Heather Lewellyn investigates effects of pesticides on honey bees in master's thesis


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 key 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, and William Schwindinger served on her committee. Heather has presented her work at annual meetings of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists and the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. She has received funding through Bloomsburg University Research and Development and Travel Grants, a Professional Experience Grant, and a Charlotte Magnum  Student Support award from the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. 

Heather earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in DNA Analysis from Lock Haven University. She  completed clinical training at Williamsport Regional Medical Center and is a certified medical laboratory technologist employed at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA. Heather is a member of Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Popular posts from this blog

Internship Experience for Medical Imaging Majors

Image
BAHS medical imaging majors gained valuable experience with various imaging technologies  during internships at Geisinger Health System.   Intern Ashley Wilkins  reports: "I  have been able to see so much in the Radiology field. I have observed general diagnostic radiology, MRI, CAT scan, and ultrasound. I have seen x-rays of different body parts, especially of the chest. I have also seen numerous MRIs of the brain and spine and CAT scans of the chest and abdomen. Lastly, I have seen many pregnancy ultrasounds. My favorite part of the internship is being able to start learning early. I definitely recommend this internship to other students. It is a great way to become more familiar with the type of environment you will work in during your career. It is also  a jump start to your learning, because you get to see so much and you have the opportunity to ask questions. " Intern Xiang Liao states .  "I learned how to position patients, collimate ...
Read more

Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program

Image
The Penn State College of Medicine Primary Care Scholars’ Program is an exceptional opportunity for those who are interested in attending medical school and specializing in primary care. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program will be held virtually and will kick off the week of  May 17, 2021  followed by a series of evening sessions over the weeks that follow.  The Primary Care Scholars’ Program will include discussions on topics such as medical care, primary care, medical school admissions, and the medical school’s curriculum.  Participants will have opportunities to interact with medical students and faculty, and to learn about the philosophy and practice of primary care within the disciplines of family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The format will include large group presentations, small discussion groups, panel discussions with medical students, individual application consults, and a sample problem based learning session....
Read more

Heather Detwiler studies abroad in Australia

Image
Heather Detwiler , a B.S. Health Sciences major in the pre-accelerated nursing major, received a BU Professional Experience Grant to study abroad in Australia during the summer through at program at the University of Canberra.  She conducted research on the prevalence of concussions in youth populations in conjunction with the Australia Institute of Sport. Her work focused on the treatment and prevention of concussions in youth soccer players, a field that has not received much attention. Concussions are associated with long-term neurocognitive impairment. Australia has a higher prevalence rate for concussions among youth soccer players, perhaps since heading the ball during games and practices is allowed.  Heather's study compared the differences between youth soccer concussion treatment and prevention methods between Australia and the United States. During her stay in Australia, Heather had the opportunity to travel, visiting Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, Canberra, Sydney...
Read more