Thursday  April  2nd,  2015  

7-­‐8pm,  WIU  Sandburg  Theater  Dr.  Rüdiger  Bieler,  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  

Morrow  Lecture  Can  we  restore  the  American  Coral  Reef?  Biodiversity  research  and  coral  restoration  in  the  

Florida  Keys    

Friday  April  3rd,  2015  8:30:  am-­‐9:45  am,  Waggoner  Hall  378  

Oral  Presentations  I    

10  am-­‐10:15  am,  Waggoner  Hall  378  Break  

 10:15  am-­‐11:45  am,  Waggoner  Hall  378  

Oral  Presentations  II    

12-­‐1pm,  Waggoner  Hall  378  Dr.  Rüdiger  Bieler,  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  

Plenary  Presentation:  A  backbone  for  clams:  generating  the  new  Bivalve  Tree  of  Life    

1 pm – 2 pm, Waggoner Hall 2nd Floor Potluck and BGSA Annual Dessert Competition  

1:00  pm-­‐3:15  pm  Waggoner  Hall,  2nd  Floor  

Poster  presentations    

3:15-­‐3:30  pm,  Waggoner  Hall,  First  Floor  Group  Picture  -­‐  Wear  Purple!  

   3:30-­‐4:00  pm,  Waggoner  Hall  378  

Award  Ceremony  

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Oral Presentations 8:00am-­‐11:45  am,  Waggoner  Hall  378,  Moderator:  Dr.  Shawn  Meagher  

8:30-­‐8:45am  Noland  Ryan  Deaver,  Andrea  Porras-­‐Alfaro  

A  Survey  of  Entomopathogenic  Fungi  from  a  Temperate  Pine  Forest  Soil  

8:45-­‐9:00am  Cory  A  Anderson,  Jim  Lamer  and  Sean  Jenkins  

Juvenile  Asian  carp  as  a  Forage  for  Native  Predators  in  the  Lagrange  Reach  Illinois  River  

9:00-­‐9:15am  Michele  M  Rehbein,  Catherine  Miller-­‐Hunt  

Arbovirus  Surveillance  in  Rural  Western  Illinois:  New  Distribution  Records  and  a  Vector  Biology  Educational  Initiative  

9:15-­‐9:30am  Shiloh  Lueschow,  Andrea  Porras-­‐Alfaro  

  Effect  of  Pseudogymnoascus  destructans  on  Microbial  Community  Composition  on  Bats  

9:30-­‐9:45am Tad  Locher,  Jim  Lamer  

Analysis  of  Blue  Catfish  (Ictalurus  Furcatus)  Gut  Contents:  An  Assessment  of  Feeding  Adaptation  in  Response  to  Asian  Carp  Invasion  in  the  Mississippi  River  Basin  

9:45-­‐10:00am  Katie  LaMagdeleine,  Ken  McCravy  

Evaluating  Ground  Beetle  Species  Richness  and  Community  Composition  across  a  Chronosequence  of  Restored  Prairies  at  Nachusa  Grasslands  in  Northern  Illinois  

10:00-­‐10:15am     Break  

10:15-­‐10:30am  Phil  Scheibel,  Catherine  Miller-­‐Hunt  

The  Western  Illinois  University  Vector  Biology  Educational  Initiative  (VBEI):  Using  vector-­‐borne  disease  research  as  an  interdisciplinary  approach  to  public  health  outreach  and  training  

10:30-­‐10:45am  Cedric  Ndinga  Muniania,  Andrea  Porras-­‐Alfaro  

  Distribution  of  Fungi  in  Arid  Microenvironments  and  their  Potential  Role  on  Plant  Growth  

10:45-­‐11:00am  Rebekah  Haun,  Jim  Lamer  and  Sean  Jenkins  

Comparison  of  Fish  Community  Composition  and  Structure  Among  River  Reaches  of  the  Upper  Mississippi  River:  Determining  the  Effects  of  Lock  and  Dam  19  in  Structuring  Fish  Assemblages  

11:00-­‐11:15am  Tony  Kloppenborg,  Susan  Romano  

  Influence  of  Canopy  Light  Penetration  on  Pink  Turtlehead  (Chelone  obliqua)  Abundance  in  a  Floodplain  Forest  

11:15-­‐11:30am  Terry  Torres  Cruz,  Andrea  Porras-­‐Alfaro  

  Isolation  and  Molecular  Characterization  of  Heavy  Metal  Tolerant  Fungi    

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Poster Presentations 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Waggoner Hall, Second Floor

Graduate Poster Presentations

Poster 47 Alanna Griffin, Kayleigh R. Diveley and Richard O. Musser Gene Expression of Soybean Plants Glycine max and Glycine soja in Response to a Primary and Secondary Infection Period by Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) and Southern Bean Mosaic Virus (SBMV) and Virus-Vectored Mexican Bean Beetle’s Feeding Preference

Poster 36 Andrew J. Englund, Richard O. Musser Investigating the Interactome of Helicoverpa zea on Zea mays

Poster 38 Daccu Sonubi-ishaq .B., Sue Hum-Musser The Effect of Pseudomonas flouresence and Pseudomonas putida on corn and tomato seeds and Root

Colonization Poster 40 Eli G. Lampo, James T. Lamer A Comparison of Fish Communities in contiguous backwater and vegetated, impounded areas of Pool 19,

Upper Mississippi River Poster 48 Emma White, Ken McCravy Native Bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) Diversity and Habitat Associations at Emiquon Preserve Poster 14 Emma K. Trone, Christopher N. Jacques, James T. Lamer Paige Zick, Guoqing Lu, and Paul A.

Shelton

Gene Expression in White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with Chronic Wasting Disease Poster 30 Eric J. Smith, Christopher N. Jacques, Sean E. Jenkins, Heath M. Hagy, and Stan McTaggert

Effects of Agricultural Tillage and Crop Rotation on Nesting, Survival, and Habitat Use of Upland Sandpipers in Illinois

Poster 19 James S. Zweep, Christopher N. Jacques, Sean E. Jenkins, James T. Lamer Evaluating nest site selection by southern flying squirrels in northern hardwood forests of

west-central Illinois Poster 31 Jay A. VonBank, Andrew F. Casper, Heath M. Hagy, Aaron P. Yetter An Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Plants in the Illinois River: Water Hyacinth Surveillance,

Mapping, Persistence, and Potential Seed Dispersal Vectors Poster 25 Jeff Woodyatt, Sean Jenkins Effects of Prescribed Burning and White-Tailed Deer Browsing on the Structure and Diversity of

Woodland Plant Communities of Prairie Glen, Illinois Poster 53 Lisa Davila, Hannah Helms, Susan Romano

Bat Mortality by Single Standing Wind Turbines in Northwestern Illinois Poster 43 Payal A. Shah, Susan Romano

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The Impact of Beaver Herbivory on Late Successional Floodplain Forest Communities at Upper Mississippi River (Pool 13)

Poster 15 Ruchi Ojha, Sue Hum-Musser Growth Profile and Gene expression of Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea infected by Bacillus

thuringiensis Kurstaki and Bacillus thuringiensis Israelensis Poster 12 Samantha Cuthbert, Catherine Miller-Hunt The Role of Signaling Lymphocyte-activation Molecule Family Member 8 (SLAMF8) in Measles

Virus Infection Poster 27 Sangya Paudyal, Andrea Porras-Alfaro and Catherine Miller-Hunt

Identification of Novel Mycoviruses in the Phytopathogenic Fungi Fusarium Poster 42 Shanna E David, Susan Romano2

Habitat Preferences of Natal Den Location for the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Poster 18 Simeon M. Ogundiran, Dung Nguyen, Sue Hum-Musser, Richard Musser

The effect of bacterial inoculants on corn disease and pest resistance Poster 32 Teresa E. Sartore, Joseph Lucas, Dr. Scott Holt The Effects of Cell-Wall Based Treatments on Leuconostoc citreum to Increase Transformation

Efficiency

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Undergraduate Poster Presentations Poster 26 Ashley Huette, Shawn Meagher Does Fire Affect Parasitism in Midwestern Mice? Poster 52 Aleshia Johannsen, Maryam Al Matruk¹ Cheryl Kuske², Andrea Porras-Alfaro¹

Diversity and Distribution Analysis of Yeasts in an Arid Grassland Ecosystem in Utah Poster 24 Andrea Hauk, Stephanie Clark, Kenneth McCravy, Sean Jenkins, Charles Lydeard A Survey of Terrestrial Gastropods of the Alice L. Kibbe Life Science Station in West-Central Illinois Poster 34 Brittany Havener, Catherine Miller-Hunt

Dissecting the Signaling Pathways Associated with WT-MV/SLAM-Mediated Binding and Entry in Human Antigen Presenting Cells

Poster 23 Charles Ward, Richard Musser Measuring gene expression in caterpillar organs in relation to tomato leaves Poster 35 Chelsea M. Townsend, Victoria Livingston Proper Conservation Methods and Bone Analysis of Osteology Models Poster 41 Eliese Potocek, Terry Torres-Cruz, Andrea Porras-Alfaro Potential use of Trichoderma koningiopsis in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils Poster 51 Emily A. Szott, Eli Lampo, James T. Lamer Quantification Of Daily Otolith Increments In Young Of Year Asian Carp Poster 17 Eric R. Haaksma, Jared D. Ruholl, Kenneth W McCravy Comparing Native Bee Diversity in Illinois Restored Prairies and Sand Prairies Poster 20 Georgia Dozard, Shawn Meagher What Environmental Factors Affect Posthodiplostomum minimum Infection Levels? Poster 44 Gina Meier, Tracy Gongora, Meshack Afitlhile

The Effect of Elevated Levels of Ozone on the Accumulation of Lipids In a Mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana That Is Defective In a Major Chloroplast Receptor

Poster 45 Hannah, R Smith, Catherine Miller-Hunt Ebola Virus Induction of Autophagy in Mammalian Cells Poster 49 Josh Connor, Sue Hum-Musser Treatment of Zea mays with a Legume Inoculant Containing Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Poster 37 Lindsey M. Poore, Kenneth W. McCravy Nematode Parasitism of Orthopterans in Relation to Grassland Age and Host Species Poster 16 Malaney M. Abel, Catherine L. Miller-Hunt Measles Virus Induced Autophagy Poster 33 Mariah L. Maiman, Jeffrey E. Engel Characterizing an Abnormal Action Potential Pattern in Ion-Channel-Mutant Drosophila

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Poster 22 Matthew Pumfrey, Victoria Livingston Neoteny in Felis catus Poster 46 Myelle Vann, Vickie Livingston Human Skeletal Bones Restoration and Remodeling Methods Poster 29 Paris Hamm, Nichole A. Caimi, Diana E. Northup, Ernest Valdez, Debbie C. Buecher,

Andrea Porras-Alfaro

Evaluation of Actinobacteria against Pseudogymnoascus destructans Poster 28 Sarah Wilcer, Timothy Spier Invasive Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Population Dynamics in Spring Lake Poster 39 Shane Mason, Shawn Meagher Anatomical Analysis of White Grub (Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi) From Four Fish Hosts Poster 21 Sophia Caban, R Philip Scheibel and Catherine Miller-Hunt

Active surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes in west-central Illinois: Detection of invasive species and disease vectors

Poster 13 Summer Peila, Victoria Livingston Aquatic Adaptations in Limb Morphology of the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Poster 50 Tori Worthen, Shawn Meagher How Many Parasites Are There? A DNA Analysis Of “White Grub” In IL Fishes

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 Morrow  Lecture  and  Plenary  Talk  

Dr.  Rüdiger  Bieler     Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  

 

 

 Dr.  Rüdiger  Bieler  research  focuses  on  the  biology  of  Mollusca,  especially  gastropods  (snails)  and  bivalves  (clams).  He  is  interested  in  their  species-­‐level  diversity,  how  it  evolved  over  

time,  and  how  it  is  impacted  by  human  activities.  

For  more  information  visit  

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/staff/profile/466  

 

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Organizing  Committee    Faculty    Dr.  Andrea  Porras-­‐Alfaro  (chair),    Dr.  Shawn  Meagher  Dr.  Catherine  Miller-­‐Hunt    Staff  Cynthia  Drasities  Amy  Brown  Lu  Wilson    Biology  Graduate  Student  Association  

 Acknowledgements  

 Special  thanks  to  Cindi  Drasites  for  helping  us  with  the  program  and  certificates,  Amy  Brown  for  her  support  with  refreshments  and  orders,  Luann  Wilson  for  her  support  with  logistics,  and  many  faculty  and  graduate  students  that  served  as  judges.      We  would  also  like  to  thank  the  Department  of  Biological  Sciences  and  the  College  of  Art  Sciences  for  their  support.    

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Abstracts:  Oral  Presentations    1) Student Name: Noland Ryan Deaver Student Status: Graduate E-mail: nr-deaver@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Oral presentation Project Status: In progress Title: A Survey of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Temperate Pine Forest Soil Author and co-authors: Noland R. Deaver1, Cheryl R. Kuske2, Andrea Porras-Alfaro1

Authors Affiliations: 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, 2Los Alamos National Laboratory The goal of this study is to characterize the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in soils from a temperate forest. Many fungi parasitize living insect hosts, and past research has focused on applications of the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria as biological control agents of insects. As such, the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi outside of agroecosystems is poorly explored. This study seeks to use direct isolation of cultures, bioassays, and Illumina sequencing to elucidate how patterns of entomopathogenic fungal diversity are influenced by soil depth, elevated CO2, and N deposition. Samples were collected in the Duke Forest in North Carolina. In indirect sampling experiments, insect parts were placed in moist soil samples; these insect tissues were used as baits to isolate fungi from soil. In direct sampling experiments, soil samples were diluted and placed on a selective medium containing cycloheximide, chloramphenicol, and thiabendazole. Fungi isolated from insect segments were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and have been identified by sequencing the ITS, LSU and SSU rDNA regions. A total of 42 unique OTUs were identified. These taxa mostly represent the Hypocreales, Mucorales, and Mortierellales, with the dominant genera from each being Trichoderma, Mucor, and Mortierella, respectively. Sequence data will be compared with an Illumina next-generation sequence dataset. Chitinolytic activity assays of these isolates are currently being conducted, as are pathogenicity assays using live insects. By combining next-generation sequence datasets, bioassays, and phylogenetic analyses, this project will provide insights about the diversity, spatial distribution, and ecological function of fungi from a natural ecosystem.

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2) Student Name: Cory Anderson Student status: Graduate student E-mail: ca-anderson2@wiu.edu Faculty Advisors: Jim Lamer and Dr. Sean Jenkins Presentation type: Oral presentation Project Status: Completed Juvenile Asian carp as a Forage for Native Predators in the Lagrange Reach Illinois River Cory A. Anderson1, Rebekah L. Haun1, James T. Lamer1, James H. Larson2, Brent Knights2, Jon Vallazza2, Levi Solomon3, Rich Pendleton3, Andrew Casper3, Nerissa McClelland3 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University. 2Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey. 3Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Havana Field Office, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Increasing numbers of silver carp (Hypopthalmichthys molotrix) and bighead carp (Hypopthalmichthys nobilis) in the Illinois River has led to concerns about the impact their invasion has on native food web dynamics. Asian carp have high fecundities and rapid growth and in the absence of predator controls, they can quickly achieve high densities. A large Asian carp spawning event on the Illinois River was observed in the summer of 2014 providing us an opportunity to determine how native piscivorous fish (n-1527) respond to high juvenile Asian carp densities. White bass (Morone chrysops), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), white crappie (P. annularis), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) were collected from the LaGrange Reach during a large Asian carp spawning event observed on the Illinois River (August 3 through October 31) using pulsed-DC boat electrofishing and ¾ in. fyke nets. Fish were immediately anesthetized and put on ice following collection, and total length (mm) and weight (g) measured. Stomachs were dissected and preserved in 95% EtOH and the contents of each stomach were quantified visually, and separated into individual taxa. Wet weights of all individual taxa were recorded and dry weights obtained after drying at 110C for 48 hours. Diet analysis reveals that all 5 species fed heavily on juvenile Asian carp over a discrete juvenile size range. The duration of the sampling period also allowed us to determine the vulnerability to predation by native predators with changing densities of juveniles in the environment.

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3) Student Name: Michele Rehbein Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: mm-rehbein@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: In progress Title: Arbovirus Surveillance in Rural Western Illinois: New Distribution Records and a Vector Biology Educational Initiative Author and co-authors: Michele Rehbein, R. Philip Scheibel, Sophia Caban, and Catherine Miller-Hunt Authors Affiliations: Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Arboviral diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV), are a continued and growing public health concern affecting both humans and animals in urban and rural locations. In rural settings, information on the distribution of the vector that transmits WNV is lacking. Rural areas frequently face obstacles because of poor socioeconomic conditions, being medically underserved and containing growing elderly and minority populations. These factors suggest that rural residents may represent a population that is especially vulnerable to WNV. To determine the public health risk posed by potentially infected mosquitoes in non-urban areas, this study monitored mosquitoes throughout three rural western Illinois counties in collaboration with local county health departments. The field sites were located within McDonough, Cass and Fulton counties. Gravid traps were used to collect adult mosquitoes from 6/19/14 to 9/30/14. Captured female Culex mosquitoes were analyzed by using either VectorTest® Antigen Assay or RAMP® WNV Test. A total of 6,043 mosquitoes were collected for this study. One sample from McDonough County and three samples from Fulton County were found to be positive for WNV, providing the first records of the virus in those municipalities. Other mosquito species also captured last season in McDonough and Fulton counties have recently been identified as invasive mosquito species Aedes japonicus and Aedes triseriatus. These species have never before been known to inhabit Fulton County, and represent a new distribution record in this county. Our goal is to continue to work in collaboration with local county health departments to trap and test both Culex and Aedes mosquitoes to better understand the distribution of vector-borne diseases and vectors in western Illinois.

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4) Student Name: Shiloh Lueschow Student Status: Graduate Student E-mail: Sr-lueschow@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Oral presentation Project Status: In progress Effect of Pseudogymnoascus destructans on Microbial Community Composition on Bats Shiloh R. Lueschow1, Diana Northup2, Andrea Porras-Alfaro1

1. Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, 2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus responsible for the mycoses known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS), has killed millions of bats since its discovery in 2006. It has decimated bat populations from the east coast to the Midwest and Canada. The decline in bat populations has a significant impact on ecosystem health and the agricultural industry as bats serve as both pollinators and pest control for crops. Thus far, much of the research has focused on P. destructans’ direct impact on the bats, but not on the impact on microbial communities associated with bats. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity and community structure of fungal and bacterial communities on bats before and after arrival of P. destructans. 454 next generation sequencing was conducted on wing swabs of three healthy and three WNS-positive Perimyotis subflavus bats collected in Illinois before and after WNS arrival. Qiime and the Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) were used to analyze changes in community structure and to identify fungi and bacteria. Preliminary analysis shows both the bacterial and fungal diversity decline after WNS arrival. WNS positive bats were dominated by Actinobacteria (99% of the sequences) whereas WNS negative bats showed more diverse phyla including Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Further, in WNS positive bats over 96 percent of the fungi were classified as P. destructans, but WNS negative bats were dominated by uncultured Ascomycota, Cryptococcus, and Penicillium species showing dramatic shifts in the composition of fungal and bacterial microbial communities with the arrival of WNS.

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5) Student Name: Tad Locher Student Status: Graduate E-mail: tw-locher@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Jim Lamer Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: Completed Analysis of Blue Catfish (Ictalurus Furcatus) Gut Contents: An Assessment of Feeding Adaptation in Response to Asian Carp Invasion in the Mississippi River Basin Tad W. Locher1, James T. Lamer2 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, 61455. 2Kibbe Field Station, Western Illinois University, Warsaw, IL, 62379 Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and other associated members of Ictaluridae have been studied extensively in their native environment, and their prey selection has been analyzed in main channel, side channel, and backwater habitat. However, their efficiency as a control for the expansion of non-native Asian carp species has not been evaluated. It is possible that the immense availability of Asian Carp (spp. Hypophthalmichthys) is offering greater energetic benefits than native prey such as Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum). We examined the gut contents of Blue Catfish from pool 26 of the Mississippi River near Alton, IL. Tandem trammel nets were set in a backwater lake habitat during varying water conditions. Diets of the Blue Catfish caught were collected using gastric lavage and manual prompting. The gut contents were immediately placed on ice and then frozen upon return to the lab. The individual diets were picked through by hand, and there is strong evidence that Blue Catfish are actively feeding on adult Asian Carp. Genetic analysis was done on unidentifiable diet components, and results strengthen the lab findings. Based on our results, further research is needed in order to determine the frequency at which Asian Carp are selected, by not only Blue Catfish, but also other native predators. The scientific verification of a species that has adapted its feeding behavior to accommodate an ever-increasing presence of Asian carp could be immensely important to future studies and management implications.

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6) Student Name: Katie LaMagdeleine Student Status: Graduate E-mail: ka-lamagdeleine@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ken McCravy Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: Completed Evaluating Ground Beetle Species Richness and Community Composition across a Chronosequence of Restored Prairies at Nachusa Grasslands in Northern Illinois Katie A. LaMagdeleine*, Nick A. Barber°, Kenneth W. McCravy* Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University* Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University° Restoration ecology has become a leading discipline because of the widespread damage associated with anthropogenic alteration of natural habitats. To effectively evaluate the success of prairie restoration efforts, a better understanding of the effects of restoration on organisms that provide important ecosystem services is required. Ground beetles comprise a highly diverse and ecologically important family that includes predators as well as seed-eaters. Many species of ground beetles also act as bioindicators of habitat alteration and disturbance, as they are closely tied to their environments. Their distribution is often affected by soil type, vegetative cover and microclimate. We determined if and how ground beetle species richness and community composition shifts over time following prairie restoration at Nachusa Grasslands, a Nature Conservancy site in north-central Illinois. We collected ground beetles from April through October of 2013 using pitfall traps across a choronosequence of prairie habitats, ranging from 0 to 26 years since initial restoration. Ground beetle species richness, abundance, and diversity were analyzed using linear models to determine if there were any patterns in community composition over time.

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7) Student Name: Phil Scheibel Student Status: Second degree-seeking student (Biology BS) Email: philscheibel@gmail.com Faculty Advisor: Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: Ongoing The Western Illinois University Vector Biology Educational Initiative (VBEI): Using vector-borne disease research as an interdisciplinary approach to public health outreach and training R Philip Scheibel, Michele Rehbein, Sophia Caban, Jason Hunt, Catherine Miller-Hunt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Arthropod vectors transmit some of the most destructive diseases in the world and are a major cause of emerging infections. Despite a rise in vector-borne diseases, there has been a decline in expertise related to vector biology and a growing concern over inadequate numbers of physicians, health professionals, and biologists with skills and experience in environmental health and zoonotic diseases. In response, we founded Western Illinois University Vector Biology Educational Initiative (VBEI). The program aids health departments by providing helpful personnel, promoting coordination between a network of health workers, and engaging in public outreach. We also evaluate and improve disease surveillance methods. VBEI students are encouraged to develop a variety of applied and integrated skills in microbiology, entomology, and epidemiology. Current research focuses on species of mosquitoes, midges, and ticks present in the Midwestern US as well as the pathogens they transmit to humans and animals. We collaborate with health departments at the state and county levels and faculty from multiple departments at WIU. Within 10 months of the program’s inception, students generated valuable epidemiologic information. They established several new distribution records for West Nile virus in Illinois as well as detected a dangerous, invasive species of mosquito, Aedes japonicus, for the first time in Fulton County and provided evidence to suggest that there is an active population in McDonough County. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the initiative’s inaugural student, Michele Rehbein, as an Emerging Leader in Environmental Justice.

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8) Student Name: Cedric Ndinga Muniania Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: C-NdingaMuniania@wiu.edu Advisor: Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Oral presentation Project Status: In progress Distribution of Fungi in Arid Microenvironments and their Potential Role on Plant Growth Cedric Ndinga Muniania1, Katrina Sandona1, Cheryl Kuske2, Andrea Porras-Alfaro1 1Western Illinois University 2Los Alamos National Lab In arid ecosystems, fungi form complex microbial communities with plants and other photosynthetic organisms. Many of these fungi are likely to contribute to plant survival, soil protection, and enrichment. However the role and diversity of these fungi are not well known, especially their potential pathogenicity or growth promoting potential that could impact nearby plants. We collected soil and isolated fungi from different microenvironments in the Moab Desert in Utah. The biocrust fungi were isolated from lichen, moss and cyanobacteria, and rhizosphere soils were collected from two plants, Bromus and Hilaria. Fungi were isolated using a serial dilution technique and sequenced using ITS rDNA region. From the 906 fungi isolated, 609 were sequenced and Ascomycota was the dominant phylum. Pleosporales was the dominant order in BSC and Eurotiales was the dominant order in the rhizophere. The most dominant genera included Aspergillus, Coniochaeta, Embellisia, Preussia, Cladosporium, Chaetomium and Penicillium. Seed germination experiments using dominant taxa were conducted in corn and soybean to determine potential roles of these fungi on plant growth. Heat and drought bioassays will be conducted for the fungi found to be growth promoting or not showing signs of pathogenicity to determine their potential to aid plants under stressful conditions.

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9) Student Name: Rebekah Haun Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: rl-haun@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Jim Lamer & Sean Jenkins Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: Completed Comparison of Fish Community Composition and Structure Among River Reaches of the Upper Mississippi River: Determining the Effects of Lock and Dam 19 in Structuring Fish AssemblagES Rebekah L. Haun1, Cory A. Anderson1, James T. Lamer1, James H. Larson2, Brent Knights2, Jon Vallazza2, James Rogala2. 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University. 2Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey. Completed in 1913, Lock and Dam 19 (RM 364.2) separates navigation Pool 19 (74.5 km) from Pool 20 (35.2 km) and created the first artificial impoundment on the Upper Mississippi River (UMR). Lock and Dam 19 is unique among most other dams on the UMR in that it is a hydroelectric dam with a significant hydraulic head (~10 m) that created the largest impoundment (pool) on the system (46 miles as opposed to a median of 26 miles for the other pools on the mainstem). This dam likely acts as a significant barrier to upstream migration for fish. In 2013 and 2014, standardized pulse-DC electrofishing was conducted in Pool 19 (n=87/yr) and Pool 20 (n=52/yr) to assess local and system scale variation in fish community composition and structure among reaches above and below Lock and Dam 19. Sampling was consistent with standardized protocols from the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) allowing for comparisons among the reaches we sampled and those sampled by the LTRMP (i.e., Pools 4, 8, 13, 26, the LaGrange Reach of the Illinois River, and the open Mississippi River). Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling of fish community composition and structure was used to assess differences among all reaches. Preliminary results suggest Lock and Dam 19 serves as a transiton for fish community structure and composition in the Upper Mississippi River. Sixty-four fish species were collected in pool 19 (n=16,041) and 50 collected from pool 20 (n=9,596) in 2013.

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10) Student Name: Tony Kloppenborg Student Status: Graduate Email: ajk108@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Susan Romano Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: Completed Influence of Canopy Light Penetration on Pink Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) Abundance in a Floodplain Forest Tony Kloppenborg1, Susan Romano2 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL; 2Departments of Biological Sciences and Geography, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL The Pink Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) is a perennial wildflower native to the Mississippi River valley, sporadically seen in Iowa. Recently this species reoccurred in this area after an extended period of absence, found in a floodplain forest along the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, Iowa in 2013 during a flora survey. The range of this plant includes the central and southeastern United States, and throughout its range it is found under floodplain forest canopy along river banks, stream channels, and marshes. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the ecology and reoccurrence of this species. Percent canopy cover above population clusters were measured with a densiometer, and percent light transmittance reaching the forest floor was measured with a quantum sensor collected as mmol of photons/m2/sec. Plant cluster location was documented using a GPS. Chelone obliqua clusters typically occurred within areas of 2.91 to 13.63 or 22.09 to 25.39 percent light transmittance. These clusters were also found near water sources, which may provide a more consistent supply of moisture and aid in seed distribution. The clusters that were situated near an ephemeral stream are within 18 meters of the stream, and clusters near a marsh were within 9 meters. Results indicate that light, proximity to an ephemeral stream, and river flooding disturbance may be linked to the life history strategies of this species, particularly for seed distribution and plant competition removal.

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11) Student Name: Terry Torres Cruz Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: tj-torrescruz@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Oral Project Status: In progress Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Heavy Metal Tolerant Fungi T. Torres1, C. Kuske2, A. Porras-Alfaro1

1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University 2Los Alamos National Laboratory The release of heavy metals in the environment has increased continuously due to technological development and industrial activities The objective of this project is to isolate and identify heavy metal tolerant fungi from Duke Forest soil samples. Samples were collected from Duke Forest in North Carolina from an N-fertilized and an unfertilized quadrant within an ambient CO2 FACE plot. Serial dilutions of up to 10-3 of different horizons (5.4-9.7 cm and 9.7-15 deep) were inoculated on MEA supplemented with streptomycin (0.05 mg/l) and tetracycline (0.05 mg/l) with metal concentrations between 100-1000 ppm of FeSO4, ZnSO4, CuSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Pb(NO3)2, Cr(NO3)3, NiCl2, CdCl2, and K2Cr2O7. Samples were incubated at 25°C. The most common morphotypes for each metal were studied to determine their tolerance index to specific metals. Fungal isolates were sequenced and further analyzed using BLAST and UNITE databases for preliminary identification. A total of 439 isolates were obtained, from which the majority were isolated using the Pb media and fewer from media containing Cr and Al. Out of 363 isolates that have been sequenced a total of 61 unique Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified at a 97% minimum similarity as a proxy for species using the ITS rDNA region. The most common and diverse genera isolated are Penicillium and Trichoderma and their phylogenetic analysis shows that Duke Forest soils contain potential novel species for both genera. Some genera isolated in this study have not been reported or tested as heavy metal tolerant, including Umbelopsis, Pochonia, Geomyces, Trichocladium, Bionectria and Ilyonectria. Four unique OTUs were found for possible new species of Cryptococcus and at least 10 OTUs were not identified further than the order level using the ITS rDNA region. Additional markers will be used to resolve the phylogenetic placement of these isolates. Distribution and abundance of metal resistant taxa will be determined using Illumina databases obtained from the soils. This research supports the fact that non-contaminated soils contain a great diversity of microorganisms with potential for bioremediation.  

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Abstracts:  Poster  Presentations    12) Student Name: Samantha Cuthbert Student Status: Graduate Student E-mail: sa-cuthbert@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress The Role of Signaling Lymphocyte-activation Molecule Family Member 8 (SLAMF8) in Measles Virus Infection Samantha Cuthbert, Catherine Miller-Hunt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Measles is a respiratory illness caused by the Measles virus (MV) and continues to cause morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Vaccine strains of MV are capable of utilizing three known surface molecules to gain entry into human cells: CD46, nectin-4 and the signaling lymphocyte-activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1). SLAMF1 is only expressed on lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells. Nectin-4 is found only on the basolateral surface of human airway epithelia. Clinical isolates of MV (wild-type WT-MV) generally only utilize nectin-4 and SLAMF1. WT-MV first infects activated, mature macrophages and dendritic cells in the lumen of the airway. The initial viral infection of macrophages and dendritic cells is attributed to viral use of the host receptor, SLAMF1. Later in infection, WT-MV uses nectin-4 to gain entry into cells of the upper airway where lateral viral spread occurs and virus is shed apically. Recently, we carried out a microarray analysis to determine genes that were changed during human monocyte to macrophage differentiation and identified the SLAM family member 8 (SLAMF8) as a gene that was up regulated during this process. We have since observed that SLAMF8 protein is expressed in human macrophages and dendritic cells but not airway epithelia or lymphocytes. We also observed that incubation of human macrophages or dendritic cells with an antibody specific to SLAMF8 reduces WT-MV binding and infection in these cells. Our hypothesis is that SLAMF8 serves as an additional receptor for WT-MV on human macrophages and dendritic cells, allowing for viral binding and infection.

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13) Student Name: Summer Daye Peila Student Status: Undergraduate Student E-mail: SD-Peila@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Victoria Livingston Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Aquatic Adaptations in Limb Morphology of the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Summer Peila, Victoria Livingston Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Phylogenetic organization within the mustelids is a topic currently being debated by biologists based on both morphology and genetics. There are currently a number of proposed phylogenies using different physical traits or gene segments. The research being I am performing is intended to compare and contrast the limb structure of Lontra canadensis (North American River Otter) with closely related terrestrial mustelids and predecessors to determine the aquatic adaptations that have taken place. This in turn could help to clarify the relationships between otters and other mustelids based on their locomotion. Methods that will be utilized include, but are not limited to, a series of range of motion measurements, limb size ratios, and visual shape comparisons that will be taken both in the presence and absence of cartilage. After the data are collected they will be interpreted utilizing various types of statistical analysis in order to determine where the significant morphological differences are located between different species. These differences will be used to determine the aquatic adaptations that had to take place for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. In addition, I will be performing different altered maceration procedures to compare their effects on the specimens.

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14) Student name: Emma K. Trone Student Status: Graduate Student E-mail: Ek-­‐trone@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Jacques Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: Incomplete Gene Expression in White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with Chronic Wasting Disease Emma K. Trone1, Christopher N. Jacques1, James T. Lamer1 Paige Zick1, Guoqing Lu2, and Paul A. Shelton3

Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, USA Department of Biology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA Illinois Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702, USA Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) which affects cervid species throughout North America. As a prion disease, CWD is caused by the misfolding of the prion protein. The disease is both communicable and transmissible and there is no treatment currently available. In Illinois, CWD was first discovered in 2002 in Boone County near the Wisconsin border. As of 1 July 2013 there have been 408 cases of CWD in Illinois. This research will evaluate gene-expression in CWD-infected and non-infected white-tailed deer collected by Illinois Department of Natural Resource game managers during annual population reduction (e.g., sharpshooting) and disease monitoring efforts throughout the CWD-endemic area of northcentral Illinois as well as establish a timeline for RNA viability. We collected tissue (brainstem, liver, spleen, retropharyngeal lymph nodes) samples from 26 hunter-harvested deer during the 2015 annual firearm season to estimate RNA stability; tissue samples have been sent to the University of Chicago for analysis. We will use next generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze tissue samples from CWD-infected deer euthanized by IDNR sharpshooters during winter 2015 (February – March 2015). Specifically, we will use the Illumina HiSeq 2000 Sequencing System (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) to quantify and map the transcriptome, and identify novel and known genes from CWD-infected (n=10) and non-infected (n=10) deer. Identification of differentially expressed genes involved in the pathogenesis of CWD may enable researchers and game managers throughout Illinois to predict the infectious status of harvested deer using gene expression (transcriptome) profiles developed from this study. Results of this study also will be used to evaluate the feasibility of genetic profiling as an alternative method for CWD-testing across northern Illinois.

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15) Student Name: Ruchi Ojha Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: R-ojha@wiu.edu Advisor: Sue Hum Musser Presentation Type: Poster presentation Project Status: In progress Growth Profile and Gene expression of Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea infected by Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki and Bacillus thuringiensis Israelensis Ruchi Ojha, Sue Hum-Musser Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Helicoverpa zea is a well-documented pest of agricultural crops throughout most of North and South America and causes plant tissue damage which results in infection especially molds in seed corn, ultimately leading to yield loss. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an insect pest pathogen due to the secretion of toxic crystal proteins that destroy the gut wall of insect. Different strains of Bt have varying effects on the different groups of insects (e.g. gnats, mosquitoes, caterpillars). Caterpillars infected with Bt Kurstaki have a high mortality rate compared to larvae infected with Bt Israelensis. I will examine the effect of different bacterial strains on insect growth and gene expression. Helicoverpa zea larvae were fed on artificial diet containing Bt Kurstaki, Bt Israelensis and bacteria-free diet. Their weights were measured before and after the treatment. The larvae were frozen 3 days after the treatment and total RNA will be extracted then reverse transcribed with oligo-dT primers. The genetic responses of the caterpillar to the bacteria will then be determined using real time qualitative polymerase chain reaction, microarrays and enzyme assays. This study will examine gene expression responses of H. zea to two different strains of Bt. This information may is important in potentially developing more effective insect control methods.

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16) Student Name: Malaney Abel Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: mm-abel@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In-progress Measles Virus Induced Autophagy Malaney M. Abel, Catherine L. Miller-Hunt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Measles is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease caused by the Measles virus (MV) and characterized by a rash and delayed immune suppression, leading to potentially fatal secondary infections. Although measles was almost eradicated in the United States, recent outbreaks have underscored the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. MV utilizes three known molecules to gain entry into human cells: Nectin-4, CD46 and SLAMF1. It has previously been shown that the MV receptors, CD46 and SLAMF1, can recruit and activate multiple proteins involved in a process called autophagy. Autophagy involves the degradation of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular host components within vesicles. The process of autophagy is easily detected in a variety of eukaryotic cells by observing the formation of vacuoles in the cytoplasm. These vacuoles can be observed using light microscopy. Additionally, we will use the VHS cell line that expresses the human SLAMF1. SLAMF1 directly binds to MV, allowing the virus to fuse with the host cell, and for infection to proceed. We hypothesize that MV elicits autophagy using the SLAMF1 receptor. To date, we have shown that binding of the MV-H glycoprotein alone can trigger autophagy in the VHS cells. It is common knowledge in the virology field that the MV-H protein is the part of the virus that interacts with SLAMF1 to promote viral entry. MV-H stimulation of autophagy is greatest at between three and five hours post-viral binding to VHS cells. We are now trying to quantify the number of autophagosomes over a five-hour time course. Drugs that inhibit or stimulate autophagy will be used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Combined, these data have provided preliminary evidence that MV is capable of inducing autophagy through binding to its receptor and is helping expand our current understanding of MV pathogenesis. These findings could aid in developing novel anti-viral therapeutics that target MV replication in host cells early on in infection.

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17) Student Name: Eric Haaksma Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: Er-Haaksma@wiu.edu Faculty Advisory: Kenneth McCravy Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Comparing Native Bee Diversity in Illinois Restored Prairies and Sand Prairies Kenneth W, McCravy , Jared D, Ruholl , Eric R, Haaksma Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Bees are the important group of pollinators. They play a critical role in crop production and in pollination of many wild plant species. However, the native bee fauna of many areas is still poorly known. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant decrease in bee diversity, related to a great extent to a decrease in available habitat. The goals of this research are 1) to identify the bee species that inhabit west-central Illinois prairies, 2) to compare bee diversity in restored prairies vs. natural sand prairies, and 3) to assess variation in bee diversity among prairies of the same habitat type. This study was done from May to September 2014 in thee restored prairies and three and prairies in Henderson, Hancock, McDonough and Mason Counties. Bees were sampled using ground-level pan trap, elevated pan traps and vane traps. The pan traps will be different colors (blue, yellow and red) and laid out in a random fashion within each plot. So far, 80 species of bees have been identified from last year. Based on preliminary analyses, the sand prairies appear to have greater species richness but lower diversity than the restored prairies. There appears to be some overlap in species composition between the two prairie types, but the sand prairies have produced several unique bee species.

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18) Student Name: Simeon M. Ogundiran, Dung Nguyen Student Status: Graduate/Undergraduate E-Mail: SM-ogundiran@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Sue Hum-Musser, Richard Musser Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress The effect of bacterial inoculants on corn disease and pest resistance Simeon M. Ogundiran, Dung Nguyen, Sue Hum-Musser, Richard Musser Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Rhizobium spp. are some nitrogen-fixing bacteria commonly found in root noodles of leguminous plants. They increase the availability of nutrients to the plants, enhance growth of plants roots, and aid in plant resistance to herbivores and pathogens. Many of these have been used on legume plants. We will examine the effect of some bioinoculants on corn seed germination and growth rates. We will also investigate effects of the inoculant on the corn plant resistance to insect pests and pathogens. It is hypothesized that the inoculant would increase corn plants growth and its resistance to herbivore and pathogen. Inoculated corn seeds were germinated on wet filters. The seedlings were re-inoculated and transplanted into soil. Plant leaf tissue will be fed on by caterpillar larvae. Plant induced-resistance associated proteins will be measured using ELISA. Disease resistance will be tested using infection with various pathogens. After the infection, lesions on the leaves would be counted and expression of plant defense genes will be examined using microarray and real-time quantitative PCR. Preliminary data show that the inoculant enhanced germination and roots length. This research will give insight into the effects of biofertilizers on varieties of non-leguminous crops. If the inoculants provide significant benefits in disease and pest resistance, they can be used to supplement or potentially even replace the use of expensive chemical fertilizers.

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19) Student name: James S. Zweep Student status: Graduate student E-mail: JS-Zweep@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Christopher N. Jacques Presentation type: Poster Project status: Incomplete Evaluating nest site selection by southern flying squirrels in northern hardwood forests of west-central Illinois James S. Zweep, Christopher N. Jacques, Sean E. Jenkins, James T. Lamer Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, USA Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are nocturnal, tree-dwelling rodents found in hardwood forests throughout the eastern United States. Notable behavior of this species is switching between different snags and other nest trees. The role of prescribed fire and parasite presence on the nest switching behavior of flying squirrels is not well understood. The goal of this research is to evaluate the nest switching behavior of southern flying squirrels across multiple seasons, habitat types, and prescription burn regimes across west-central Illinois. During the fall of 2014, we captured 48 individuals (26 males, 22 females), of which 25 were fitted with radiocollars (Model M1530; Advanced Telemetry Systems, Isanti, Minnesota, USA), and 23 were marked using metal ear tags (Number 1, National Band and Tag Company, Newport, Kentucky, USA). Mean body mass of male and female squirrels was 64.3 (SE = 2.60) and 65.5 g (SE = 2.46), respectively. Mean number of locations gathered from radiocollared squirrels are 24.4 (SE = 0.82; range = 11 – 29). Nest tree suitability metrics (e.g., tree type [live or snag], tree species, decay class, crown condition [broken or intact], diameter-at-breast height [DBH], tree height, mast production) will be quantified on 300 m² (17 × 17 m) circular plots systematically placed around known nest tree locations of radiocollared squirrels. During fall 2014, we collected and subsequently examined fecal samples from captured flying squirrels for presence of Strongyloides robustus. Preliminary results indicate the absence of the parasite in 22 fecal samples analyzed, though Coccidia spp. was identified in 12 of 26 (46%) samples. Home range estimation and microhabitat analyses are ongoing. This study may provide additional insight on potential effects of prescription burn treatments and parasite loads on nest switching patterns by flying squirrels.

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20) Student Name: Georgia Dozard Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: GO-Dozard@gmail.com Faculty Advisor: Shawn Meagher Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress What Environmental Factors Affect Posthodiplostomum minimum Infection Levels? Georgia Dozard, Shawn Meagher Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Parasites infect all living things and, by definition, are capable of harming their hosts. Thus, it is important to know what makes parasites more or less abundant in particular communities. Many environmental factors determine the infection rates of parasite species. These include “abiotic,” non-living, factors like water temperature, which may affect the survival of the aquatic stages of parasite species. “Biotic” factors are living, such as hosts, whose population density can affect parasite transmission rates. In my project, I will attempt to discover the major determinants of infection by “white grub” (Posthodiplostomum minimum), a common parasite of bluegills (Macrochirus lepomis). I will compare white grub abundance in bluegills with a series of environmental factors in six lakes near Canton, IL, in order to determine which factors affect levels of white grub infection. At each lake, I will measure these abiotic factors: depth, temperature, turbidity, and oxygen concentration. The biotic factors at each lake will be the densities of white grub’s three hosts (bluegills, Herons, and snails), collected or observed during standardized times. White grub infection rates will be determined from a subset of bluegills from each lake. I will perform multivariate statistical procedures to determine which abiotic and/or biotic factors, if any, affect the proportion of hosts infected or the mean infection levels in the six lakes. These results will be important because they may suggest potential control strategies for this parasite.

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21) Student Name: Sophia Caban Student Status: Senior E-mail: s-caban@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Active surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes in west-central Illinois: Detection of invasive species and disease vectors Sophia Caban, R Philip Scheibel and Catherine Miller-Hunt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University The genus Aedes refers to a group of widely distributed species of mosquitoes, some of which are capable of transmitting deadly arboviruses (viruses spread by arthropods). Certain species are responsible for deadly epidemics of yellow fever and dengue fever, in addition to the recent emergence of Chikungunya virus. One of the most significant arboviral diseases in the Midwest is La Crosse encephalitis virus (LACV). LACV is the most prevalent arboviral disease among children in the United States, occasionally causing brain inflammation, paralysis, and death. During the summer of 2014, Aedes mosquitoes were collected and identified. Our research found Aedes triseriatus as being the most abundant species and generated new distribution records of Ae. japonicus in the municipalities of Colchester, Vermont, and Astoria. The observation of Ae. japonicus in Vermont and Astoria represents the first distribution record for Fulton county. Both Ae. triseriatus and Ae. japonicus are competent vectors for LACV, suggesting this arbovirus could potentially be transmitted to humans in this area. We aim to actively monitor the distribution and abundance of disease vectors in west-central Illinois. In addition, we hypothesize that Ae. japonicus and other invasive mosquitoes have invaded surrounding counties. We will test this hypothesis during the summer of 2015 in several western Illinois counties by collecting mosquitoes using gravid traps and CDC light traps containing dry ice. Specimens will be identified using microscopy and identification keys. This study could provide evidence or arboviruses to help identify areas of risk and better protect the public.

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22) Student Name: Matthew Pumfrey Student Status: Undergraduate E-mail: Mw-pumfrey@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Victoria Livingston Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Neoteny in Felis catus Matthew Pumfrey, Victoria Livingston Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Domestication has a profound effect on the life forms involved. With animals this process is primarily social and behavioral modification, often biological changes occur as well. These changes whether bred for or by accident can make quite drastic morphological changes to an animal (example a 38 kg wolf and a 2 kg Chihuahua). My research is focused on the effects of domestication on the cranial and mandibular structure of Felis catus (the modern domestic house cat). Specifically the process known as neotenization. This is a process associated with domestication characterized by juvenilization, or causing the expression of juvenile traits in adulthood. It is juvenile physical and social traits that allow for domestication to occur. Physical hallmarks of neoteny in mammal are flatter, rounder faces and large eyes. Data gathered includes cranial length & width, mandible length, Nasal length and orbit diameter. Data is gathered from the skeletal remains of Felis catus that show no physical abnormalities. Measurements will also be taken from a wild relative Lynx rufus acting as a control (as their actual ancestor the African wildcat is not easily accessible). This data is of importance in that there has been a limited amount of work in this specific area overall, with most focus on the area of genetics and behavior. This leaves a gap in the knowledge which this project will help to address.

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23) Student Name: Charles R. Ward Jr. Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: cr-ward@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Musser Presentation Type: Poster Status: In progress Measuring gene expression in caterpillar organs in relation to tomato leaves. Charles Ward, Dr. Richard Musser Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University The caterpillar Helicoverpa zea, causes tremendous economic crop damage. This caterpillar is a generalist feeder feeding on a wide range of crops. Our study focuses on the genes altered from feeding on different plant sources. We allowed 6th instar H. zea to feed on a wide range of dietary factors and plants such as tomato, corn and soybean. After 24 hours harvested the caterpillars organs such as midgut, fat body, malpighian tubules, and salivary glands were total RNA purified for gene expression measurement with qPCR. Our initial results show that the caterpillar has compensatory up regulation of digestive and detoxification genes.

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24) Student Name: Andrea Hauk Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: a-hauk@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kenneth McCravy Presentation Type: Poster presentation Project Status: Completed A Survey of Terrestrial Gastropods of the Alice L. Kibbe Life Science Station in West-Central Illinois Andrea Hauk, Stephanie Clark, Kenneth McCravy, Sean Jenkins, Charles Lydeard Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Terrestrial gastropods are vital components in terrestrial ecosystems and are thought to play a key role in litter decomposition and nutrient release in temperate and tropical rainforests. As part of an effort to expand our knowledge of gastropod diversity in West-Central Illinois, a survey of terrestrial gastropods of the Alice L. Kibbe Life Science Station in West-Central Illinois was conducted from April to May 2013. A total of nine different sites were sampled within representative stands of five of the prevalent forest types at the Station. A total of 20 species were found representing 11 families and 17 genera. The Polygyridae were the most diverse family with 7 species. Twelve new records were found for Hancock County. Although this study sheds additional light on the terrestrial gastropod fauna of West-Central Illinois, further surveys are needed to establish baseline data and assess future trends in response to habitat modification and climate change throughout the region.

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25) Student Name: Jeff Woodyatt Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: jp-woodyatt@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Sean Jenkins Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Effects of Prescribed Burning and White-Tailed Deer Browsing on the Structure and Diversity of Woodland Plant Communities of Prairie Glen, Illinois Jeff Woodyatt, Sean Jenkins Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University An experimental approach to examine the effects of white-tail deer browsing and prescribed fire on hardwood regeneration and ground flora diversity was carried out by setting up a replicated study of twenty 100 m2 deer exclosure plots and twenty 100 m2 control plots (those not protected from deer) in both burned (Spring of 2014) and unburned stands. In 2013, initial pretreatment data was collected and exclosures constructed. Post vegetation surveys collected in the summer of 2014 have revealed significant effects between pre-burn and post-burned plots. The mean large seedling density (stems/ha) for all woody species combined significantly decreased with burning. Conversely, mean small seedling density for all woody species combined increased significantly with burning. The increase in of individuals in the small seedling class is a result of resprouting from adventitious buds at the root collar of top-killed individuals. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in the density of woody ground flora species including common blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) and summer grape (Vitis aestivalls) was also documented. No significant differences in either small/large sapling or seedling densities were observed with deer exclosure treatments. Data from herbaceous vegetation sampling (summer 2013-2014) across all forty plots has identified over 125 vascular ground flora species in more than 40 families. In addition, preliminary herbaceous data suggests an increase in annual herbs and grasses. Vegetative changes will be tracked for a second growing season (summer 2015) in order to study the continued effects of these disturbances on the structure and diversity of woodland plant communities.

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26) Student Name: Ashley Huette Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: aj-huette@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shawn Meagher Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Does Fire Affect Parasitism in Midwestern Mice? Ashley Huette, Shawn Meagher Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Parasites are organisms that obtain nutrients from a host, at the host’s expense. They are ecologically important because they can determine the abundance of their hosts and so they can determine community composition. A major question in parasite ecology is, what environmental factors make some parasites more abundant compared to others? For example, humidity is important to some parasites because they require moist soils in order for their infective eggs or juveniles to persist. One factor that could lower humidity in soil is forest fires. However, despite the potentially important effects of fire on parasite transmission and abundance, there have been few studies on how fires affect parasitism, and to date, there is no clear pattern with respect to the effects of fire on parasitism. My goal is to examine whether fire affects parasite abundance in mice in a new habitat, Midwestern oak forest, to test for a general pattern as to whether or not parasite abundance increases or decreases after a forest fire. Mice will be captured at Kibbe Life Science Station using traps set in paired forest plots that are either burned or unburned. Mice will be euthanized and dissected for external and internal parasites. Parasites will be preserved and later identified. Generalized linear models will be used to determine if mice size, sex, or forest fire affect parasitism in the Midwestern mice.

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27) Student Name: Sangya Paudyal Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: s-paudyal@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Project Status: In progress Identification of Novel Mycoviruses in the Phytopathogenic Fungi Fusarium Sangya Paudyal, Andrea Porras-Alfaro and Catherine Miller-Hunt Department of Biology, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Il. Fusarium, well-known mycotoxin producers, act as opportunistic human and animal pathogen. Found worldwide in all climate zones, soil, plant or plant debris, Fusarium species are phytopathogenic causing diseases like vascular wilt, head and seed blights, stem rots, root and crown rot and canker disease in a wide range of host plants. Of the 101 most economically important disease of crop plants, the American Phytopathological Society attributes at least 81 to Fusarium species. Various double-stranded RNA viruses have been successfully isolated from F. poae and F. solani. A 7.5kb dsRNA virus DK21 isolated from F. graminearum and three mycoviruses from F. oxysporum have been associated with altered fungal morphology and hypovirulence. FgV1 (Fusarium graminaerum virus 1) was the first Fusarium mycovirus associated with a decrease in fungal pathogenicity as well as morphological changes like reduced mycelial growth. Large dsRNA mycoviruses appear to be common in Fusarium species, and are associated with hypovirulence of the fungus associated with soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS). With the increasing concern of resistance to fungicides and potential environmental pollution and food safety issues, alternative methods for fungal control are being sought. Biological control of fungi using mycoviruses that cause fungal hypovirulence represents a safe and effective biocidal method for control of phytopathogens. My objective is to screen and identify novel mycoviruses present in Fusarium samples taken from local soybean crops experiencing SDS. Identification of new mycoviruses will provide more insight into the world of mycoviruses, and may help identify novel mycoviruses specific to west-central Illinois crops.

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28) Student Name: Sarah Wilcer Student Status: Undergraduate Student E-mail: sr-wilcer@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Timothy Spier Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: Completed Invasive Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Population Dynamics in Spring Lake Sarah Wilcer, Timothy Spier Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp) is a widespread invasive species. These fish are detrimental to local ecosystems, not necessarily because they out-compete native species, but because Common Carp have a negative impact on the environments they inhabit. The influence of the Common Carp population in Spring Lake is important not only because the lake is a popular recreation area, but also because it is the fresh water reservoir for the city of Macomb. The degraded water quality caused by Common Carp has the potential to increase the cost of water treatment for Macomb’s residents and reduce the aesthetic quality of the lake. Little is known about the Common Carp in Spring Lake and in this study, we compiled the basic demographic information needed in order to properly manage this population. We collected data on the population size, sex ratio, age distribution, mortality, growth rates, and spawning information of Common Carp in Spring Lake. We captured fish by electrofishing and marked each with a unique tag so that individuals within the population could be followed throughout the study. We kept a subsample of fifty fish for aging. Our results are the necessary first step in establishing the extent of the Common Carp problem in Spring Lake. In addition to collecting demographic information, we also compared our data to historical records. After looking at all of these factors, we considered different management strategies that could potentially be used in Spring Lake for Common Carp.

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29) Student Name: Paris Hamm Student Status: Undergraduate Student Email: ps-hamm@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Evaluation of Actinobacteria against Pseudogymnoascus destructans Paris Hamm1, Nichole A. Caimi2, Diana E. Northup2, Ernest Valdez3, Debbie C. Buecher4, Andrea Porras-Alfaro1

Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 614551; Department of Biology, Biology MSC03 2020 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 871312; U. S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Department of Biology MSC03 2020, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 871313; Buecher Biological Consulting, 7050 E. Katchina Court, Tucson, AZ 857154 White-nose syndrome is a fungal infection in bats that has spread across the East, starting in New York in the winter of 2006-2007, killing millions of hibernating bats. This bat infection is caused by the psychrophilic (cold-loving) fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Fungal and bacterial surveys have been conducted to explore bats’ natural microbial communities as the first line of defense against pathogens. Actinobacteria, one of the major groups found on the bats, are a group of bacteria commonly found in the soil and in caves. Many within the actinobacterial genus Streptomyces are of great importance because they are known to produce enzymes that can degrade fungal cell walls or produce secondary metabolites with antifungal activity. The objective of this project was to identify potential bacterial biocontrol agents to control P. destructans. Bacteria colonizing bat fur and membranes were isolated from eleven species of healthy bats from New Mexico and Arizona providing approximately 1000 isolates. We have tested approximately 400 bacterial isolates using a bi-layer media method and at least 10 isolates show antifungal activity against P. destructans. Five of the isolates with antifungal activity against P. destructans were sequenced and identified as Streptomyces spp. Additional tests will be conducted to optimize and characterize antifungal production against P. destructans. USGS: This information is preliminary and is subject to revision.

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30) Student Name: Eric Smith Student Status: Graduate Student E-mail: ej-smith@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Chris Jacques Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Effects of Agricultural Tillage and Crop Rotation on Nesting, Survival, and Habitat Use of Upland Sandpipers in Illinois Eric J. Smith*, Christopher N. Jacques*, Sean E. Jenkins*, Heath M. Hagy**, and Stan McTaggert*** * Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University ** Illinois Natural History Survey, Forbes Biological Station *** Illinois Department of Natural Resources The upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) is a migratory shorebird that breeds primarily in the grasslands and prairies of North America. Loss of habitat due to cultivation has contributed to declines in upland sandpiper populations across their range. Upland sandpipers are a species of conservation concern in ≥22 states and provinces in North America, and a species in greatest need of conservation under the Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy. Current management of upland sandpipers in Illinois relies on data from studies in the core breeding range, which may not be applicable to population demography of the species at the eastern edge of its range. Despite loss of habitat to agriculture, anecdotal field observations over the past 10-15 years indicate that upland sandpipers are using agricultural lands in Illinois. Use of agricultural lands suggests that upland sandpipers may be adapting to select for alternative habitats for nesting and brood rearing. Increased understanding of upland sandpiper population demographics are critical for developing effective conservation actions to address the particular needs of the species throughout Illinois so that populations can be stabilized and potentially recovered. We will use radio-telemetry to investigate potential effects of various tillage intensities and crop rotation practices on nesting ecology, survival, and habitat use of upland sandpipers in Illinois. We will evaluate the effects of crop rotation on site fidelity between nesting seasons, as well as seasonal home range use. Our study will provide demographic and life history information for upland sandpipers in Illinois that is currently unknown.

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31) Student Name: Jay VonBank Student Status: Graduate E-mail: ja-vonbank@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sean Jenkins Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress An Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Plants in the Illinois River: Water Hyacinth Surveillance, Mapping, Persistence, and Potential Seed Dispersal Vectors. Jay A. VonBank, Andrew F. Casper, Heath M. Hagy, Aaron P. Yetter Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois River Biological Station and Forbes Biological Station Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Havana, IL, 62644 Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is becoming a re-occurring problem in the Illinois River – Chicago Areas Waterway System (CAWS), but the current extent and potential for future intensification are largely unknown in this system. Because water hyacinth has the potential to substantially degrade aquatic and wetland resources wherever it becomes established, proactive management and prevention are the best methods of control. Risk assessment, surveillance, and control of aquatic invasive plants like water hyacinth relies on a firm understanding of the factors controlling its establishment and dispersal. In the summer and fall of 2013, we conducted aerial surveillance, ground surveillance, seed bank and vector sampling to lay the foundation for an effective surveillance and control program of water hyacinth. We collected sediment core samples from water hyacinth beds and random locations in the upper Illinois River area to investigate the potential for water hyacinth seed to be present and/or viable in the seed bank. We found water hyacinth seed to be present in 100% of sediment core samples taken from beneath water hyacinth beds (13), and present in 40% of sediment core samples taken from random locations throughout the Dresden reach of the Illinois/Des Plaines Rivers. We found 14 distinct water hyacinth beds in the Illinois/Des Plaines/Du Page Rivers in 2014, as compared to 1 bed in these locations in 2013. Water hyacinth beds covered a minimum area of 184 m² in 2014 as compared to 480 m² in 2013, but were much more spatially dispersed. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio; n = 66) were collected in fall 2013/spring 2014 to assess water hyacinth seed occurrence in digestive matter. We collected carp from directly beneath water hyacinth beds (n = 10), and at random locations throughout the Dresden reach (n = 56). We estimated water hyacinth seed/seed evidence to be present in 60% of carp collected from water hyacinth beds, 19.6% of carp collected from elsewhere in the river, and in 25.8% of total carp collected. We will continue surveillance in 2015 and evaluate an aerial survey technique for detection of water hyacinth beds, continued occurrence in diets of fishes and free-floating in the water column, and test viability of seeds recovered from core samples to ensure accurate identification.

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32) Student Name: Teresa Sartore Student Status: Graduate Student Email: te-sartore@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Scott Holt Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: Work In progress The Effects of Cell-Wall Based Treatments on Leuconostoc citreum to Increase Transformation Efficiency. Teresa E. Sartore, Joseph Lucas, Dr. Scott Holt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Leuconostoc citreum can synthesize a variety of α-glucan exopolymers and polymer-derivatives from agricultural residues such as sucrose that are both widely available and inexpensive to obtain. The chemical properties of the α-glucans and their derivatives instill these carbohydrates with properties that make them useful to improve many current and future applications in the field of biotechnology. L. citreum, however, has been found to be resistant to electrotransformation since published protocols result in low transformation frequencies; possibly due to a thick peptidoglycan cell wall. The goal of this study was to improve the electrotransformation frequency in L. citreum by optimizing plasmid vector concentration and using treatments that weaken and permeabilize the cell wall to allow for enhanced transfer of genetic material into the host cell. Using a standard protocol, L. citreum was electrotransformed using varying concentrations of pGK12 and transformants were selected on MRS-chloramphenicol agar; which was then repeated in triplicate. In general, the transformation efficiency improved as less plasmid DNA was used decreasing from 1.0µg to 0.1µg. The treatments that were used to enhance the permeability of the cell wall were glycine, penicillin, and lysozyme. Each of these treatments were tested in varying concentrations. After treating the L. citreum cells, they were then electrotransformed with pGK12 (0.25-0.1µg). Statistically significant increases in electrotransformation frequencies were obtained when L. citreum was treated with optimal concentrations of glycine, penicillin, or lysozyme when compared to the control (no treatments). These results were repeatable with two L. citreum strains.

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33) Student Name: Mariah Maiman Student Status: Undergraduate Student E-mail: ml-maiman@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Jeffrey Engel Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Project Status: In Progress Characterizing an Abnormal Action Potential Pattern in Ion-Channel-Mutant Drosophila. Mariah L. Maiman, Jeffrey E. Engel Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Repetitive activities such as flight are organized by neural networks called central pattern generators, and the patterns of action potentials they produce is thought to be influenced by membrane ion channels that alter electrical signals in neurons. It’s known that in Drosophila melanogaster with mutations of certain potassium channels, the motor neurons for flight exhibit an abnormal pattern of action potentials (distinct from the flight pattern) when the animal is not flying. This will let us examine how ion channels shape and alter the output of a central pattern generator. I am using flies from a strain with two potassium channel mutations, eag1and Sh120. I am recording action potentials from the flight muscles because their action potentials faithfully follow the action potentials of the motor neurons without the difficulty of recording directly from the neurons. The patterns created during these recordings will be analyzed to determine if the action potentials being sent to the muscles are being generated by one central pattern generator or multiple pattern generators and whether the pattern generator for normal flight is involved. This knowledge will allow us a greater understanding of the neural pathways within the Drosophila melanogaster. Following the retrievals the flies will be immersed in methyl blue to stain the electrode impalement sites and dissected to confirm the identities of the muscles recorded from.

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34) Student Name: Brittany Havener Student Status: Undergraduate E-mail: bl-havener@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Dissecting the Signaling Pathways Associated with WT-MV/SLAM-Mediated Binding and Entry in Human Antigen Presenting Cells Brittany Havener, Catherine Miller-Hunt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Measles Virus (MV) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease. MV was attributed to 164,000 deaths in 2008 alone. MV is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person inhales the moisture droplets. MV then binds with its receptor, the SLAMF1 molecule, and enters human antigen presenting cells (APCs). Many medically important viruses, such as HIV and Ebolavirus , are known to induce host cell signaling upon receptor binding. These signaling pathways facilitate entry and allow the virus to replicate efficiently. Very little is known about the signaling induced when MV binds to its receptor during infection. Our hypothesis is that one or more proteins known to be associated with SLAMF1 signaling are necessary for MV entry into APCs. We first tested an inhibitor of the Src family of kinases. Preliminary data suggests that inhibition of Src kinases reduces the ability of MV to form syncitia in VHS cells that express SLAMF1. We are now using inhibitors to target other known SLAMF1 signaling molecules. In addition to Src, we will also target AMPK and ERK signaling molecules. Once we have collected data with MV pseudovirions, we will apply the inhibitors to APCs and then infect wild-type MV. If our hypothesis is correct, the inhibition of these proteins will also inhibit wild-type MV entry in APCs. These data will be useful in understanding the basic properties associated with MV entry in human immune cells. Additionally, our data could lead to the development of future therapeutics targeted against MV.

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35) Student Name: Chelsea Townsend Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: cm-townsend@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Victoria Livingston Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In-progress Proper Conservation Methods and Bone Analysis of Osteology Models. Chelsea M. Townsend, Victoria Livingston Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University My research aims to compare and contrast the health of bones affected by the articulation processes carried out on specimen as well as different reconstructive methods effectiveness. I will be focusing on two otters: an older bone model and a newer specimen. The older otter will have to cleaned and disarticulated again before the bones may be strengthened with a resin (B72). An experiment will have to be performed prior to identify the glue used in various areas of the model. This will help in figuring out a safe way to dissolve the entire adhesive away to effectively clean. It is not clear if this older model will survive this, but I hope to examine the bone as well as reconstruct certain areas. My hypothesis to be tested here is if Aves Apoxie sculpt will be the best medium to replace bone. And if not, what is? I will construct the newer model bone model. By doing this, I will practice skinning, learn gutting, and disarticulate the bones before learning how to clean “greasy” bones. A bone from here will then be examined for comparison on strength, porosity, and other qualities. Then the newer otter bones will be articulated. Through this process, I hope to understand how to make healthier and sturdier models, reinforce my knowledge on dissection skills, and understand how what we can do may affect bone. Lastly, I wish to declare the best substitute for bone from my material and which is more believable. This, along with the application of the resin, will help upkeep the various models in Waggoner hall as well as allow newer models to have longevity. At the end of my research I wish to donate the new model as well as the books to the Biological Science department. More specially, the Functional Morphology and Evolutionary Anatomy minor in order to help with larger dissections and future repairs of models.

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36) Student Name: Andrew J. Englund Student Status: Graduate Student E-mail: aj-englund@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Richard O. Musser Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Investigating the Interactome of Helicoverpa zea on Zea mays Andrew J. Englund, Richard O. Musser Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University This experiment was designed to examine the interactome of Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm) with Zea mays (maize). In order to study these interactions, maize was fed on by the corn earworm for 24 hours. This experiment could lead to further understanding of the feeding patterns of the corn earworm and potentially lead to development of an effective pesticide. The experiment was set up with having three treatments with the maize: 1) a non-wounded control plant (not fed on by caterpillars), 2) a plant fed on by mock-ablated caterpillars (caterpillars that have undergone surgery but have intact salivary glands), and 3) a plant fed on by ablated caterpillars (caterpillars that have undergone surgery and have had their salivary glands removed). There were three treatments for the corn earworm: 1) control fed on artificial corn diet, 2) ablated (salivary glands removed), 3) mock (salivary glands intact). Following the feeding, the leaves of the plant were removed and the tissue was prepared for RNA purification. The caterpillars were also prepared for RNA purification. Following the RNA purification, cDNA was synthesized to be used in quantitative-Real-Time-PCR (qRT-PCR) gene analysis. Both the caterpillar and maize tissue were analyzed by qRT-PCR in order to determine which genes were altered both as a result of the feeding and as a result of the surgery. The primary genes of interest for the maize were various defensive genes, both of the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways. The primary genes of interest for the caterpillars were various digestive genes. The relative gene fold expression has been analyzed using the delta-delta CT method.

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37) Student Name: Lindsey Poore Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: lm-poore@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Ken McCravy Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Nematode Parasitism of Orthopterans in Relation to Grassland Age and Host Species Lindsey M. Poore, Kenneth W. McCravy Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University The goal of this study is to examine parasitism rates of orthopterans (grasshoppers, katydids, and crickets) by parasitic roundworms in restored grasslands of varying ages. I will be investigating potential effects of grassland age and host species on the parasitism rates of orthopterans and the species composition of the parasitic roundworms. Orthopterans are important grassland herbivores and therefore affect plant diversity. They are in turn consumed by many other animals that depend on them for survival. If a significant proportion of these orthopterans are being parasitized it could drastically change the grassland habitat. If certain species of orthopterans have high infection rates or are parasitized by particularly deadly parasite species, this could affect orthopteran species composition. This study was done at Nachusa Grasslands, a Nature Conservancy-owned grassland restoration preserve near Dixon, Illinois. From February through May 2015 I have been dissecting orthopterans and identifying host species and species of the parasitic roundworm. The orthopterans have been dissected, worms have been counted and I will be identifying them, and the species of orthopterans have been cataloged. I have also kept track of prairie plot and age in which the orthopterans were caught. I have dissected 2,617 orthopterans and out of those, 203 have been infected with the parasitic nematode. Abundance of parasites per host in relation to grassland age will be analyzed using regression analysis. Abundance of parasites per host in relation to host species will be analyzed using analysis of variance. Diversity of parasites in relation to grassland age and host species will be analyzed using analysis of similarity, which compares species composition of two or more groups.

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38) Student Name: Daccu Sonubi-ishaq Bamidele Student Status: Graduate Student Email: DB-Sonubi-ishaq@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Sue Hum-Musser Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress The Effect of Pseudomonas flouresence and Pseudomonas putida on corn and tomato seeds and Root Colonization Daccu Sonubi-ishaq .B. Sue Hum-Musser Biological sciences department, Western Illinois University Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a diverse group of microorganisms that are increasingly appreciated for their contributions to primary productivity through promotion of growth and triggering of induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants (B.R. Glick, C.L. Patten, et, al.1999). In this research we focus on the beneficial effects of two particular species of PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida) on plants through induced plant defense. Recent developments have enabled screenings of P. fluorescens genomes for defense traits and this could help with selection of strains with likely positive interactions on biocontrol. P. fluorescens is mostly known as a root colonizer. We are to access how the bacteria in use as the biofertilizers will enhance the growth of corn seeds and Tomato seeds by doing so the corn seeds and tomato seeds will individually be inoculated in a Petri dish and will carefully be observed with time to see how it grows and also to see the difference in the growth dispersion and growth length of the plant cultured with the inoculant and that which is going to be placed as the control. The germination of the seeds and the roots will be measured and noted down, it will be transferred into a fertilized soil in a pot, in which will be observed and recorded with each day progress. The plants will then further be subjected to RNA isolation and extraction, extraction of cDNA from RNA, and Quantitative PCR for further explanation on how the genes are turned on and off, how the plants genomes respond to the bacteria and also how bacteria influences plant growth in the stage of defensins from other pathogenic microorganisms. The use of PGBP as a major component in agricultural practices is a technology which has come into time. These bacteria are already used in lots of countries and have been successfully used to work wonders on the plant and crops and this practice is expected to grow. However the widespread use of PGBP will necessitate that a number of issues be addressed, secondly it will be good to educate the public about the use of PGBP in agricultural practices in a large scale.

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39) Student Name: Shane Mason Student Status: Undergraduate E-mail: srm118@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Shawn Meagher Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Anatomical Analysis of White Grub (Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi) From Four Fish Hosts Shane Mason, Shawn Meagher Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University A major problem in evolutionary biology is to determine what factors cause anatomical variation among closely related populations. White grub (Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi) is a parasitic flatworm (fluke) that spends the majority of its life cycle encysted within the livers of many species of fishes from the family Centrarchidae. As for many parasites, problems arise when trying to understand species diversity of white grub in different hosts. First, anatomically similar, but genetically distinct lineages may exist (cryptic species). Second, anatomical variation may exist in genetically similar parasites living in different hosts (phenotypic plasticity). Spring Lake, McDonough County, IL, provides a unique opportunity to study the causes of anatomical variability of parasites from multiple hosts in a single habitat. I examined the anatomy of white grub collected from four host species: bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), green sunfish [L. cyanellus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Specimens were manually excised using fine forceps, preserved in ethanol, stained, and mounted on slides. Eighteen linear measurements were made on microscopic digital images of specimens. Multivariate ANOVA revealed a significant difference in the measurements of worms from different hosts (Wilks’ Lamda = 0.168, F = 2.45, df = 3, P <0.001). Many measures were significantly correlated, suggesting that worms from different hosts differ primarily in size, with the rank order of worms being L.m. > M.s. > P.a. > L. c. Further analyses are required to determine if these anatomical differences are due to genetic or environmental causes.

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40) Student Name: Eli Lampo Student Status: Graduate Student E-mail: Egl102@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: James T. Lamer Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Project Status: In progress A Comparison of Fish Communities in contiguous backwater and vegetated, impounded areas of Pool 19, Upper Mississippi River Eli G. Lampo, James T. Lamer Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University The construction of Lock and Dam 19 in 1913 has impounded over 20 miles of sediment and created a unique macrophyte dominated main channel ecosystem in Pool 19, Upper Mississippi River. The role of these habitats as rookery and recruitment areas has not been investigated. The objectives of our study are to compare fish community structure, community composition, and size structure between contiguous backwaters and vegetated impounded areas located in Pool 19.. We sampled 180 randomly stratified sites between backwater and impounded vegetated habitats over a duration of 4, 6-week time periods from May 19th- Oct 31st 2014. We fished paired sets of tandem fyke nets (1/4 in. diameter mesh) and tandem mini fyke nets (1/8 in. diameter mesh) standardized to LTRMP specifications in both habitats. Vegetation sampling and water quality sampling were conducted using LTRMP protocols. Data analysis is not complete but we expect to see that native fish are using the heavily vegetated areas as important rookery and foraging areas. The results from this project will help determine how fishes in Pool 19 use these different habitat types. These results can help guide management strategies in the future.

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41) Student Name: Eliese Potocek Student Status: Undergraduate Student Student Email: E-potocek@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In-progress Potential use of Trichoderma koningiopsis in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils Eliese Potocek, Terry Torres-Cruz, Andrea Porras-Alfaro Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Soil pollution caused by heavy metals as a result of technological waste is a threat to the environment and human health. Trichoderma, a common fungus in the soil has shown potential to be used for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. This genus can promote plant growth and is resistant to several heavy metals but very few species have been tested. The objectives of this study are: 1) to determine the tolerance index of T. koningiopsis to different concentrations of Ni and 2) determine the potential of this fungus to increase plant germination in a substrate contaminated with different concentrations of Ni. Identification of the fungus was done using ITS rDNA. The fungus was grown at 25°C for 4 to 6 days on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) media with different Ni concentrations ranging from 100-500ppm to determine the tolerance index. Seeds were surface sterilized to prevent interference of other microbes, and plated on MEA media inoculated with fungus and different concentrations of Ni. A control without fungus was established, as was a control that contained neither fungus nor metal. Trichoderma showed similar growth rates from 100-400 ppm with a dramatic reduction of growth at 500ppm. Germination experiments are currently being conducted to determine if Trichoderma could be used as an aid to improve plant growth in the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals.

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42) Student Name: Shanna E David Student Status: Graduate Student Email: SE-David@wiu.edu Faculty Adviser: Dr. Susan Romano Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Habitat Preferences of Natal Den Location for the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Shanna E David1, Susan Romano2 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL; 2Departments of Biological Sciences and Geography Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) was once abundant throughout the Midwest. However, due to over-hunting, trapping, and habitat degradation, river otter populations plummeted. Recently, re-population efforts have brought the river otter back with some success. The purpose of this research is to identify whether river otters have preferences for choosing natal den locations regarding distance from waterways, distance to other dens, floodplain elevation, or specific vegetation that may provide protection from predators. This research will take place at Spring Lake, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Savanna, Illinois, where a small river otter population has been documented. Locations of river otter dens will be determined by tracking and scouting throughout the site. Using a handheld GPS unit, the locations will be inserted into GIS software to extract land elevation from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). GIS will also be used to determine distances from den locations to waterways. Vegetative cover and type surrounding the den will be sampled within a 5 meter radius. Principle Component Analysis will be used to determine if river otter prefer locations near water bodies, other dens, and elevation. Vegetation surrounding dens will be tested for similarity using non-metric multidimensional scaling. These analyses will indicate if river otter have habitat preferences when choosing den location which will aid future management of this species, and enable further re-establishment of the river otter in the Upper Mississippi River System.

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43) Student Name: Payal A. Shah Student status: Graduate Student E-mail: p-shah@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Susan Romano Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress The Impact of Beaver Herbivory on Late Successional Floodplain Forest Communities at Upper Mississippi River (Pool 13) Payal A. Shah1, Susan Romano2 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL, 2Departments of Biological Sciences and Geography, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL Floodplain forests of the Upper Mississippi River System are predominately composed of silver maple. Disturbances such as flooding, tree disease, and animal activities, modify expected species composition by removing trees and altering forest structure. Beavers (Castor canadensis) are biological community architects that cause changes in floodplain forests by mechanical means such as removal or girdling of trees, or building dams with harvested saplings to produce ponded areas. The objective of this research is to determine the disturbance effect of beaver herbivory on forest structure and diversity of the floodplain forest along the Upper Mississippi River. This study will identify the current composition of canopy trees within a floodplain forest, and beaver herbivory selection for tree species, tree diameter, and spatial distribution. We hypothesize that canopy species diversity, and tree density will significantly differ from beaver in affected and non-affected areas. Beaver population density will be estimated using occupancy modeling, MARK software and motion-activated cameras. Tree location will be collected using a Garmin GPS unit, and will be used to illustrate the spatial distribution of herbivory. Tree diameter data will be collected using DBH tape. Differences between the Shannon Diversity of canopy trees without beaver herbivory and those with herbivory will be tested using a t-test, SAS software, and tree community differences will be analyzed using ordination, non-metric multidimensional scaling. We expect that beaver will significantly alter species composition in the mature floodplain forest and will provide increased diversity of forest structure through canopy openings.

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44) Student Name: Gina Meier Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: gm-meier@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Meshack Afitlhile Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress The Effect of Elevated Levels of Ozone on the Accumulation of Lipids In a Mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana That Is Defective In a Major Chloroplast Receptor Gina Meier, Tracy Gongora, Meshack Afitlhile Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Ground level ozone can have harmful effects on vegetation because it forms reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell cytoplasm. The endogenous containment system of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and ozone-induced proteins provide a buffering system to counteract ROS. However, if plants are unable to effectively scavenge ROS, a gene that encodes ACC oxidase is stimulated, which leads to ethylene-induced programmed cell death and necrotic tissue. Under these conditions, PUFAs break down to produce malondialdehyde (MDA). Since MDA is formed in the stroma, this suggests that chloroplast lipids enriched in PUFAs are a source of MDA. Preliminary results show increased levels of MDA and necrotic tissues after Arabidopsis thaliana is exposed to ozone. Gene expression studies and lipid levels are expected to show stimulation of the ACC oxidase gene and decreased levels of choloroplast lipids. Thus, elevated levels of ROS are likely to stimulate a chloroplast-to-nuclear signal resulting in repression of genes that encode lipid synthesizing enzymes and fatty acid desaturases.

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45) Student Name: Hannah Smith Student Status: Undergraduate Student E-mail: hrs105@wiu.edu Advisor: Dr. Catherine Miller-Hunt Presentation type: Poster presentation Project Status: In progress Ebola Virus Induction of Autophagy in Mammalian Cells Hannah, R Smith and Catherine Miller-Hunt Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Ebola virus (EBOV) is a deadly pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans and non-human primates. EBOV is spread by direct contact with bodily fluids including blood and saliva. EBOV entry into permissive cells is facilitated by viral glycoproteins (GPs). EBOV-GPs are found on the surface of the virus, and allow viral binding to receptor protein(s) on the host-cell surface. To safely study EBOV entry events, a pseudovirion system is used. This system uses vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a cattle virus as a surrogate virus. The VSV surrogate virus does not express its own GP and is therefore replication defective. Because both VSV and EBOV exit a host cell by budding from the host cell plasma membrane, expression of the EBOV-GP in a cell that is also infected with the VSV surrogate virus will create a VSV virion that has the EBOV-GP on its surface (VSV-EBOV-GP). This chimeric virus can be used to assess entry events that are mediated by the EBOV-GP. Specifically, we will use the chimeric virus to determine if the EBOV-GP stimulates the cellular process of autophagy. Autophagy is a normal cell process used to discard mis-folded proteins and organelles that have sustained damage. When present autophagic vesicles are easily visible in the cytoplasm of cells by light microscopy. We hypothesize that binding of the EBOV-GP to a host cell stimulates autophagy. We will test this hypothesis by utilizing VSV-EBOV-GP pseudovirions and the “Vero” mammalian cell line. This cell line originated in non-human primates and is permissive to VSV-EBOV-GP infection. If our hypothesis is correct, we should see the development of autophagic vesicles upon VSV-EBOV-GP binding to Vero cells. The triggering of autophagy by the EBOV-GP could represent a new target for future therapeutics.

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46) Student Name: Myelle A Vann Student Status: Undergraduate Student E-mail: m-vann@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Victoria Livingston Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Human Skeletal Bones Restoration and Remodeling Methods Myelle Vann Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Human bones slowly deteriorate over time if not properly maintained. For my study, an elderly man skeleton was donated to the Biology Department in efforts to present in a display case near the Anatomy Physiology labs. This skeleton is fragile, has weak and fractured bones and loss of hyaline cartilage on its ribs. An advanced treatment to restore bones and recreated cartilages to draw together ribs are being researched. Beforehand, the skeleton was assembled with metal wires, springs, steel rods, and screws for articulation and movement. Beginning the process, the bones were dissembled by cutting the wires and removing all metal implements avoiding the carpals, metacarpals, tarsals, metatarsals, and vertebral column. To clean the bones they were soaked in a three percent hydrogen peroxide bath to remove dirt and brighten the color. In addition, the skeletal head was not attached to the vertebral column and needs to be reconstructed. Precaution is taken when handling the bones to prevent further abrasions or brakes. An adhesive bonding glue will be used to articulate bones at the surface of one to another. Few rods and hinges will be used as levers to rotate or assist in skeletal range of mobility. This project will result in a human skeleton to be used as inspiration and education for my understanding and other students as well.

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47) Student Name: Alanna Griffin, Kayleigh R. Diveley Student Status: Graduate student Email: a-griffin2@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Richard O. Musser Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Gene Expression of Soybean Plants Glycine max and Glycine soja in Response to a Primary and Secondary Infection Period by Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) and Southern Bean Mosaic Virus (SBMV) and Virus-Vectored Mexican Bean Beetle’s Feeding Preference Alanna Griffin, Kayleigh R. Diveley and Dr. Richard O. Musser Department of Biological Science, Western Illinois University When cultivated soybean plant, Glycine max come under attack from external forces, either herbivory or disease, the expression of genes changes to induce defensive chemical (or hormonal) pathways unique to the organism attacking it. To observe this unique change, gene expression will be observed after primary and secondary infection periods by which the plants have had time to induce pathways against two viruses: Bean Pod Mosaic Virus and Southern Bean Mosaic Virus which are naturally transmitted to plants by a natural vector, the Mexican bean beetle (MBB). Leaf RNA will be collected to measure gene expression through Microarray analysis and qPCR. To determine the significantly regulated gene expression an ANOVA will be used, followed by a Tukey’s Multiple Comparison test (Post Hoc test) to observe differences among the sample means. We will compare these plant responses to their closest phylogenic relative Glycine soja. There is evidence G. max may be a better equipped crop when it comes to defending itself against these viruses which suggests there may be candidate resistance genes of interest. The virus-vectored MBB (which will be inoculated with BPMV and SBMV) will be observed for its feeding preference between G. soja and G. max to explore the factor of one soybean plant being better equipped to withstand against a virulent herbivore. We are hoping our proposal will lead to novel  mechanisms to protect soybeans from both viruses and the vectoring beetle.  

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48) Student Name: Emma White Student Status: Graduate student E-mail: ej-white@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Ken McCravy Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Native Bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) Diversity and Habitat Associations at Emiquon Preserve Emma White, Ken McCravy Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University With over 95% of northern and central Illinois in agricultural use, the declining populations of native pollinators are forced to find fragmented habitats for survival. The loss of the native pollinators could result in extinction cascades. Determining the native bee species diversity of various habitats may provide support for the conservation of specific locations or the protection of the connectivity between habitats. Bee species diversity and habitat associations will be studied at Emiquon Preserve, a Nature Conservancy-owned site with substantial habitat variation, located along the Illinois River near Havana, Ill. Bee sampling will take place once a month from April through September 2015. Sampling will be done for approximately 24-hour periods once per month using vane traps and 16 oz. plastic bowls (in blue, yellow, and white) filled with a water and detergent mixture (approximately 8oz.) as pan traps. Collected specimens will be identified to species, and native bee species richness for each habitat determined. Bee diversity of each habitat will be measured using Simpson’s index, and species composition will be compared among habitats using the multi-response permutation procedure. Indicator species analysis will be used to quantify the strength of the associations between particular habitats and bee species.

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49) Student Name: Joshua Connor Student Status: Undergraduate E-mail: Jb-connor@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sue Hum-Musser Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In Progress Treatment of Zea mays with a Legume Inoculant Containing Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Josh Connor, Sue Hum-Musser Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Inoculation of legume seeds with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria have resulted in producing yields, on average, with generally better qualities and characteristics, compared with those that are not inoculated. Some rhizobacteria specialize in nitrogen fixation, a useful process in converting inaccessible atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use. Many of the inoculants used are for legume plants and I want to examine the effect of these treatments on non-legume crops, such as corn. Research has shown that these interactions are mutualistic, so it would be beneficial to explore the potential benefit that inoculants can provide amongst many species. The goal of this study is to investigate the response of Zea mays, or corn, when treated with a legume inoculant containing nitrogen fixing bacteria or endophytic fungi in relation to the growth and germination rate of the plant and the resistance that it displays to plant diseases and insect pests. I will examine the ways that resistance is altered or improved based on the expression of plant defense pathways using bioassays, real-time quantitative polymerase reaction and enzyme assays. These assays can inform us on the induction of the various plant defense pathways when exposed to a plant virus or insect pest. Determination of the effect of these inoculants on plant growth and pest resistance is important in identification of natural methods of increasing plant resistance and yield rather than with the continued use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.

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50) Student Name: Tori Worthen Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: tn-worthen@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Shawn Meagher Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress How Many Parasites Are There? A DNA Analysis Of “White Grub” In IL Fishes Tori Worthen, Shawn Meagher Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University In my research, I will examine species diversity in the fluke, “white grub” (Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi), which has been found in the organs of four fish host species that live in Spring Lake, IL, including bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), green sunfish (L. cyanellus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Data suggest that there are substantial size differences among white grub from these hosts. These size differences could be caused by development within the different host species, or reflect the existence of multiple worm species. The purpose of this research is to use DNA analysis to discover how many different genetic lineages of white grub are living within four different fishes in Spring Lake. I will sequence mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI), the barcoding gene for flat worms. The number of white grub species in Spring Lake from different fish hosts will be determined by examining patterns of DNA differences among worms from different hosts. Based on previous studies, I will consider worm individuals whose sequences differ by <1% to be members of the same species, while those that differ by >5% to belong to different species. This will be the first examination of DNA variation of white grub in these hosts, and will reveal if 1, 2, 3, or even 4 species of worms infect these fishes. These results will be important because they may suggest potential control strategies for this parasite.

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51) Student Name: Emily A. Szott Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: ea-szott@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: James T. Lamer Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Quantification Of Daily Otolith Increments In Young Of Year Asian Carp Emily A. Szott, Eli Lampo, James T. Lamer Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University Silver carp and bighead carp are invasive and have become established throughout the Mississippi River Basin. A large body of research and resources have been dedicated to their management. Despite these efforts, information on hydrological spawning triggers and growth of young of year fish is lacking. Here, we use daily incremental growth annuli from sagittal and lapillus otoliths to estimate growth and birth year. We have collected young of year Asian carp from the LaGrange Reach of the Illinois River following a large spawning event in August 2014. Total length (mm) is measured and the lapillus and sagittal otoliths removed from each individual. A 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm piece of caudal fin tissue will be excised for later genetic analysis. Otoliths will be aged from 50 fish per 5 mm length group (15-79 mm). The extracted otoliths will be mounted to slides with cyanoacrylate, polished, photographed, and aged using a compound microscope. The age of juvenile fish will help identify hydrological conditions responsible for spawning and give valuable information on the growth of this poorly studied life history stage. Ultimately, the ability to determine daily growth rates of young of year Asian carp may help mitigate the impacts of these invasive species in the Mississippi River Basin.

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52) Student Name: Aleshia Johannsen Student Status: Undergraduate student E-mail: ag-johannsen@wiu.edu Faculty Advisor: Andrea Porras-Alfaro Presentation Type: Poster Project Status: In progress Diversity and Distribution Analysis of Yeasts in an Arid Grassland Ecosystem in Utah Aleshia Johannsen¹, Maryam Al Matruk¹ Cheryl Kuske², Andrea Porras-Alfaro¹ Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, ² Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM Yeasts are essential components of the environmental and human mycobiome and are responsible for a great proportion of opportunistic fungal infections, yet very little is known about their diversity, ecological roles, and distribution in natural ecosystems. The objective of this study is to culture and identify yeasts present in rhizosphere soil and biological soil crust in an arid grassland ecosystem in Utah. The soil samples were diluted and plated on selective media and incubated at 35°C and 25°C. Pure cultures were isolated on peptone-yeast extract-glucose agar (PYG) and MEA with antibiotics. Most yeast cultures were isolated at 25°C on MEA media. A total of 37 yeasts were isolated and identified using molecular methods. Morphological diversity was high with 6 dominant morphotypes. Yeast cultures were obtained from all soil sample types suggesting a wide distribution of yeasts in the different microenvironments of semiarid ecosystems. Most isolates were obtained from the August 2013 soil (57%) and the least from February and March 2013 (3%). A higher number of yeasts were isolated from the below-lichen soil crust (22%) and the least from the moss crust (3%). Yeast cultures were sequenced for identification using ITS, LSU, and SSU rDNA fungal primers. Analysis of multiple genes is necessary to determine taxonomic classification of yeasts due to the low number of morphological characteristics that can be used for taxonomic studies. Sequences were compared with databases in GenBank, NCBI nucleotide blast, and curated fungal databases such as UNITE. The most common phylum was Ascomycota with Lecythophora/Coniochaeta complex as the most frequent genera. Cryptococcus spp. was also abundant in addition to a variety of other yeasts such as Bulleromyces, Tilletiopsis washingtonensis, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Phylogenetic analyses are being conducted to determined taxonomic placement of the yeast isolates.

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53) Student Name: Lisa Davila and Hannah Helms Student Status: Graduate students Emails: lisadavila2013@gmail.com, hkhelms.7@gmail.com Faculty advisor: Susan Romano Presentation type: Poster Project status: In progress Bat Mortality by Single Standing Wind Turbines in Northwestern Illinois Lisa Davila1, Hannah Helms1, Susan Romano2 1Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL; 2Departments of Biological Sciences and Geography, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, IL Bat species most affected by wind farm development include the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). While factors related to wind turbine bat mortality are still unclear, it has been noted that higher rates of mortality occur during seasonal migrations. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into how wind speed and direction, distance to habitat, and characteristics of the turbine (blade height, speed, and direction) may be associated with bat mortality. This study will be conducted within areas surrounding four single-standing turbines found in Erie, IL, Geneseo, IL, and Sherrard, IL. A circular plot boundary will be flagged at an 80m radius surrounding the turbine. Line transects will be established within this radius at 4m intervals to ensure complete survey coverage of the area. A survey for bat mortality will be conducted twice per week. Bat communities present in the area will be documented using an acoustic detector placed in adjacent habitat once per month. Data for wind speed and wind direction will be collected on site and from the NOAA data website. Surrounding habitat will be categorized and digitized into ArcGIS to determine distance relationships to bat mortality at each wind turbine. This research will take place during both summer and fall seasons to understand mortality variation due to roosting and migration flight behaviors. The expected impact of this research is to define factors that will ultimately alter future installation practices of wind turbines, minimizing bat mortality.

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INDEX Presentation  time-­‐  poster  number   Student  Name   Advisor   Email  

Program  page  

number  

Oral  Presentations  -­‐  Waggoner  378  8:30-­‐8:45am   Noland  R  Deaver     Porras-­‐Alfaro   nr-­‐deaver@wiu.edu   9  

8:45-­‐9  am   Cory  A  Anderson     Lamer  and     Jenkins   ca-­‐anderson2@wiu.edu   10  

9-­‐9:15am   Michele  M  Rehbein   Miller-­‐Hunt   mm-­‐rehbein@wiu.edu   11  

9:15-­‐9:30am   Shiloh  R  Lueschow     Porras-­‐Alfaro   sr-­‐lueschow@wiu.edu   12  

9:30-­‐9:45am   Tad  W  Locher     Lamer   tw-­‐locher@wiu.edu   13  

9:45-­‐10am   Katie  A  Lamagdeleine     McCravy   KA-­‐Lamagdeleine@wiu.edu   14  

10:15-­‐10:30am   Phil  Scheibel   Miller-­‐Hunt   philscheibel@gmail.com   15  

10:30-­‐10:45am   Cedric  Ndinga  Muniania     Porras-­‐Alfaro   c-­‐ndingamuniania@wiu.edu   16  

10:45-­‐11am   Rebekah  L  Haun     Lamer  and     Jenkins   rl-­‐haun@wiu.edu   17  

11-­‐11:15am   Anthony  J  Kloppenborg   S.  Romano   aj-­‐kloppenborg@wiu.edu   18  

11:15-­‐11:30am   Terry  J  Torres  Cruz     Porras-­‐Alfaro   tj-­‐torrescruz@wiu.edu   19  

Graduate  Poster  Presentations  -­‐  Waggoner  2nd  Floor  

Poster  47  Alanna  Griffin  ,  Kayleigh  R  Diveley     Musser  

a-­‐griffin2@wiu.edu,kr-­‐diveley@wiu.edu   55  

Poster  36   Andrew  J  Englund     Musser   aj-­‐englund@wiu.edu   44  

Poster  38   Daccu  B  Sonubi-­‐Ishaq   Hum-­‐Musser   db-­‐sonubi-­‐ishaq@wiu.edu   46  

Poster  40   Eli  G  Lampo   Lamer   eg-­‐lampo@wiu.edu   48  

Poster  48   Emma  J  White     McCravy   ej-­‐white@wiu.edu   56  

Poster  14   Emma  K  Trone     Jacques   ek-­‐trone@wiu.edu   22  

Poster  30   Eric  J  Smith   Jacques   ej-­‐smith@wiu.edu   38  

Poster  19   James  S  Zweep     Jacques   js-­‐zweep@wiu.edu   27  

Poster  31   Jay  A  Vonbank     Jenkins   ja-­‐vonbank@wiu.edu   39  

Poster  25   Jeffery  P  Woodyatt     Jenkins   jp-­‐woodyatt@wiu.edu   33  

Poster  53  Lisa  A  Davila  ,  Hannah  K  Helms   S.  Romano  

la-­‐davila@wiu.edu,hk-­‐helms@wiu.edu   61  

Poster  43   Payal  Shah     S.  Romano   p-­‐shah@wiu.edu   51  

Poster  15   Ruchi  Ojha     Hum-­‐Musser,  Musser   r-­‐ojha@wiu.edu   23  

Poster  12   Samantha  A  Cuthbert   Miller-­‐Hunt   sa-­‐cuthbert@wiu.edu   20  

Poster  27   Sangya  Paudyal     Miller-­‐Hunt   s-­‐paudyal@wiu.edu   35  

Poster  42   Shanna  E  David     S.  Romano   se-­‐david@wiu.edu   50  

Poster  18  Simeon  M  Ogundiran  and  Dung  Nguyen   Hum-­‐Mussser,  Musser  

sm-­‐ogundiran@wiu.edu,lenamtommy@icloud.com   26  

Poster  32   Teresa  E  Sartore     Holt   te-­‐sartore@wiu.edu   40  

Undergraduate  Poster  Presentations  -­‐  Waggoner  2nd  Floor  Poster  26     Ashley  J  Huette     Meagher   aj-­‐huette@wiu.edu   34  

Poster  52   Aleshia  G  Johannsen     Porras-­‐Alfaro   ag-­‐johannsen@wiu.edu   60  

Poster  24   Andrea  Hauk   McCravy   a-­‐hauk@wiu.edu   32  

Poster  34   Brittany  L  Havener     Miller-­‐Hunt   bl-­‐havener@wiu.edu   42  

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Poster  23   Charles  R  Ward     Musser   cr-­‐ward@wiu.edu   31  

Poster  35   Chelsea  M  Townsend   Livingston     cm-­‐townsend@wiu.edu   43  

Poster  41   Eliese  Potocek     Porras-­‐Alfaro   e-­‐potocek@wiu.edu   49  

Poster  51   Emily  A  Szott     Lamer   ea-­‐szott@wiu.edu   59  

Poster  17   Eric  R  Haaksma   McCravy   er-­‐haaksma@wiu.edu   25  

Poster  20   Georgia  O  Dozard     Meagher   GO-­‐Dozard@wiu.edu   28  

Poster  44   Gina  M  Meier   Afitlhile   gm-­‐meier@wiu.edu   52  

Poster  45   Hannah  R  Smith     Miller-­‐Hunt   hr-­‐smith@wiu.edu   53  

Poster  49   Josh  B  Connor   Hum-­‐Musser   jb-­‐connor@wiu.edu   57  

Poster  37   Lindsey  M  Poore     McCravy   lm-­‐poore@wiu.edu   45  

Poster  16   Malaney  M  Abel     Miller-­‐Hunt   mm-­‐abel@wiu.edu   24  

Poster  33   Mariah  L  Maiman   Engel   ml-­‐maiman@wiu.edu   41  

Poster  22   Matthew  W  Pumfrey     Livingston     mw-­‐pumfrey@wiu.edu   30  

Poster  46   Myelle  Vann   Livingston     m-­‐vann@wiu.edu   54  

Poster  29   Paris  S  Hamm     Porras-­‐Alfaro   ps-­‐hamm@wiu.edu   37  

Poster  28   Sarah  R  Wilcer     Spier   sr-­‐wilcer@wiu.edu   36  

Poster  39   Shane  R  Mason     Meagher   sr-­‐mason@wiu.edu   47  

Poster  21   Sophia  Caban   Miller-­‐Hunt   s-­‐caban@wiu.edu   29  

Poster  13   Summer  D  Peila     Livingston     sd-­‐peila@wiu.edu   21  

Poster  50   Tori  N  Worthen     Meagher   tn-­‐worthen@wiu.edu   58