Dr. Steve Weeks, Gabrielle Russell and Reid Schuchter
Stream restoration is a growing practice, as people have understood the important ecosystem services that streams provide us. This research project will be comparing the salamander communities between restored and non- restored streams. As a tiered mentor student, you would assist in the collection of the salamanders and learn the Ohio EPA’s methodology for doing so. We will also be surveying stream’s hydrology (flow) and geomorphology (physical channel features). There will also be opportunities to learn larval and adult salamander ID, aquatic macroinvertebrate ID, data analysis and see some of the area’s beautiful metro parks!
Click here for more information on the Weeks lab
To understand climate change’s potential impacts on stream biodiversity in northeast Ohio it is necessary to understand differences between perennial (i.e., streams that do not dry) and intermittent (i.e., streams that dry) headwater stream aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. This is because climate change is likely to increase the presence of intermittent headwater streams due to increased drought in the summer. By identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates not present at intermittent headwater streams, we can learn which aquatic macroinvertebrates are most at risk due to drought. We will also examine the various habitats that they use to withstand drought conditions.
As a tiered mentor student, you would assist in the collection of the aquatic macroinvertebrates and learn the Ohio EPA’s methodology for doing so. We will also be surveying stream’s hydrology (flow) and geomorphology (physical channel features). There will also be opportunities to learn aquatic macroinvertebrate identification, data analysis and see some of the area’s beautiful metro parks!
Click here for more information on the Weeks lab
We are working towards understanding how different levels of macronutrients may impact the physiology of zebrafish. More specifically, we want to first see if when presented with foods that have different levels of major macronutrients (carbohydrate, fats, protein), will the fish choose one over the others or show any type of preference. From there, we want to specifically feed some fish one diet while others receive the alternative options and then run tests to understand how those feeding choices impact their behavior, how many eggs females will produce, the developmental rate of offspring and their cardiovascular development. Zebrafish are a great model organism for this type of research because of the ease of raising them, high fecundity, and the ability to observe the development of the cardiovascular system at the beginning of their lives, to name a few. This project is currently still being developed so potential students would experience the importance of trouble shooting in science research.
Click here for more information on Dr. Bagatto’s lab.
The Londraville lab studies the interactions between leptin, endospanin and their functions in zebrafish. In this project we will be studying the relationship between bone resorption/remodeling and obesity through the use of a zebrafish model. Through analysis of zebrafish scales, we can learn how diet impacts bone mineralization.
You will gain hands-on experience in the following areas: zebrafish handling and care, ImageJ analysis and molecular techniques such as calcein staining and fluorescent microscopy.
Click here for more information on Dr. Londraville’s lab.
Modeling the transmission of transverse vibrational waves through an orb web. (Credit: A. Soler 2016)
Web-building spiders perceive their surroundings primarily through vibrational cues. Based on the characteristics of these cues, the spider can determine the location and source of the vibrations—predators, environmental threats, prey, or mates—and react accordingly. In order for spider to perceive these cues, however, the vibrations must travel quickly and effectively through the silken snares they construct.
Banded garden spider Argiope trifasciata in the hub of her web (A. Coonfield)
I am studying the transmission of vibrational information in spiderwebs. In my research, I aim to explore how vibrations are effectively transmitted through different silks and web architectures. Further, I want to know how vibrations with different characteristics elicit different behaviors in spiders. We can then explore how the spider’s behavior may influence perception of different stimuli and better understand the interplay of behavior, perception, and the material properties of spiderwebs.
Benefits of working on this project:
Hands-on experience with both lab- and field-based experimentation
Introduction to high-speed videography and vibration-monitoring techniques
Become well-versed in spider behavior, perception, and web structure
Develop an understanding of the physics of sound
Apply statistical analyses to biological data
Potential for presentation in professional setting and/or publication
The Mitchell lab studies various ecological questions, from plants to animals and the human interactions with the environment. For this project, we will be studying lead in soils and the earthworm populations within, specifically the species diversity and densities, and applying ArcGIS as a program to understand the geographic nature of the project.
In this project we will be conducting hands-on field work to collect samples and data throughout the city of Akron and into surrounding areas. You will learn soil and worm sampling methodology, sample preparation and preservation, and applied scientific work, along with soil processes and more.
Click here for more information about the Mitchell lab.
Schematic of 3D printed ERG chamber
Our lab utilizes a procedure called Electroretinogram (ERG) to study the behavioral and physiological properties of the neural retina. This protocol has medical relevance and is routinely done by optometrists. It demonstrates the whole function of the retina and the function of several important cell populations. The A wave of the ERG is related to total output of photoreceptors either rods or cones. The B-wave of the ERG is related to the total output of the interneurons or bipolar cells.
In the recent years we have utilized 3D printing and modelling to construct a chamber more sensitive than anything else used in our field. With this chamber we can detect microvolt responses from cell populations in the developing retina. Along with this we can quantify the retinal responsiveness to different wavelengths of light, and how different cell populations respond to light. We are looking for students to help us run ERG experiments and run analysis on those experiments.
Click here for more information on Dr.Renna’s lab.
The Barton lab studies cave microbiology: we study the processes and involvement of microbes in cave formation. This specific project is about Roraima, which is a table-top mountain in Venezuela that has one of the largest-quartzite caves in the world. Silica is unique in that it is a very stable mineral, and yet silica has been extensively dissolved to form caves that are kilometers deep in this site. In this project, you will learn about and help reveal the process of dissolving and precipitating the silica to recreate the process in the caves using hands-on applied microbiology. Using bacteria collected at this site, we will get closer to creating and designing a smaller carbon footprint material.
In this program you will be taught the basics of microbiology as well as get involved in applied research. This experience will give you skills helpful for any life science ranging from: making cultures, performing analytical chemistry tests and studying real-world processes.
Click here for more information about Dr. Barton’s lab
More than a billion birds die due to collision with man made structures every year in North America (1). As an extension of our work with birds in Dr King’s Lab, we would like to mitigate this around our campus area. Especially since preliminary data by Akron Zoo conservation efforts show our lab building, Goodyear Polymer Center seen here, is the worst offender in the area.
In order to prevent birds from colliding with windows, there are several glass treatment options available. However, these are extremely expensive considering the size of our buildings on campus. Therefore, we need to have a precise idea of where limited glass/window treatment will be most effective in saving the lives of migration birds like the blackburnian warbler seen here. We are looking for several students to volunteer their time and energy from mid-late March through the end of the semester into a survey and rescue operation for birds on campus. Students will be working together in groups with project leaders mainly in the early mornings between 5:30 and 7:00am. The project will start with zoom training in collaboration with The Akron Zoo and Ohio Lights Out. Training will teach students to safely approach, handle, label, and transport dead or injured birds.
Click here for other information about Dr. King.Click her for more information about projects in Dr. King’s lab.
Are you interested in pollinators? Do you want to be a part of a multi-county survey of multiple pollinator plots? Do you want to gain experience in the field AND in the lab? Then this is the project for you!
Dr. Randy Mitchell and I are eager to investigate roadside pollinator habitats, specifically habitats next to interstate on/off ramps. We want to research how bee abundance and species richness differs between restored pollinator habitats, reduced mowing habitats, and managed (lawn-like) habitats. Surveying will involve catching bees with insect nets as well as other insect traps. You can expect to gain experience in entomology (insect anatomy and taxonomy) as well as plant identification and field ecology practices. This is a great opportunity for undergraduates looking for research experience in both field and lab areas. Come help us protect pollinators and learn about their habitat!
Click here for more information about the Mitchell lab.
