Biological Sciences – Students

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Meet Our Current Graduate Students


Biology M.S. Students

Robert BadeRobert Bade

The effects of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) invasion in sedge wetlands on small mammal species composition

Reed canary grass is an invasive perennial grass native to much of Europe. Once the grass is introduced to wetlands it proceeds to monopolize all resources and spread via creeping rhizomes resulting in monotypic stands of reed canarygrass. My study focuses on comparing the composition of small mammal populations in diverse sedge wetlands and monotypic stands of reed canary grass.

Research Advisor: Dr. B. McMillan

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Karen Barck

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boiesAllison Boies

Impacts of Hunter Density on Hunter Interference and Landowner Attitudes in Minnesota Turkey Hunts

My study assesses the impact of hunter density on hunter and landowner satisfaction during Minnesota turkey hunts. We surveyed hunters and landowners in 20 permit areas during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Research Advisor: Dr. J. Krenz

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Tashi ChomzomTashi Chomzom

Determination of the involvement of integrin-associated protein (IAP) in integrin-mediated internalization of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mpt) by epithelial cells

I am studying the molecular mechanisms of how surface integrins on intestinal epithelial cells stimulate internalization of Mpt using HEp-2, Caco-2 cells, and Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model for Mpt internalization. The two integrins that are of interest in this research are α5β1 and αVβ3 integrins. It is not clear whether these integrins operate independently or in concert. We are investigating whether or not IAP is involved in integrin-mediated internalization of Mpt by epithelial cells.

Research Advisor: Dr. T. Secott

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John DeatonJohn Deaton

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Kristin HerrmannKristin Herrmann

Transmission dynamics of Cyathocotyle bushiensis and Sphaeridiotrema globulus in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Pool 7

I am studying the transmission of two parasitic trematodes, Cyathocotyle bushiensis and Sphaeridiotrema globulus, associated with waterbird mortality on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Research Advisor: Dr. R. Sorensen

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Emily HutchinsEmily Hutchins

A comparison of avian use of native sedge wetlands and monotypic reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) wetlands

I am part of a research team examining the effects of wetland invasion by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Many diverse sedge wetlands in southern Minnesota have been converted to monotypic stands of non-native, reed canarygrass due to the invasive nature of this species. My research focuses on comparing the avian community and reproductive success between native sedge wetlands and monotypic reed canarygrass wetlands.

Research Advisor: Dr. B. McMillan

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Cindy KottschadeCindy Kottschade

The relative importance of allelopathy and disturbance for the invasion of Typha angustifolia L.

The narrow-leafed cattail is a non-native wetland plant that forms monospecific stands and thereby reduces biodiversity. Research has shown that the invasion of this plant may be due to mechanisms such as allelopathy and disturbance. I am investigating the relative importance of these mechanisms in the successful invasion of narrow-leafed cattail over native wetland plants.

Research Advisor: Dr. B. Cook

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Matthew KrnaMatthew Krna

Physiological responses and tolerances of Deschampsia antarctica to increasing levels of salinity in conjunction with temperature stress

Researching native terrestrial Antarctic vascular plants in response to plant to plant facilitation and inhabition as well as investigating their saline stress tolerance and osmolyte production

Research Advisor: Dr. C. Ruhland

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Deeraj KumarDeeraj Kumar

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An intracellular enzyme, nisinase, protects the food-borne pathogenic bacterium, Bacillus cereus, from the biopreservative nisin. Resistance via nisinase is induced yet the enzyme does not appear to be secreted. I will address the question of whether resistance is at the cellular level or at the population level.

Research Advisor: Dr. D. Wrigley

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Marnie Lindberg

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Warren McCormick

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Nor NorNor Nor

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Mohammed OsmanMohammed Osman

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Ryan Peck

Identification of Proteins Interacting with Actin Capping Protein Beta1 and Beta2 Subunit Isoforms In Murine Myocardium Using Coimmunoprecipitation and Glutathione S-Transferase Pull-Down

I am identifying proteins that interact with the actin capping protein beta1 and actin capping protein beta2, expanding our understanding of the basis of the distinct functions of CPb1 and CPb2 in murine myocardium.  I am employing two biochemical approaches which complement ongoing genetic studies.

Research Advisor: Dr. M. Hart

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Simone RollinsSimone Rollins, MT (ASCP)

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My thesis project involves the investigation of intestinal cell replication rates associated with caudal regeneration. The model for the study is the redworm, Eisenia fetida

Research Advisor: Dr. D. Wrigley


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Jacob ScandrettJacob Scandrett

Floristic evidence for the existence of northern disjunct species at Minneopa State Park, Minnesota

An isolated population of yellow birch in the gorge of Minneopa State Park may represent a remnant flora from early post-glacial times. My research seeks other evidence to support this hypothesis.

Research Advisor: Dr. A. Mahoney

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Angela Stearns

The effect of electrical stimulation of the dorsal spinal column on blood flow to the kidneys in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

I am looking for changes in blood flow to the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats when they are subjected to electrical stimulation of the left dorsal spinal column where renal sensory nerves enter the spinal cord.

Research Advisor: Dr. P. Knoblich

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Sarah Suskovic

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Archana ThotaArchana Thota

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Nisin, a food biopreservative, interacts with endospores to enhance germination. This could have both good or bad effects in the food industry. I will be examining how nisin enhances spore germination.

Research Advisor:Dr. D. Wrigley


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Sean WheelockSean Wheelock

Soil Feedback as a Mechanism for the Invasion of Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) in Wet Meadows of Southern Minnesota

Reed canarygrass is a highly invasive plant that displaces native vegetation and reduces species richness in the wetlands that it invades. I am currently researching the role of plant-soil feedbacks and soil microbial communities as an invasive mechanism for reed canarygrass.

Research Advisor: Dr. B. Cook

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Biology Education M.A.T Students

Scot Eichorst

Masters of Art in Teaching (5-12 Licensure)

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Victoria GomarkoVictoria Gomarko

Physical Education

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Sarah Johnson

Masters of Art Teaching (PB Teaching Licensure)

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Tamara Kasch-FlugumTamara Kasch-Flugum

Masters of Art in Teaching (5-12 Licensure)

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Kimberly Penning

Masters of Art in Teaching (5-12 Licensure)

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Gregory Sims

Experiential Education

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Anna May SineniAnna May Sineni

Physical Education

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Josie ThulienJosie Thulien

Masters of Art in Teaching (5-12 Licensure)

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Kate Vinson

Experiential Education

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Betty  WariariBetty Wariari

Health Science: Community

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Environmental Science M.S. Students

Kyle Jarcho

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Research Advisor: Dr. B. Proctor


Jamie Swenson

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Research Advisor: Dr. B. Proctor




Tom Burg

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Research Advisor: Dr. B. Proctor




Rinku Gurung

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Research Advisor: Dr. B. Proctor




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