Biology

Join us for Thesis Presentations by two ESBI/BIOL seniors. Elena Feldman presents “Development of a stand dynamics model for the hemlock-hardwood forests of Vermont” and Sebastian Zavoico presents “Small-scale spring migrations of Svalbard Reindeer”. Lunch available at 12:15pm. www.middlebury.edu/academics/bio

Tom Root, Biology Department, Middlebury College: “Strange beauty: sensation, behavior, and

Amphibians that breed in vernal pools and ponds have wildly fluctuating population sizes. My research has focused on understanding the drivers of these population changes, both natural and human caused. Using a combination of field, mesocosm, and laboratory experiments along with mathematical modeling approaches has allowed me to better understand the interacting effects of land-use practices, hydroperiod, density dependence and life history strategies on the dynamics of amphibian populations.

“LIPID RAFT DYSFUNCTION: A possible mechanism for neurodevelopmental disorders”.

The development of the brain is a highly complex and coordinated process, requiring biological signaling amongst diverse molecules. Lipid rafts are an important membrane microdomain that coordinates this signaling. We have shown that common developmental neurotoxicants (ex. ethanol, toluene, bilirubin) disrupt protein-lipid raft signaling. Further, we have shown that choline may ameliorate these effects.

Lunch available at 12:15pm

“Nursing alters behavioral and neural outcomes relevant for postpartum mental health”, talk by Dr. Joanna Workman, Psychology Department, University at Albany, State University of New York.

BIOLOGY Meet & Greet - for bio majors and anyone interested in learning more about the biology major. Come meet our faculty and students, and enjoy a pizza lunch too!

Talk by candidate for Plant Field Biologist position (Biology Department) on a related topic. Lunch will be available at 12:15pm.

Talk by candidate for Plant Field Biologist position (Biology Department) on a related topic. Lunch will be available at 12:15pm.

Talk by candidate for Plant Field Biologist position (Biology Department) on a related topic. Lunch will be available at 12:15pm.

Talk by candidate for Plant Field Biologist position (Biology Department) on a related topic. Lunch will be available at 12:15pm.