Biology

Samantha McClellan: Investigation into a Decrease in Polymorphic Sites in the UTR regions of the MSH4 (mismatch repair) Gene, in Potential Correlation with Thermal Variation Experienced by Orbicella faveolate in Great Abaco, The Bahamas.

Ben Morris: Exploring pheromone recognition in ants: decoding odorant receptors and building an open-source tool for monitoring behavior.

For more information, please visit the Department of Biology’s news and events page.

Departments of Biology and Chemistry & Biochemistry joint reception for graduating seniors and their guests, including Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Environmental Studies-Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies-Chemistry seniors in the McCardell Bicentennial Hall Great Hall.

The Ecology of Infection at the Anthropogenic Interface

Preventing Pandemics and Saving Species through Forest Conservation

Spillover of novel pathogens from wildlife to people, such as the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is increasing and this trend is most strongly associated with tropical deforestation driven by agricultural expansion. This same process is eroding natural capital, reducing forest-associated health co-benefits, and accelerating climate change.

Our Shared Humanity, Belonging and the Brain

Our shared humanity calls for us to live by the golden rule—treat others the way you want to be treated—and by the platinum rule that says to treat people the way they want to be treated. This platinum rule underscores the need for authentic relationships, an open and humble heart in listening and truly hearing what others are going through, and a desire to know how to support others.

Emma Roman: The Diurnal Fluctuations and Effects of UV on Escherichia coli in Jackson, WY Recreational Streams

Audrey Hsi: Reintroduction or recovery? An interdisciplinary analysis of Vermont’s beaver populations

For more information, please visit the Department of Biology’s news and events page.

Senior thesis presentations by Kristen Monten, “Multiple Mechanisms of Sleep Regulation: An exploration of local cortical regulation of sleep intensity and global behavioral state” and Olivia Olsen, “Sea minks (Neovison macrodon) in context: ecology, phylogeny, and extinction.”

Brigette Widemann, National Cancer Institute

“Development of effective therapies for neurofibromatosis type 1 related peripheral nerve sheath tumors”

About the talk: This talk will describe the genetic tumor predisposition syndrome NF1 and the history of how the team and collaborators developed the first FDA approved medical therapy for NF1 peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Class of “88 Talks
Brigette Widemann, National Cancer Institute

“Advances and challenges in drug development for children and young adults with cancers”

About the talk: Dr Widemann will provide an overview of the incidence of pediatric cancers and the advances that resulted in transforming diseases that were uniformly fatal to achieving high cure rates for most pediatric cancers to date.

In particular, describing recent regulatory changes and novel treatment modalities, which are impacting how we treat cancers today.

Senior thesis presentations by Simone Ameer, “Exploring the relationship between small mammal predators, mice, and ticks” and India Drummond, “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” - William Shakespeare. Exploring sRNAs in the S. mutans regulon.