BioSynthesis

Haldan Keffer Hartline source: Wikipedia This year marks the 100th anniversary of Haldan Keffer Hartline's graduation from the Bloomsburg State Normal School, the forerunner of present-day Bloomsburg University. Keffer's parents were both teachers. His father, Dr. Daniel S. Hartline, was a professor and biology department chair from 1897-1935 and his mother Harriet Keffer Hartline, served on the biology faculty. The  Hartline   Science   Center  at  Bloomsburg   University  is named in honor of the Hartline family.  After graduating from the “college prep program” at the State Normal School in 1920, H. Keffer Hartline went on to Lafayette College, Johns Hopkins Medical School, and eventually to a position at the Rockefeller Institute in New York City.  Hartline investigated the very nature of vision—how photoreceptors of the retina convert light stimuli into electrical signals that are conducted along a neural pathway to the brain. His c...

BAHS is proud to announce our fall semester 2020 graduates.  Congratulations on this great achievement. We are very proud of you!  Best of luck in your future endeavors and do be sure to stay in touch! Nathan Bischof , BS Medical Imaging Sabrina Decking, BS Medical Imaging Kelly Ednie , BS Health Sciences Jacquelynn Formosa, BS Biology Lisa Francis , BS Biology Marina Funes, BS Health Sciences Gina Gervasi, BS Medical Imaging Adrian Gonzalez, BS Health Sciences Theresa Haug, BS Biology Jordyn Heckard, BS Medical Imaging Allison Jenkins, BS Health Sciences Jasmeet Kaur, BS Health Sciences Katelyn Kelchner , BS Health Sciences Morgan Klinger, BS Biology McKenzie Lane, BS Medical Imaging Stephanie Leonard, BS Health Sciences Amy Maciejewski, BS Medical Imaging Shania Moore, BS Medical Imaging Danielle Murren, BS Health Sciences Deven Ramos, BS Health Sciences Nathan Reynolds, BS Health Sciences Maria Simko, BA Biology Jaimee Soeller, BS Biology Allison Sowers, BS Bio...

Ian Whiteside successfully defended his thesis entitled " Effects of BORIS  on Human Telomere Regulation and Stability" on November 20, 2020. Ian investigated how a transcription factor called BORIS regulates DNA telomeres and its potential role in cancer and aging. Dr. Kate Beishline is Ian's major professor. Serving as thesis committee members were Drs. Hare-Harris and Schwindinger. Ian's research was funded by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Biologists. He has presented his work at the College of Science and Technology Research Day, the PASSHE STEM conference at Kutztown University, and the Tri-Beta Northeast District 2 Convention.  Ian earned a BS in Biology, molecular biology option at Bloomsburg University. As a graduate assistant in the masters of science program, Ian assisted in the Cell Biology laboratory and tutored at ABLE. He is a member of Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society. Ian served the campus community is many ways assisting with Husky Deci...

The Bloomsburg University chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the biology honor society, welcomed new members at its virtual initiation ceremony in 108 Hartline Science Center on October 18, 2020. Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) is a society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922, more than 175,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 430 chapters have been established throughout the  United States  and  Puerto Rico . The mission of Tri-Beta is:  1) to stimulate scholarship; 2) to disseminate scientific knowledge; and 3) to promote biological research (www.tribeta.org)   The ceremony was conducted by Tri-Beta officers  President Rachel Nenstiel, Vice-President Megan Garland, Secretary Emily Knisely, Treasurer Casey Donahoe , and  Historian, Alex Burrows . During the ceremony, in...

Undaunted by the current pandemic, Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society hosted their traditional Biology Trivia contest virtually. Students and faculty gathered on zoom to test their knowledge. The group had a blast despite the lack of pizza and cookies! Can you answer the following questions? Scroll down for the answers! What is the common name of the animals in the Order Tubulidentata? What year was the genetic code first published? What is the main excretory organ of  a grasshopper? Did you answer aardvarks, 1966, and Malpighian tubules? If so, you are the winner of a virtual prize!

The Master of Science Degree is rapidly becoming the professional working degree in Biology. This degree provides the advanced training in the biological sciences and supporting disciplines which working biologists need. Bloomsburg University is a great choice for graduate school. The Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences faculty members represent a diverse range of specialties. Every faculty member holds a Ph.D. and has extensive research experience. There are many options for Thesis research projects, as well as for collaboration with local agencies, government institutions, and medical research centers. The M.S. in Biology requires 30 credits of coursework at the graduate level. Advanced courses in biology and appropriate supporting disciplines are selected under the guidance of an Advisory Committee selected by the student from among the appropriate Graduate Faculty. Independent research and professional development under the mentorship of faculty are central compone...

The College of Science and Technology held its annual Pathways in Science and Technology event virtually this semester on zoom. The Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences hosted two lively sessions, a biology panel and a health sciences panel, and had a wonderful turnout of alumni and students. Special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Venditti who organized the panels, Drs. Abby Hare-Harris and Kate Beishline who moderated that sessions, our alumni panelists for sharing their time and experiences, and the dozens of students for their active participation and insightful questions. Alumni panelists: Biology Panel: Sean Hartzell , Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator,  Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Kim Baldwin, Naturalist, Lindbland National Geographic Expeditions, naturalist guide for Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness expeditions.  Corey Conville, Life Scientist, US Environmental Protection Agency Region 1|LSASD, Field Services Branch | Ecology Monitoring...

  Aaron Gordon-Weaver successfully defended his Master’s thesis “Response of Stream Biofilms to Pulsed versus Steady-State Phosphorus Additions” during fall semester 2020. Aaron used an artificial stream set up to investigate how pulses of phosphorous affect algal growth, a topic relevant to understanding how fertilizer runoff can impact stream ecosystems. Aaron’s major professor is Dr. Steven Rier and Drs. Lauri Green and Thomas Klinger served on his thesis committee. Aaron earned his B.S. in Biology from Bloomsburg University. He has presented research at many scientific meetings including the College of Science and Technology Research Day, the Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Society for Freshwater Science, and the Susquehanna River Symposium. Congratulations Aaron!

Four BAHS graduate students have petitioned for admission to candidacy for the Master of Science in Biology and presented their thesis proposals and defenses this semester at our BAHS department seminar series. We look forward to hearing the results of your research.  Sweetie Patel                    Carbon Sequestration for Climate Change Mitiation: Trees in Philadelphia Suburbia Major Professor: Dr. Kevin Williams -------------------------------------------------- Martina Bennick Assessing the Impact of Anthropogenic Acidification on Autotrophic Stream Biofilms with Pulse Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry Major Professor: Dr. Steven Rier ---------------------------------------------- Ty Basinger Monitoring Tree Swallow Diet to Assess Wetland Productivity Major Professor: Dr. Lauri Green ------------------------------------------------- Mary Ann Bogert Spatial and Temporal Scales of the short-eared owl and the meadow vole ...

T wenty pre-medical science students attended Primary Care Day, streaming live from Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA on October 31, 2020.  The event offered sessions describing primary care, a panel on medical school admissions, information on diversity in medicine, and a question and answer session with medical students. Students had the option to select three workshops among the following: -Global Health in Medicine -Internal Medicine Mystery Diagnosis -Women’s Health Workshop  -Primary Care 3+3 Accelerated Programs -Psychiatry Simulation  -Research in Medical School and Beyond -LionCare Clinic: Vital Signs  -Wilderness Medicine Workshop -Red Flags of a Newborn Exam -Mindfulness in Medicine Participating were: Maria Figueroa, Lily Benevides, Manuel Gutierrez, Allison Hartwyk, Abel Hinojosa, Sarah Hotham, Luz Jimenez, Kayla Kinney, Lexi Kreischer, Madelyn Masser, Kaia Morse, Aashan Patel, Jamie Torbik, Chiara Cefali, Daphne Fassett, Kayla Rodriguez, Amy...

Dr. George Chamuris , professor, recently retired from Bloomsburg University after 33 years of service. Dr. Chamuris earned an A.A.S. from Dutchess Community College, a B.S. from State University of New York at Albany, an M.S., from James Madison University, and a Ph.D. from State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Dr. Chamuris's research interests lie in the areas of mycology, botany, evolution, and ecology, with a focus on bark ecology and public environmental education. He has mentored both undergraduate and graduate students in research projects on bark ecology over many years. Several of his research students have gone on to earn doctorates. His "Hiker's Guide to the Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of Rickett's Glen State Park" is the result of decades of exploring the 13,000 acre park in  Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan counties.   This guide, initially funded by a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education grant and published...

Dr. Barry Nolt , assistant professor of Biological and Allied Health Sciences, recently retired from Bloomsburg University. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Penn State University and his B.S. from Messiah College. HIs research interests are in the areas of plant pathology and virology.  Prior to coming to Bloomsburg University, Dr. Nolt  conducted extensive research on pathogens affecting cassava, a starchy root vegetable native to South America, at Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical in Cali, Colombia. At Bloomsburg University, Dr. Nolt mentored both undergraduates and graduate students in his research.  His recent research interests include identifying and characterizing Pythium species that are pathogenic on ornamental flower crops. Dr. Nolt's research showed that several pathogenic Pythium spp. are consistently associated with root rot symptoms.  Dr. Nolt served as an academic advisor to medical imaging students. Dr.  Nolt assist...

Benjamin Paul defended his master's thesis entitled "Influence of Cladophora sp. on the Composition and Spatial Distribution of Macroinvertebrate Communities in streams." Ben collected samples of macroinvertebrates in streams in the Susquehanna River watershed that exhibited a gradient of Cladophora, a common filamentous green alga. He also measured photosynthetic active radiation, oxygen, temperature and depth in each stream. Ben compared macroinvertebrate communities and their corresponding indices of biotic integrity between different samples to assess the impact of Cladophora. This information could be useful to ecosystem managers when encountering large growths of Cladophora. Ben's major professor was Dr. Steven Rier and committee members were Dr. Thomas Klinger and Dr. Lauri Green.  Ben has published a technical report for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on crayfish burrows in Jakey Hollow Natural Area with co-authors   Sean Hartzell, Emil...

Heather Llewellyn sucessfully defended her master's thesis entitled "Sublethal  effects of the Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid on the Honey Bee Transcriptome."  Honey bees  contribute to worldwide agricultural pollination. Since 2006, bee pollinators have experienced global declines, which may be linked to widespread agricultural use of neonicotinoid pesticides and a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder (CCD).  Heather's research investigated the effects of sublethal doses of the most commonly used neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid, on motor responses, cellular stress, and gene expression in honey bees. Her work demonstrated major changes in gene networks related to k ey biological functions that may affect the viability of bee colonies such as oxidative phosphorylation, longevity, apoptosis, FOXO signaling, drug metabolism, circadian rhythm, and glutathione metabolism. Heather's major professor was Dr. Cindy Surmacz and Drs. Abby Hare-Harris, John Hranitz...

Rodelin Duteste successfully defended his master's thesis entitled "The Effects of the Disruption of the G-protein subunit gamma-10 (gng10) on Cell Migration and Calcium Signaling." Rodelin used the innovative gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to knockout the gng10 gene in a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line. This permitted him to explore the role of gng 10 in chemotactic cell migration and the mobilization of intracellular calcium. Dr. William Schwindinger was his major professor and Drs. Carl Hansen and Dr. Angela Hess served on his thesis committee. Rodelin is from Baraderes, Haiti and earned his B.S. in Biology from Shippensburg University. He presented research on the epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes with fellow graduate students Justin Heller and Alex Shaffer at the College of Science and Technology Research Day. He is a recipient of a Bloomsburg University Graduate Student Thesis Research Grant and has tutored in biology at ABLE. 

Jerome Betz III  successfully defended his master’s thesis " Functional and Structural Analysis of AvsYS1: A ferric iron-phytosiderophore Transport Protein.” Jerome’s project focused on the molecular mechanisms of iron uptake, a rate limiting nutrient in plant growth. This information can serve as a springboard to launch future efforts to modify plants to support growth in high pH soils where ferric iron oxyhydroxide polymers exist. Ultimately, this could help mitigate iron deficiency anemia, a serious condition in third world countries. Jerome’s thesis advisors were Drs. George Davis and Abby Hare-Harris. Drs. Kevin Williams and Toni Bell served on his thesis committee. Jerome has presented his work on AvsYS-1 at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biology meeting, the Tri-Beta Northeast District 2 Convention, and at College of Science and Technology Research Day. Jerome received a professional experience grant to fund his work. Jerome plays bass guitar for the artist K...

H annah Anderson  successfully defended her master’s thesis " Blood Meal Analysis Identifies Avian Hosts of Two Mosquito Vectors, Culex pipiens and Culex restuans , for West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania.” Her research used a variety of molecular techniques to better understand the transmission dynamics of West Nile virus. Hannah’s work was conducted in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Hannah’s thesis advisor is  Dr. John Hranitz.   Her committee members are Mr. Mike Hutchinson, Dr. Clay Corbin , and Dr. Karl Henry . Hannah has presented research at meetings of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, College of Science and Technology Career Day, the Susquehanna River Symposium, the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators, the Pennsylvania Vector Control Association, and the Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists. She received the Charlotte Magnum Student Support Award from the Society for Integrativ...

  While many Spring 2020 graduation activities were curtailed due to the COVID pandemic, BAHS found a way to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. The first VIRTUAL Biological and Allied Health Sciences Awards Ceremony was held in August 2020 via zoom.   We are very proud of you!   You made the transition to online courses and continued to shine despite the situation.   Those recognized included: Graduating with Academic Honors Summa cum laude: Elizabeth Drumm, Kyle Mausteller Magna cum laude: Lauren Bunnell, Emily Hackenberg, Allison Lockard, Courtney Kovilaritch, Nina Litz, Kathryn Sherry, Nicole Whitenight. Cum laude: Amanda Aulenbach, Jessica Flack, Lizmeidy Hernandez, Noah Hess, Taylor Bozza Jones, Gabriel Manyak, Kenneth McCollum, Jr., Melissa Parsons, Cassandra Riley, Samantha Romania, Terry Shoop, Caitlyn Smith, Kayla Sompel, Matthew Srednicki, Rachael Strockbine,  Award Recipients: Syed R. Ali-...

  Geisinger Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) The Geisinger Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) provides an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students to conduct research under the mentorship of nationally and internationally recognized scientists. This program is designed for undergraduates with a strong background in the sciences who are considering a career in biomedical research. Participants experience the joy of scientific discovery as well the challenges of scientific research while developing skills in scientific reasoning, research methods and scientific communication. Internships are available in the following areas: Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute –  Students will participate in ongoing and novel research projects that align with ADMI’s innovative approach to investigating the causes and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. Research is conducted across a variety of disciplines including genetics, neuroscien...

Senior Sarah Buckley, a biology major in the natural history option, served as  Adventure Camp Director at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark, Delaware. This day camp featured a different theme each week, including Adventure Rangers, Mines and Minerals, Outdoor Adventure Skills, Stream Splashers, and Camp Awesome. Sarah led  all sorts of fun activities and crafts, incl uding hiking, fishing, nature programs, games, and most famously at White Clay: tubing and creek exploration!  Sarah reports that the campers were thrilled that White Clay Creek was able to hold summer camps this year in light of COVID-19. While camp looked a bit different with new safety measures in place, the kids and counselors had no less fun!  Sarah shared that the camp director position taught her valuable life skills during just five weeks of camp a nd "I've made so many memories that it was hard to leave at the end of the summer! "

Alumna  Sarah Cantymagli, a 2018 cum laude graduate who majored in Biology, Natural History, has been enjoying her volunteer work at the  Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Looks like fun Sarah!

Dr. Steven Rier , professor, and c ollaborators at the Academy of Natural Science of Drexel University,  received a grant for $327,500  from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  The proposed research will evaluate the vulnerability and resilience of headwater streams in the Delaware River basin to climate change. Dr. Rier and his research students will collaborate with an amazing group of scientists at the Academy of Natural Science on an important project concerning the health of stream ecosystems in the 21st century.

 

The  Biology & Allied Health Science Club will hold its first general meeting of the semester on Monday, September 7, 2020 @ 7 pm via Zoom, The club will disc uss membership requi rements, new executive board  elections & upcoming activities. Please contact Olivia Horman at  och24124@huskies.bloomu.edu  with questions. New members are welcome! A link will be sent out via email.

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beverly Andre Beverly Andre , BS Biology, pre-medical sciences (2017), earned her master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).  Beverly conducted research at the University of Pennsylvania on racial disparities in healthcare and Veteran Affairs. Beverly will enter medical school at PCOM in August to begin pursuing a career as a physician.  At BU, Beverly was active in campus life.  She was on the Multicultural Student Advisory Board, the treasurer of the Black Cultural Society, the treasurer of IMPACT, a member of the BU Dance Ensemble and the Gospel choir, and was involved in the Health Science Learning Community. Beverly conducted research with Drs. Cindy Surmacz and John Hranitz on the effects of apiary treatments for Varroa mites on honey bees. Beverly presented her research at the national meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. She received grants from the Pennsylvania Academy...

The Health Sciences Learning Community (LC),  housed in Columbia Residence Hall, aims to provide an environment for students in health science majors to build relationships with classmates, peer mentors, and faculty and to achieve academic success. Freshmen who are majoring in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Biology, Health Physics, Exercise Science, Health Sciences, and Medical Imaging are eligible to join. A key element of the program are the mentors, upperclassmen who  help community members make the transition to college, focus on team building, and plan activities to engage the community.  Selected to serve as mentors for the 2020-2021 academic year are:  Allison Beaver (Health Sciences, pre-physician assistant), Phillip Friggle (Speech Pathology and Audiology), Allison McClain (Speech Pathology and Audiology), Emily Ciurleo ( Speech Pathology and Audiology), Madison Gustin (Speech Pathology and Audiology), Audrey Kepple (Medical Imaging), and Racquel Walsh...