Natural Sciences Faculty Research Projects
Paid Internship and Research Opportunities off campus
BIOL 4222
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Dr. Jere Boudell
is an assistant professor of biology in the Department of Natural
Sciences at Clayton State University. As a riparian plant ecologist, Dr. Boudell is interested in investigating the relationships between plants and the environment in riparian ecosystems (ecosystems supported by rivers). In particular, she is interested in the spatial and temporal dispersal dynamics that help maintain biodiversity in floodplains. As many riparian ecosystems have been altered, and there is renewed interest in restoring the structure and function to these ecosystems, her research is also focused on improving restoration techniques.
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Dr.
Steve Burnett is an associate professor of biology in the Department
of Natural Sciences at Clayton State University. Dr. Burnett studies animal behavior, focusing on use of sound by animals in particular on acoustic communication by bats. His past research projects have focused on the use of echolocation calls by the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and the possibility of using those sounds to identify various characteristics of the individual. This research involves both field and laboratory (computer-based) components, allowing students to work in a setting that appeals to their personal interests. He has also mentored a project studying the acoustic behavior of a captive troop of lemurs at a local nature park.
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Dr.
Michelle Furlong is mentoring a research project in Environmental
Microbiology. The aim of
this project is to determine the cause of fecal coliform contamination
in Jesters creek (a creek that flows through Reynolds Nature Preserve). This project involves taking water samples from the creek,
growing fecal coliform bacteria, using standard microbiology methods in
the lab, and performing some statistical calculations using statistical
software. Dr. Furlong is also mentoring a research project in soil Microbiology. This project involves using some molecular and culture-based methods to examine microbial communities in soil. Dr. Furlong is also open to mentoring student designed research projects. If you think you have a good idea for a research project, contact Dr. Furlong.
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Dr. Jacqueline Jordan
is mentoring a research project in the area
of pulmonary toxicology.Thisresearch project will involve
examining the roles of pulmonary cytokines, chemokines, and antioxidant
enzymes following the inhalation of environmental chemicals.The
project will include growing cells in culture, isolating proteins, and
developing enzyme-linked immunoassays to measure cytokine levels. Students will learn cell and tissue culture, protein isolation,
and immunoassay development. The
student is expected to submit an abstract to a scientific meeting as
part of the research project. An ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
Contact Dr. Jordan at JacquelineJordan@clayton.edu or (678) 466-4781. |
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Dr.
Chris Kodani is mentoring an Aquatic Ecology Research Practicum.
This research project will investigate the roles of primary
producers, plankton, invertebrates, and fish in the food webs of the
ponds on the Clayton State University campus and surrounding environs.
Field work will involve: capturing and handling plankton,
invertebrates, and fish, sampling water, and building underwater fences.
Lab work may include, but is not limited to: identifying insects,
plankton, invertebrates, and fish, examining fish stomach contents, and
maintaining aquaria. Students
will be required to keep a notebook, write a paper, buy a fishing
license, and may be required to present their work at a seminar. An ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
Positions are available for both summer and fall. Applicants must submit a curriculum vita and cover letter stating research interests to: Chris Kodani |
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Barbara
Musolf
studies the
effects of serotonin on crayfish hindgut and the homeostatic mechanisms
that operate in regulating this ubiquitous neurotransmitter.
She is interested in pursuing both anatomical and physiological
studies of serotonin in other arthropod enteric systems.
In addition she is interested in studying the effects of other
neurotransmitters on the crayfish enteric system.
Methods that are used for anatomical studies include immunocytochemistry on both whole and sectioned tissue and confocal imaging of fluorescent labeled tissue. Physiological studies of the hindgut include tension studies of hindgut contractions and neurophysiological recordings of hindgut neurons. While much of the physiological studies and immunocytochemical preparations can be done at Clayton State University the imaging of fluorescent labeled tissue must be done at Georgia State University. Dr. Musolf is also interested in mentoring students who have designed and wish to carry out their own research project in anatomy or physiology or in entomological taxonomy. Requirements:
For more information on Dr. Musolf’s research visit: If you are interested please contact Dr. Musolf by phone or e-mail
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Dr. Fran Norflus is
an assistant professor of biology in the Department of Natural Sciences
at Clayton State University. Dr. Norflus is currently doing research on the nematode (a type of worm) called Caenorhabitis elegans (C. elegans). These worms feed on bacteria and can be cultured on petri dishes by just growing the worms on top of the bacteria. If you look at the picture to the left, you can see that the worms come in different sizes. This depends on the stage that the worm is in its lifecycle. Dr. Norflus is currently studying a Huntington's disease model in these worms. This is a disease that is caused by the expansion of CAG nucleotides and is in a family with other trinucleotide repeat diseases. Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. Symptoms of the disease include loss of brain volume, involuntary movements, psychiatric disturbances, dementia and neuronal death. The research in Dr. Norflus' lab is focused on studying behavioral abnormalities of the worms and testing different drugs to see if these abnormalities can be reversed. To learn more about Dr. Norflus's research go to www.a-s.clayton.edu/fnorflus/research.htm and to learn almost anything about C. elegans go to www.wormbook.org. Dr. Norflus is also open to mentoring student who would like to design their own research projects in the areas of microbiology, neurobiology or genetics. If you think you have a good idea for a research project, contact Dr. Norflus. Student researchers will be required to read some background information, prepare a written paper on their results in the format of the primary literature, and present their work in an oral format to the faculty and interested students. Depending on funding, the student may also be able to present their work at a scientific conference. Applicants must have successfully completed a Microbiology course and laboratory (BIOL3250/L or BIOL2250/L). Preference will be given to motivated students who also have a background in molecular genetics and have a 2.5 GPA or higher. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Norflus by email francinenorflus@clayton.edu |
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Dr. Patricia
Todebush is mentoring research projects in Computational Chemistry. The aim of the project is to use theoretical models to explain and predict complex biochemical mechanisms by analyzing the electronic structure of small molecules and their interactions with larger biological systems such as proteins and DNA. Participants will be required to have:
Dr. Todebush is also interested in taking students to do research in the Biology 3222 course. Please see Dr. Todebush if you are interested in either research opportunity. |
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