About the MTU Department of Biological Sciences
Michigan Technological
University
1400 Townsend Drive Houghton MI 49931-1295
Department of Biological Sciences
List of faculty and their research areas
John H. Adler
Plant Biochemistry, Plant Physiology
Professor and Department Chair.
PhD 1975, University of Maryland.
Postdoctoral, Drexel University
We are studying the biochemistry and physiology of sterols (such as
cholesterol) and steroids in higher plants. Plants produce a wide array
of sterol structures from which various steroids can be synthesized.
Presently we are investigating the biosynthesis of ecdysteroids-insect
molting hormones-which are used as defense compounds in plants.
Biosynthesis of both ecdysteroids and sterol precursors for
ecdysteroids are regulated with growth and development of the
plant.
Selected Publications
Adler, J.H. and Grebenok, R.J. Biosynthesis and distribution of insect-molting hormones in plants-A Review. Lipids 30, No.3 (1995): 257-262.
Grebenok, R.J., Venkatachari, S. and Adler, J.H. Biosynthesis of ecdysone and ecdysone phosphates in spinach. Phytochemistry 36 No.6 (1994): 1399-1408.
Grebenok, R.J. and Adler, J.H. Ecdysteroid biosynthesis during
the ontogeny of spinach. Phytochemistry 33 No.2 (1993):341-47.
Grebenok, R.J. and Adler, J.H. Ecdysteroid distribution during development of spinach. Phytochemistry 30 No. 9 (1991):2905-10.
Grebenok, R.J, Ripa, P.V., and Adler, J.H. Occurrence and levels of ecdysteroids in spinach. Lipids 26 No.8 (1991):666-68.
Martin T. Auer
Environmental Engineering, Limnology and Water Quality Modeling
Adjunct Professor.
PhD 1979, University of Michigan.
Postdoctoral, University of Michigan.
Sabbatical Leave, Limnological Institute, Royal Dutch Academy of Arts
and Sciences, Nieuwersluis, The Netherlands
My research focuses on processes that govern the fate and transport of
pollutants in lakes and rivers. A mass balance on a target substance
is developed through field and laboratory studies of pollutant sources
and sinks. A mathematical model places that mass balance within a
quantitative, predictive framework. This approach has been applied to
research on acid rain, algal ecology, atmospheric deposition of toxic
substances, dissolved oxygen depletion, fecal bacteria contamination,
and nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in the Great Lakes and inland
waters. Through this approach, we bring evolving research concepts to
bear on today's environmental problems.
Selected Publications:
Auer, M. T. and Niehaus, S. L. "Modeling fecal coliform bacteria-I.
Field and laboratory determination of loss kinetics" Water Research 27
No. 4 (1993): 693-701.
Auer, M. T.; Johnson, N. A.; Penn, M. R.; and Effler, S. W. .
"Measurement and verification of rates of sediment phosphorus release
for a hypereutrophic urban lake" Hydrobiologia 253 (1993): 301-09.
Storey, M. L.; Auer, M. T.; Barth, A. K.; and Graham, J. M. .
"Site-specific determination of kinetic coefficients for modeling algal
growth" Ecological Modelling 66 (1993): 181-96.
Nancy A. Auer
Fish Ecology and Biology, Conservation Biology
Aquatic Ecology
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D. 1995. Michigan Technological University
Research Interests
Currently I am working on early life of lake sturgeon and downstream
dispersal of young and juveniles. Also investigating habitat needs of
various life stages using telemetry techniques. I have a background in
larval fish and zooplankton identification and continue interests
aquatic ecosystems interactions.
Selected Publications:
Auer, N.A. 1996. Importance of habitat and migration to sturgeons
with emphasis on lake sturgeon. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences: 53 (Suppl): 152-160.
Auer, N.A. 1996. Response of spawning lake sturgeons to change in
hydroelectric facility operation. Transactions of the American Fisheries
Society 125:66-77.
Siegfried, C., N.A. Auer and S.W. Effler. 1996. Changes in the
zooplankton of Ondondaga Lake:Causes and Implications. Lake and Reservoir
Management: 12(1):59-71.
Auer, N.A. (editor). 1982. Identification of larval fishes of the
Great Lakes basin with emphasis on the Lake Michigan drainage. Great Lakes
Fishery Commission, Ann Arbor, MI. Special Publication 82-3. 744 pages.
Susan T. Bagley
Dr. Bagley's Personal Page
Environmental Microbiology, Mutagenic and Toxic Properties of
Environmental Contaminants, Bioremediation of Organic Comtaminants
Associate Professor.
PhD 1978, Oregon State University.
Postdoctoral, University of California at Davis.
My research in environmental microbiology primarily involves studies on the
roles and uses of microorganisms to address pollution concerns. Related
studies in microbial toxicology assess the mutagenic and toxic properties of
air, water, and soil pollutants. Microbial populations are being
characterized for abilities to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and other
organic pollutants in soil and vapor phase settings, as well as studying the
production of mutagenic/toxic metabolites and development of
microbe-specific molecular probes.
Selected Publications (Co-authored with Graduate Students):
Kleinheinz G.T.; Kohlweyer, U.; St. John, W.P.; and Bagley, S.T.
"Isolation and characterization of microorganisms recovered from a
petroleum hydrocrbon contaminated site." (Abstracts) American Society
for Microbiology (1995): p. 408 (Manuscripts in Preparation).
Becker, D.M.; Podial G.K.; and Bagley, S.T. "Effects on mycorrhizoplane
streptomycetes on gene expression and growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi and
determinationof the range of inhibition by the streptomycetes." Applied and
Environmental Microbiology (Submitted).
McLaughlin, J. W.; Reed, D. D.; Bagley, S. T.; Mroz, G. D.; and
Jurgensen, M. F. "Relationships between Sugar Concentrations in Roots
and Ecosystem Stress for First-Year Sugar Maple Seedlings" Journal of
Environmental Quality (1994, in press).
Bagley, S. T.; Stoltz, S. L.; Becker, D. M.; and Keen, R. E.
"Characterization of organic extracts from standard reference materials
1649 `Urban Dust/Organics' and 1650 `Diesel Particulate Matter' using a
microsuspension assay" Mutation Research 276 (1992): 81-86.
Debby E. Bose
Hematology, Hemostasis, Immunohematology, Quality Assurance &
Laboratory Management, Medical Technology
Lecturer.
MS 1979, College of St. Rose (New York). Certified Medical
Technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP),
and Certified Specialist in Blood Banking by ASCP.
I have been investigating management issues related to clinical
laboratory science. These have included determining numbers of
clinical laboratory scientists potentially entering the career, and
studying the national job market. In addition, I completed a broad
national analysis of salary levels for medical technologists employed
at clinical and
non-clinical sites. Other issues I have studied include clinical
laboratory quality assurance, safety, and medical issues pertinent to
women.
Selected Publications:
Gregg, D.; Soldan A.; and Hutchinson C. "Careers for clinical
laboratory scientists: verification of numerous and diverse
opportunities" Clinical Laboratory Science 3 No.1 (1990): 32-38.
Soldan, A. and Gregg, D. "Undergraduate education update: coping with
change" Laboratory Medicine 18 No. 6 (1987): 393-96.
Gregg, D. and O'Leary, J. "Preparation of specimens for
immunohematology training" Journal of Medical Technology 2 No. 9
(1985): 595-98.
Stephen H. Bowen
Aquatic Ecology, Fish Biology
Professor and Vice Provost for Instruction.
PhD 1976, Rhodes University.
Postdoctoral, University of Colorado.
Sabbatical Leave, Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Castellon,
Spain.
My graduate students and I use fishes as models to investigate basic
ecological questions. Currently, we are working on four projects: (1)
broad aspects of nutrition in wild animals, (2) feeding ecology of
detritivores, (3) habitat effects on food quality in streams, and (4)
climate effects on population dynamics of Lake Superior fishes. Our
approach combines field survey work, field experimentation,
experimentation in the lab under more controlled conditions, and
chemical and microscopic analyses of field and lab materials. Our
goals are (1) to identify critical links between aquatic animals and
their environments, and (2) to understand the evolutionary significance
of adaptations that secure these links. Data on climate effects are
from National Oceanagraphic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) buoys
in Lake Superior and from NOAA satellite images. We collaborate with
the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan DNR in sampling Lake
Superior fishes.
Selected Publications (Co-authored with Graduate Students):
Bowen, S. H., E. V. Lutz, et al. (1995). Dietary protein and energy as
determinants of food quality: ingestion, assimilation and growth of
Tilapia aurea on diets simulating detritus, plant and animal prey.
Ecology: In press.
Bowen, S. H.; D'Angelo, D. J.; Arnold, S. H.; Keniry, M. J.; and
Albrecht, R. J. "Density-dependent maturation, growth, and female
dominance in Lake Superior lake herring (Coregonus artedii)" Canadian
Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48 (1991): 569-76.
Ahlgren, M. O. and Bowen, S. H. "Comparison of quantitative light
microscopy techniques used in diet studies of detritus-consuming
omnivores" Hydrobiologia 239 (1992): 79-83.
Sutton, T. and Bowen, S. H. "Diet, assimilation efficiency and feeding
rate of northern brook and sea lamprey ammocoetes, abundant north
temperate detritivores" Submitted to the Canadian Journal of Fisheries
and Aquatic Sciences (In review).
Wilbur H. Campbell
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Professor, Coordinator of the Phytotechnology Research Center. Adjunct Professor,
Department of Chemistry.
PhD 1972, University Wisconsin-Madison. Postdoctoral, University of
Georgia; Mayo Clinic; and Michigan State University.
Sabbatical and Other Leaves: University Bayreuth, Germany; Harvard
Medical School, Boston; Stockholm University, Sweden; and Uppsala
Biomedical Center, Sweden.
My students and I are studying plant enzyme biochemistry via their
expression in Escherichia coli. By cloning genes for corn nitrate
reductase (a key enzyme in nitrogen metabolism), and
O-methyltransferase (a key enzyme in lignin biosynthesis) we can obtain
large quantities of these proteins by bacterial expression. Since
these two enzymes have commercial applications, such as environmental
clean-up (nitrate reductase for nitrate removal from contaminated
water) and food-flavoring agent synthesis (O-methyltransferase
catalyzes vanillin synthesis), our studies have a highly practical
value. We focus on crystallization of these enzymes and determination
of their 3-D structures to design and generate improved forms of the
enzymes by site-directed mutagenesis. We also study protein
phosphorylation and signal transduction in the nitrate regulatory
system of corn roots, important in designing improved crops for food
production.
Selected Publications:
Lu, G., W. H. Campbell, G. Schneider, and Y. Lindqvist (1994) Crystal
structure of the FAD-containing fragment of corn nitrate reductase at 2.5 Å
resolution: relationship to other flavoprotein reductases. Structure 2: 809-821.
Campbell, Wilbur H. (1996) Nitrate reductase biochemistry comes of age.
Plant Physiology, 111: 355-361.
Bachman, M., N. Shiraishi, Wilbur H. Campbell, B.-C. Yoo, A. C. Harmon, and
S. C. Huber (1996) Identification of the major regulatory site as Ser-543 in
spinach leaf nitrate reductase and its phosphorylation by a Ca2+ dependent
protein kinase in vitro. Plant Cell, 8: 505-517.
Redinbaugh, M.G., S.C. Huber, J.L. Huber, K.W. Hendrix, and Wilbur H.
Campbell (1996) Nitrate reductase expression in maize leaves (Zea mays L.)
during light dark transitions. Physiologia Plantarum, 98: 67-76.
Meng, H., and Wilbur H. Campbell (1996) Characterization and Site-directed
mutagenesis of aspen lignin-specific O-methyltransferase expressed in
Escherichia coli. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 330: 329-341.
Dwivedi, U. N., N. Shiraishi, and W. H. Campbell (1994) Identification of an
"essential" cysteine of nitrate reductase via mutagenesis of its recombinant
cytochrome b reductase domain. J of Biol Chemistry 269: 13785-13791.
Lu, G., Y. Lindqvist, G. Schneider, U. N. Dwivedi and W. H. Campbell (1995)
Structural studies on corn nitrate reductase. Journal of Molecular Biology
248: 931-48.
Ratnam K., N. Shiraishi, W. H. Campbell and R. Hille (1995) Spectroscopic
and kinetic characterization of the recombinant wild-type and C242S mutant
of the cytochrome b reductase fragment of nitrate reductase. Journal of
Biological Chemistry 270: 24067-72.
Mellor, R. B.; Ronnenberg, J.; Campbell, W. H.; and Diekmann, S.
"Reduction of nitrate and nitrite in water by immobilized enzymes"
Nature 355 (1992): 717-19.
Lu, G.; Campbell, W. H.; Lindqvist, Y.; and Schneider, G.
"Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of the FAD
domain of corn NADH: nitrate reductase" Journal of Molecular Biology
224 (1992): 277-79.
Campbell, W. H. "Expression in Escherichia coli of cytochrome c
reductase activity from a maize NADH:nitrate reductase cDNA" Plant
Physiology 99 (1992): 693-99.
Eunice C. Carlson
Microbiology, Medical Bacteriology, Virology, Medical Mycology
Professor.
PhD 1962, Columbia University.
Postdoctoral, New York University, Harvard University.
My studies center on the toxins and toxin interactions of various
pathogenic bacteria. Among a number of pathogenic strains currently
under study are the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) associated with toxic
shock syndrome (TSS) and the toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST). My
students have found that staph associated with diseased sheep and goats
produce a protein immunologically similar to TSST, but differing in
certain chemical properties. We hope that genetic studies will
determine the relationship between these toxins and whether or not the
animal-associated strains could have been the source for the TSST
responsible for the recent human TSS epidemic.
Selected Publications:
Carlson, E. "Inhibition by agar of a CO2 enhanced hemolytic activity of
toxic shock syndrome-associated Staphylococcus aureus" Journal of
Infectious Diseases 154 (1986): 186-88.
Clyne, M.; de Azevedo, J.; Carlson, E.; and Arbuthnott, J. "Production
of gamma hemolysin and lack of production of alpha-hemolysin by toxic
shock syndrome associated strains of Staphylococcus aureus" Journal of
Clinical Microbiology 26 (1988): 535-39.
Ho, G.; Campbell, W.; and Carlson, E. "Ovine associated Staphylococcus
aureus proteins with immunochemical similarity to toxic shock syndrome
toxin-1" Journal of Clinical Microbiology 27 (1989): 210-12.
Janice M. Glime
Ecology, Bryology, Stream Biology
Professor. Adjunct Professor, School of Forestry and Wood Products.
PhD 1968, Michigan State University.
My research into the niche width and ecology of mosses extends from
cold mountain streams to bogs and hot geothermal vents, and from
Iceland to Japan and New Zealand. With my graduate and undergraduate
students, I have explored the great variety of insects that call mosses
home. We have subjected the sensitive mosses to such factors as heavy
metals, acid rain, and high temperatures. Laboratory, incubator, and
greenhousestudies, verified by field data, permit us to develop
computer models for moss responses and to monitor ecosystem damage.
Selected Publications:
Li, Y.; Glime, J. M.; and Liao, C. "Responses of two interacting
Sphagnum species to water level" Journal of Bryology 17 (1992): 59-70.
Glime, J. M. "Growth model for Fontinalis duriaei based on temperature
and flow conditions" Journal of Hattori Botanical Laboratory 62 (1987):
101-9.
Glime, J. M. and Vitt, D. H. "A comparison of bryophyte species
diversity and niche structure of montane streams and stream banks"
Canadian Journal of Botany 65 (1987): 1824-37.
Raeymaekers, G. and Glime, J. M. "Effects of simulated acidic rain and
lead interaction on the phenology and chlorophyll content of Pleurozium
schreberi (Brid.) Mitt." Journal of Hattori Botanical Laboratory 61
(1986): 525- 41.
Ronald K. Gratz
Comparative Animal Physiology, Respiratory Physiology, Herpetology
Associate Professor.
PhD 1976, University of Oklahoma.
Postdoctoral, Max-Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine,
Gottingen, West Germany.
My research interests are in the broad area of vertebrate physiology,
especially comparative respiratory physiology. I have investigated the
effect of CO2 breathing and temperature changes on ventilation and
acid-base balance in snakes. I was particularly interested in the
contribution of vagus nerve sensory input to the ventilatory response.
Graduate students have investigated hibernation physiological ecology
of garter snakes and bats. Others have investigated mammalian
ventilatory mechanics and have developed computer-based educational
materials for physiology.
Selected Publications:
Gratz, R. K. "Improving the Quality of Lab Reports by Model Analysis
Peer Review and Revision" Journal of College Science Teaching 19 No. 5
(1990): 292-95.
Gratz, R. K.; Hartung, J.; and Stewart, G. W. "The energetics of
natural hibernation in little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus, in the
Upper Peninisula of Michigan" (Abstract) Proceedings of the 2nd
International Congress of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry
(1988).
Gratz, R. K. "The effect of bilateral vagotomy on the ventilatory
responses of the water snake, Nerodia sipedon" American Journal of
Physiology 246 (1984): R221-27.
Michael R. Gretz
Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Phycology
Associate Professor.
PhD 1981, Arizona State University.
Postdoctorals, McMaster University; University of Texas at Austin.
Current investigations involve extracellular matrix (ECM) biogenesis in
algae and higher plants. Extracellular adhesives are the primary
method of attachment by biofouling bacteria and algae. We are
determining the chemistry of adhesives and examining the mechanisms and
regulation of the deposition process in marine diatoms and bacteria in
an effort to devise new methods to control biofouling. To study ECM
biogenesis in red algae, we developed methods for localization of
sulfated galactans, precursor polymers, and cellulose at the electron
microscope level using colloidal gold labelled monoclonal antibodies
and cellobiohydrolase/gold probes. We are also conducting stable
isotope labelling of ECM precursors. Studies of the mechanisms of ECM
biosynthesis and deposition have profound implications on future
research in plant developmental and cell biology, primarily because of
direct cell wall involvement in plant morphogenesis and signalling.
Selected Publications (Co-authored with Graduate Students):
Wustman, B.A., Wetherbee, R., Lind, J. & Gretz, M.R. 1998. Extracellular
matrix assembly in diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) III. Organization of
fucoglucuronogalactans within the adhesive stalks of _Achnanthes
longipes_. Plant Physiol. [in press].
Wang, Y., Lu, J., Mollet, J-C., Gretz, M.R. & Hoagland, K.D. 1997.
Extracellular matrix assembly in diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). II.
2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile inhibition of motility and stalk production
in the marine diatom _Achnanthes longipes_. Plant Physiology
113:1071-1080.
Wustman, B.A., Gretz, M.R. & Hoagland, K.D. 1997. Extracellular matrix
assembly in diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). I. A model of adhesives based on
chemical characterization and localization of polysaccharides from the
marine diatom _Achnanthes longipes_ and other diatoms. Plant Physiology
113:1059-1069.
Gretz, M.R., Mollet, J-C. & Falshaw, R. 1997. Analysis of red algal
extracellular matrix polysaccharides: Cellulose and carrageenan. In:
Techniques in Glycobiology, (R. Townsend & A. Hotchkiss, eds.), Marcel Dekker,
New York, pp. 613-628.
Johnson,L.M., Hoagland, K.D. & Gretz, M.R. 1995. Effects of bromide and
iodide on EPS secretion in _Achnanthes longipes_ (Bacillariophyceae).
Journal of Phycology 31:401-412.
Wu, Y. and Gretz, M. R. "Stable isotope labelling method for studies of
saccharide metabolism in Agardhiella subulata" Hydrobiologia 260/261
(1993): 595-600.
Hoagland, K. D.; Rosowski, J. R.; Gretz, M. R.; and Roemer, S. C.
"Diatom extracellular polymeric substances: Fine structure, chemistry
and function" Journal of Phycology 29 (1993): 537-66.
Gretz, M. R.; Folsom, D. B.; and Brown, Jr., R. M. "Cellulose
biogenesis in bacteria and higher plants is disrupted by magnetic
fields" Naturwissenschaften 76 (1989): 380-83.
David F. Karnosky
Forest Genetics, Forest Biotechnology
Adjunct Professor.
PhD 1975, University of Wisconsin.
I am involved in three types of research, all with a forest genetics
component. First, I am studying how air pollution, particularly ozone
and carbon dioxide, affects tree growth, physiological processes, and
competion between trees. Second, I am interested in improving trees by
traditional hybridization and breeding methods, focusing on the
improvement of larch trees for the commercial forest products industry and
on elm trees for ornamental use. My third area of research uses
state-of-the-art genetic engineering methods to improve forest trees,
focusing on larch and aspen.
Selected Publications:
Huang, Y.; Diner, A. M.; and Karnosky, D. F. "Agrobacterium
rhiszogenes-mediated genetic transformation and regeneration of a
conifer: Larix decidua" In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology
27 (1991): 201-07.
Karnosky, D. F.; Gagnon, Z. E.; Reed, D. D.; and Witter, J. A. "Growth
and biomass allocation of symptomatic and asymptomatic Populus
tremuloides clones in response to seasonal ozone exposures" Canadian
Journal of Forest Research 22 (1992): 1785-88.
Huang, Y.; Karnosky, D. F.; and Tauer, C. G. "Applications of
biotechnology and molecular genetics to tree improvement" Journal of
Arboriculture 19 (1992): 84-98.
Robert E. Keen
Limnology, Biostatistics, Computer Simulation
Associate Professor.
PhD 1971, Michigan State University.
Postdoctoral, Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and Penn State
University.
Sabbatical Leave, U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory, Duluth,
Minnesota.
Our research concerns the practical problems of using Ceriodaphnia
(Cladocera: Crustacea) in toxicity tests for aquatic systems.
Ceriodaphnia is used widely for short-term chronic tests, and we are
doing basic work on its nutrition and on difficulties of maintaining it
in culture. The nutrition work concerns the relative assimilation of
different foods studied with radio tracers and simplifying feeding with
prepared algae. Study of culturing problems focuses on disease-causing
organisms.
Selected Publications:
Keen, R. and Spain, J. D. Computer Simulation in Biology: A BASIC
Introduction. Wiley-Liss, NYC. (1992) 498p.
Keen, R. "Mark-recapture estimates of bat survival" Ecological and
Behavioral Methods for the Study of Bats (T. Kunz, ed.), Smithsonian
Institute Press, Washington, D.C. (1988): 157-70.
Keen, R. and Baillod, C. R. "Toxicity to Daphnia of the end products of
wet oxidation of phenols and substituted phenols" Water Research 19
(1985): 767- 72.
W. Charles Kerfoot
Aquatic Ecology, Paleoecology, Lake Superior Ecosystems
Professor. Director of the Lake Superior Ecosystems Research
Center. Adjunct Professor, Department of Geological Engineering,
Geology, and Geophysics.
PhD 1972, University of Michigan.
Postdoctoral, University of Washington.
My research concerns two facets of interactions in aquatic food
webs: (1) influence of predators on food web dynamics and
energy flow patterns and (2) paleoecology. In the first area, field
experiments and observations stress the relationships between fish and
zooplankton, the balance between risk and foraging reward, and the
evolutionary adjustments of species. The second area stresses
limnological and food web aspects of information from sediment cores.
Selected Publications:
Kerfoot, W. C. and Kirk, K. L. "Degree of taste discrimination among
suspension-feeding cladocerans and copepods: Implications for
detritivory and herbivory." Limnology Oceanography 36 No. 6 (1991):
1107-23.
Kerfoot, W. C. and DeAngelis, D. L. "Scale-dependent dynamics:
zooplankton and the stability of freshwater food webs." Tree 4 No. 6
(1989): 167-71.
Kerfoot, W. C. and Sih, A. (editors) Predation: Direct and Indirect
Impacts on Aquatic Communities. University Press of New England,
Hanover, N.H. (1987): 386 pp.
Donald R. Lueking
Microbial Biochemistry
Associate Professor.
PhD 1973, Indiana University at Bloomington.
Postdoctoral, University of Illinois; University of Pennsylvania.
Research in my laboratory consists of a variety of collaborative
projects with faculty members in the departments of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
to foster a true interdisciplinary approach to current environmental
problems. These studies involve the isolation, characterization, and
genetic manipulation of organisms, predominately pseudomonads, that
are important in the bioremediation of soils, sediments, and
groundwater. Also analyzed are the development of rapid screening
procedures for identifying biosurfactant producing organisms and the
purification and characterization of mercury binding proteins and the
evaluation of their potential for selective removal of mercury from
groundwater. We also investigate the cellular mechanisms employed by
organisms for assimilating PAHs and the isolation of organisms capable
of degrading the nitrogenous organic compounds present in coal. In
addition, we conduct systematic studies on the growth, physiology, and
genetics of organisms of the
genus Thiobacillus in an attempt to improve the properties of these
organisms for applications in metal bioleaching.
Selected Publications:
LaCombe/Barron, J. and Lueking, D. R. "Growth and Maintenance of Cells
of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans" Journal of Applied and Environmental
Microbiology 56 (1990): 2801-06.
Mihelcic, J. R.; Lueking, D. R.; Mitzel, R.; and Stapleton, J. M.
"Bioavilability of Sorbed and Separate Phase Organic Chemicals: A
Review" Biodegradation (1993 in press).
Rolf O. Peterson
Wildlife Ecology, Mammalogy
Adjunct Professor.
PhD 1974, Purdue University.
Sabbatical Leave, Federal Wildlife Research Agency, Trodheim, Norway.
My major research interests lie in the ecology and behavior of large
mammals in boreal regions. A primary site for long-term studies is
Isle Royale National Park, where I have been involved in wolf and moose
research since 1970. The long-term objective of this research is to
clarify mechanisms of natural population regulation in this
predator-prey system. Trophic interactions between wolves, moose, and
vegetation are also an important component of this work.
Selected Publications (Co-authored with Graduate Students):
Brandner, T. A.; Peterson, R. O.; and Risenhoover, K. L. "Balsam fir in
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan: effects of moose herbivory and
population density" Ecology 71 (1990): 155-64.
Peterson, R. O. and Page, R. E. "The rise and fall of Isle Royale
wolves, 1975-1986" Journal of Mammalogy 69 (1988): 89-99.
Peterson, R. O.; Page, R. E.; and Dodge, K. M. "Wolves, moose, and the
allometry of population cycles" Science 224 (1984): 1350-52.
Gopi K. Podila
Dr. Podila's Personal Page
Molecular Biology
Associate Professor. Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Forestry
and Wood Products.
PhD 1986, Indiana State University.
Postdoctoral, Ohio State University Biotechnology Center.
RESEARCH AREAS:
We are pursuing research in two major areas.
(1) MOLECULAR BASIS FOR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS: both beneficial and
pathogenic. Under beneficial interactions, we are studying early gene
expression resulting from ectomycorrhizal formation,
in order to clone and characterize genes essential for development of
mycorrhizae. We have also developed methods to genetically engineer
mycorrhizal fungi for improving health and growth of forest trees.
Under pathogenic interactions, we are interested in cloning pathogenecity
genes from forest tree pathogens to understand disease development and
devise biological control methods through "gene knockout" mechanisms.
(2) FOREST BIOTECHNOLOGY: Here we are working on developing genetically
engineered conifers, such as larch; and hardwood trees, such as aspen, for
value added genes such as herbicide and insect resistance and lignin
modification.
Ongoing projects include cloning and charcaterization of plant defense
genes and antioxidant genes from hardwood trees and developing transgenic
trees with enhanced resistance to pests and oxidative stresses. We are
also intrested in cloning and charcaterization of developmentally regulated
genes and promoters from hardwood species that can be used for trageted
gene expression in transgenic trees.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:
Karnosky, D.F., Podila, G.K. , Gagnon, Z., Pechter, P., Akkapeddi, A.,
Coleman, M., Dickson, R.E., Isebrands, J.G. 1997. Genetic control of
responses to interacting O3 and CO2 in Populus tremuloides. Chemosphere
(in press).
Liu, J-J., Podila, G.K. 1997. Characterization of a MADS box gene from
immature female cone of red pine. Plant Physiol. (in press).
Sheng. Y,P., Karnosky, D.F. and Podila, G.K. 1997. Differential Gene
expression induced by ozone in tolerant and sensitive aspen (Populus
tremuloides Michx.) clones. Forest Genetics (in press).
Podila, G.K. 1996. Fiber Farms for the Future: Genetically Engineered
Trees. Invited review article, Chemistry & Industry 24: 764-781.
Tsai, C.J., Mielke, M.R., Chiang, V.L. Podila, G.K. 1996. An improved
primer extension method to define transcription start points and for
transgene analysis. Nuc. Acids Res. 24: 5060-5062.
Bills, S.N., Richter, D., Podila, G.K. 1995. Genetic transformation of
symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus by particle
bombardment. Mycological Research 99: 557-561.
Bugos, R.C., Chiang, V.L., Zhang, X., Campbell, W.H. and Podila G.K. 1995. RNA isolation from plant tissues recalcitrant to extraction in guanidine.
Biotechniques 19: 734-737.
Podila, G.K., SanFrancisco, M.J., Rosen, E., Kolattukudy, P.E. 1995.
Targeted secretion of cutinase in Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi and
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Phytopathology 85: 238-242.
Tsai, C.J., Podila, G.K., Chaing, V.L. 1995. Nucleotide sequence of Populus tremuloides gene for caffeic acid/5 hydroxyferulic acid
O-methyltransferase. Pl. Physiol. 107: 1459
Akkapeddi, A.S., Stanek, M.T., Shin, D., Karnosky, D.F., Podila, G.K.
1994. cDNA and derived amino acid sequence of the chloroplastic
copper/zinc superoxide dismutase from aspen. Pl. Physiol. 106: 1231-1232.
Dwivedi, U.N., Campbell, W.H., Yu, J., Datla, R.S.S., Chiang, V.L., Podila,
, G.K. 1994. Modification of lignin biosynthesis in transgenic Nicotiana through expression of an antisense O-methyltransferase gene from Populus. Pl. Mol. Biol. 26: 61-71
Shin, D., Podila, G.K., and Karnsoky, D.F. 1994. Transformation and
regeneration of larch for herbicide and insect resistance. Can. J. For.
Res. 24: 2059-2067.
Tsai, C.J., Podila, G.K., Chiang, V.L. 1994. Agrobacterium-mediated
transformation of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and regeneration of
transgenic plants. Pl. Cell Reports 14: 94-97.
Podila, G.K., Kotagiri, S., and Shantharam S. 1993. Molecular cloning of
protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase genes from Bradyrhizobium japonicum
USDA110. Appl. Env. Microbiol 59: 2717-2719
Podila, G.K., Rogers, L.M., Kolattukudy, P.E. 1993. Chemical signals from avocado surface wax trigger germination and appressorium formation in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Pl. Physiol. 103: 265-272
Varley, D., Podila, G.K., and Hiremath, S.T. 1992. Cutinase gene
expression in Cryphonectria parasitica, the chest nut blight fungus: Effect
of hypovirulence agents on expression. Mol. Cell. Biol. 12: 4539-4544.
Bajar, A.M., G.K. Podila, and P.E. Kolattukudy. 1991. Identification of
fungal cutinase promoter that is inducible by plant signal via a
phosphorylating transacting factor. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 88:
8208-8212.
Dickman, M.B., Podila, G.K. and Kolattukudy, P.E. 1989. Insertion of
cutinase gene into a wound pathogen enables it to infect intact host.
Nature 342: 486-488.
Podila, G.K., Dickman, M.B., and Kolattukudy, P.E. 1988. Transcriptional
activation of a Cutinase gene in isolated fungal nuclei by plant
monomers. Science. 242, 922-925.
Sallie P. Sheldon
Aquatic Ecology
Associate Professor of Biology
PhD 1985,University of Minnesota
Postdoctoral, University of Washington
Research Interests
I am interested in factors creating and maintaining species diversity in
aquatic communities. As part of this research, we have identified an
aquatic weevil that we are now using as a biological control agent of the
exotic weed, Eurasian watermilfoil. We are comparing the species poor
plant, invertebrate and fish communities associated with introduced plants
to communities associated with native plants. I am also interested in
mathematical modelling of species interactions.
Selected Publications
Sheldon, S. P. 1996. Investigations on the potential use of an aquatic
weevil to control Eurasian watermilfoil. Lake and Reservoir Management. In
Press.
Sheldon, S. P. 1997. Ecological approaches for biological control of the
aquatic weed Eurasian watermilfoil: Resource competition, exotic and
endemic herbivores and pathogens. pp in Ecological Interactions and
Biological Control. D. A. Andow and R. W. Ragsdale. Westview Press. In
Press.
Sheldon, S.P. and L. M. O'Bryan. 1996. The life history of the weevil
Euhrychiopsis lecontei, a potential biological control agent of Eurasian
watermilfoil. Entomological News 107:16-22.
Sheldon, S. P. and R. P. Creed Jr. 1995. Use of a native insect as a
biological control for an introduced weed. Ecological Applications
5(4):1122-1132.
Wellnitz, T. A., K. A. Grief, and S. P. Sheldon. 1994. Response of
macroinvertebrates and algae to blooms of iron-depositing bacteria.
Hydrobiologia 28: 1-17.
Sheldon, S. P. 1987. The effects of herbivory on freshwater macrophyte
communities in Minnesota lakes. Ecology 68: 1920-1931.
Sheldon, S. P. 1987. On search images and road signs. Journal of
Irreproducible Results 33: 7-8.
Abrams, P. A., C. Nyblade, and S. P. Sheldon. 1986. Resource partitioning
and competition for shells in a subtidal hermit crab species assemblage.
Oecologia 69: 429-445.
Taylor, M. K., D. P. DeMaster, S. P. Sheldon. 1982. Use of M50-50 as a
therapeutic drug for M99 induced trauma in polar bears. Journal of
Wildlife Management 46: 38.
Sheldon, S. P. and M. K. Taylor. 1982. Community photosynthesis and
respiration in experimental streams. Hydrobiologia 87: 3-10.
Thomas P. Snyder
Population Genetics, Evolution, Molecular Systematics
Associate Professor.
PhD 1976, University of Kansas.
Postdoctoral, University of California at Davis.
Sabbatical Leave, Cornell University.
Research in my laboratory centers on population genetics and molecular
systematics of a variety of organisms using a variety of techniques.
Some of my students apply the now-traditional starch gel
electrophoretic technique as a first cut at determining the degree of
genetic isolation among tree stands or populations of other organisms.
Other stud ents use either RFLP analysis of mtDNA or sequencing of
PCR-cloned mtDNA fragments to detect finer scale resolution of stock
identities in fish. Ongoing interests include understanding the
molecular basis of male determination in Diptera, especially black
flies, and population structure in black flies.
Selected Publications:
Snyder, T. P.; Larsen, R. D.; and Bowen, S. H. "Mitochondrial DNA
diversity among Lake Superior and inland lake ciscoes (Coregonus artedi
and C. hoyi)" Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 49
(1992): 1902-07.
Snyder, T. P.; Switzer, K. M.; and Keen, R. E. "Allozymic variability
in toxicity-testing strains of Ceriodaphnia dubia and in natural
population of Ceriodaphnia" Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 10
(1991): 1045-49.
Snyder, T. P., and Linton, M. C. "Population structure in black flies:
Allozymic and morphological estimates for Prosimulium mixtum and P.
fuscum (Diptera: Simuliidae)" Evolution 38 (1984): 942-56.
Alice F. Soldan
Clinical Laboratory Science Education, Clinical Laboratory Management,
General Biological Sciences Education
Lecturer.
MS 1974, Michigan State University.
Certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist by the National Certification
Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA), Certified Medical
Technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
I direct MS degree projects involving clinical laboratory management,
clinical laboratory education, and general biology education issues.
These projects are often developed in conjunction with faculty from
business administration or teacher education. Some students opt to
design a project that will be of practical use at an institution where
they are, or plan to be, employed. Recent/current projects include
development of a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Program for use
in a physician office laboratory or small, multi-physician clinic; and
survey research to investigate trends in clinical laboratory
science/medical technology (CLS/MT) undergraduate curriculum design,
advising, and professional development.
Selected Publications:
Soldan, A. F. and Aho, D. "AIDS and Hepatitis B: Considerations for
University Based Clinical Laboratory Science Educators" Clinical
Laboratory Science 4 No. 2 (1991) 88-90.
Gregg, D. E.; Soldan, A. F.; and Hutchinson C. S. ."Careers for Clinical
Laboratory Scientists: Verification of Numerous and Diverse
Opportunities" Clinical Laboratory Science 3 No. 1 (1990) 32-38.
Soldan, A. F. and Gregg, D. E. . "Undergraduate Education Update: Coping
With Change" Laboratory Medicine 18 No. 6 (1987) 393-96.
William Sottile
Clinical Microbiology, Medical Technology
Adjunct Professor.
PhD 1974, University of Georgia.
Postdoctoral, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee.
My research interests include problems in clinical bacteriology,
clinical laboratory management, hospital infection control,
epidemiology, computer management of clinical and management data, and
municipal and environmental water quality. Current projects include
epidemiologic investigation of Gramm positive cocci causing hospital-
acquired infections.
Selected Publications:
Sottile, W. "Susceptibility of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus isolates to Lomefloxacin (SC-47111, NY- 198), Norfloxacin, and
Ciprofloxacin" Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of American Society for
Microbiology. Atlanta, Georgia (1988).
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Last updated 4 December 1997