. Dr. Thomas Klinger was her academic supervisor.  During this 10 week internship, Allison applied her background from her BAHS courses to work experiences at the Field Station. Alison helped  lead a research project focused on sustainable shoreline restoration through the use of environmentally friendly methods, like planting natural grasses to help prevent erosion and building oyster reefs to promote water filtration.   Among her other tasks were the maintenance of aquaria, laboratories, and classrooms. While at the Field Station, Allison had the opportunity to take a Conservation Biology course where she gained many new field skills (e.g. setting live animal traps, tagging amphibians/small mammals, and using VHF tracking telemetry). On top of all of these great experiences, Allison report...