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Faculty Mentors RISE Mentors are committed to excellence in research and undergraduate education. Each participating mentor is an expert in their field and is committed to the goals of the RISE program. As you prepare to apply for the RISE Program feel free to contact potential mentors to learn more about their research and about the program. Dr.
Jim Bednarz
My research primarily involves the analysis of how human activities and development affect wildlife populations. In addition, I have studied the social structure and breeding systems of several bird and mammal species. Some specific projects include investigation on the effects of habitat fragmentation on migratory bird populations, the impacts of a nuclear waste disposal plant on wildlife populations, the effects of military training activities on raptors, the evolution of cooperative hunting and the breeding system of the Harris' Hawk, the wintering biology of Red-tailed Hawks, the migratory strategies of birds, and the interactions of fungi and woodpeckers. Student may work with me on a variety of research projects. Recent topics include: 1) the winter population ecology and dynamics of Red-tailed Hawks, 2) the effects of forest fragmentation on the survivorship of nesting neotropical migratory birds, 3) the impacts of forest modification on the Formosan Crested Goshawk, 4) dispersal and mortality patterns of Eastern Wild Turkeys, and 5) the habitat affinities of neotropical migratory birds during migration periods. To learn more e-mail Dr. Bednarz or visit the lab web site
Dr. Ellis Benjamin
My primary research focuses on the design and synthesis of biologically active molecules which are known to decreases anti-inflammatory cytokines and are also used as anti-cancer therapeutics (anti-angiogenic). Additional research in my lab uses natural products for the construction of Non-Linear Optical (NLO) materials. Students who work in my lab will learn a hands-on approach to organic synthesis starting from the initial workup and ending with preliminary test of these materials. Student will gain a solid basis in the use and interpretation of instrumentation including GCMS, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. To learn more e-mail Dr. Benjamin. Dr. Jennifer Bouldin
Students working in the Ecotoxicology Research Facility will gain hands on experience in field and laboratory toxicity testing. In addition students will gain training in EPA standard methods and federal testing and reporting requirements. For more information e-mail Dr. Bouldin Dr.
Roger Buchanan
To learn more
e-mail
Dr. Buchanan
Dr. Alan
Christian
Students working in this lab will receiving broad training in field and laboratory techniques associated with aquatic ecology. Specifically students will gain analytical experience in nutrient chemical analyses and field collection of aquatic organisms. To learn more e-mail Dr. Christian Dr. Maureen Dolan
To learn more e-mail Dr. Dolan Dr. Steve Green
Students working in this laboratory will study the relation between soil chemistry and biology and agricultural chemical applications. Students will gain training and expertise in experimental design in the field as well as analytical experience in soil chemistry analyses. To learn more e-mail Dr. Green Dr. Anne Grippo
Students working in this lab will learn the chemical and biological techniques to assess the impact on natural plant estrogens on the development and sexual maturation of mammals. Specifically our research explores the connects between the phytoestrogen levels in bovine milk to the age of sexual maturation in cows and sheep as well as the reproductive health of these animals. We are also exploring the chemical composition of herbal remedies in terms of their phytoestrogen content, active ingredient content and metal chemistry. To learn more e-mail Dr. Grippo or visit the lab web site Dr.
Richard Grippo
Students will learn techniques for performing both standardized and non-standardized toxicity testing under controlled laboratory conditions, including determining exposure concentrations, preparing test solutions and maintaining stocks of the test organism (the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas). Students will be taught water quality sampling and analyses, including pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, alkalinity and hardness. Students will be exposed to analyses of body ion levels of test organisms using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Students will also learn basic data analysis, statistical analyses and computer graphics techniques. This work will provide information on the acute and chronic effects of a common ingredient in detergents and oil spill surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS). It should provide an indication of the mechanism of toxic action of SDS. These data may be useful for performing an environmental risk assessment of oil spill clean-up protocols and other accidental or planned releases of SDS-containing detergents into the environment. Such an assessment is often required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory and environmental advocacy groups for use in determining the environmental impact of a product or management decision. To learn more e-mail Dr. Grippo or visit the lab web site Dr. Ron Johnson
My research focus has been on the population genetics of groups which have been environmentally impacted by stocking/harvesting programs and other anthropogenic effects. Much of my research has been investigating the genetics of the freshwater black basses (Micropterus) and catfishes (Ictalurus) by way of allozyme and mitochondrial DNA analysis. Students working in this laboratory will be exposed to several molecular and analytical techniques, including DNA isolation and characterization, electrophoresis, PCR and several computer applications. Molecular techniques are pervasive in the field of biology. Techniques utilized in this research setting can be further applied in both academic and professional pursuits. To learn more e-mail
Dr. Johnson Dr. Argelia Lorence
The student who decides to join my research team this coming summer can expect to work on a vibrant, well funded (current NIH and ABI support), and diverse research environment, deep their understanding of plant biochemistry and gain some of the following skills: - DNA cloning and sub-cloning - RNA purification - PCR and RT-PCR - Enzymatic assays - Protein purification from Escherichia coli - Arabidopsis growth and maintenance - Critical reading of scientific papers - Poster presentation Four of the last five summer interns I have had the pleasure to work with during the past 3 years are co-authors of posters and scientific papers we have published. I trust we could accomplish something similar this time. To learn more e-mail Dr. Lorence Dr. Tanja McKay
Major research interests are with flies of veterinary importance, especially house flies (M. domestica), stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans), face flies (Musca autumnalis), and horn flies (Haematobia irritans). Currently investigating: 1) the use of parasitoid wasps to control house flies and stable flies in dairy operations in Arkansas, North Carolina and Mississippi; 2) the impact of poultry litter fertilizers on ground-dwelling arthropods; 3) oviposition behavior of Muscidifurax zaraptor, a parasitoid of filth flies; and 4) the biodiversity of dung beetles in Arkansas. Students who join my research group develop skills in the field and laboratory. Students gain expertise on collecting and identifying insects as part of the larger project. To learn more e-mail Dr. Tanja McKay Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar
Students who join my research group develop unique skills in biochemical engineering and the development of plant produced nutracueticals. Students gain expertise in TLC, HPLC as well as hairy root culturing. Current projects include the development of hairy root production of compounds such as reservatrol and other stilbenoids known to enhance cardiac function. To learn more e-mail Dr. Medina-Bolivar Dr.
Tom Risch
Students will learn field and laboratory techniques associated with assessing population dynamics of small mammals and birds. If you enjoy field work you will definitely enjoy research in mammalian ecology. To learn more e-mail Dr. Risch Dr. Aldemaro Romero
We are currently monitoring cave fish populations in the state. To learn more e-mail Dr.Romero Dr. Malathi Srivatsan The primary goal of the Srivatsan-Neurobiology Laboratory is to understand the process of survival and cell death among neurons and identify the underlying mechanisms. Such understanding is crucial for developing strategies for protection from as well as for potential cure for neurodegenerative disorders. Our ongoing investigations are on:
Students will learn to apply sterile techniques to grow neurons in culture, expose them to different factors and determine their effects on receptor expression, cell death and nerve growth employing real time imaging. Students will also learn to purify and characterize proteins. To learn more e-mail Dr. Srivatsan Dr. Stan Trauth
Students working in this laboratory will learn field, analytical and policy-related methods for the assessment of population status and health of endemic amphibian and reptile populations. Current projects include the assessment of the status of the Caddo and Fourche Mountain salamanders, population dynamics of alligator snapping turtles (Macroclemys temminckii), population analysis and status of the Ozark hellbender (Cryptobanchus bishopi) and the development of an assessment plan for two NPS sensitive species (Ozark hellbender, Cryptobanchus bishopi and the queen snake, Regina septemvittata). To learn more e-mail Dr. Trauth
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