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Alabama A&M University Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Spring 2015 Newsletter
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D R . K E N W A R D A N D D R . R O R Y F R A S E R R E T I R E F R O M T H E D E P A R T M E N T O F B I O L O G I C A L A N D E N V I R O N M E N T A L S C I E N C E S
T H A N K Y O U F O R 3 5 Y E A R S O F C O M B I N E D S E R V I C E T O A A M U !
N E W S L E T T E R D A T E
V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
T H E L E A F L E T
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
S E R V I C E A N D O U T R E A C H “ A L L A B O U T P L A N T S ”
3
B E S F A C U L T Y P A R T N E R I N H B C U B I O L O G Y N E T W O R K
5
S T U D E N T S I N C L A S S O N T H E W A T E R
6
B E S C E N T E R O F E X C E L L E N C E R E N E W A L
9
B E S - C H I N A R E U 1 2
D R . B R U N O L E M K E V I S I T S B E S
1 3
E X O T I C V E G E -T A B L E S F I E L D D A Y
1 3
Dr. Rory Fraser retires from Alabama A&M
S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :
Students Travel to China and Brazil
Student Organizations
Students participate in Internships and Co-Ops
Faculty Awards and Recognitions
BES Scholarship Re-cipients
Dr. Kenneth Elmer Ward
(Ken to his colleagues and friends)
is a native of Huntsville, Alabama.
He attended Sparkman High School
and graduated with a Bachelor’s
and Master’s of Science degree in
Biology (Ecology and Botany;
minor in Chemistry) from the
University of Alabama-Huntsville
(UAH). He pursued his PhD at
Mississippi State University (MSU)
in Entomology with a minor in
Statistics. Ken graduated with
honors from UAH and earned Out-
standing Graduate Student awards
at both UAH and MSU.
He received a postdoctoral
fellowship with the USDA-ARS
(Stoneville, MS) and pursued a
postdoctoral associate position with
USDA-ARS (Gainesville, FL) prior
to coming to Alabama A&M Uni-
versity (AAMU). He was a member
of Beta Beta Beta Biological Socie-
ty, Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi.
Ken has been an active member of
the Society of American Foresters
and the Entomological Society of
America, where he has served in
many capacities on several com-
mittees. As an avid birder and sup-
porter of bird conservation, Ken is
a member of the American Bird-
ing Association. He joined Ala-
bama A&M University in Septem-
ber 1994 as an Assistant Professor
and served as the forest protection
specialist in the four-year profes-
Dr. Rory F. Fraser received his
Bachelor’s of Science degree from
the University of New Brunswick,
Fredericton, NB, and went on to
pursue a Master’s and PhD from
Pennsylvania State University,
University Park, PA. He served
approximately 5 years as a faculty
member at West Virginia Universi-
ty, Morgantown, WV before join-
ing the AAMU family as an Asso-
ciate Professor in 2000. At AAMU,
Dr. Fraser taught courses in Forest
Economics, Environmental Eco-
nomics, and Natural Resources
Policy. As most of his former stu-
dents can attest, Dr. Fraser main-
tained discipline in the classroom,
challenged students to think criti-
cally and produce high quality
work, all while bringing out the
very best in both undergraduate
and graduate students.
Dr. Fraser has made significant
contributions to the advancement of
AAMU’s mission in teaching,
research and outreach/extension.
During 2004 – 2005 he served as
Director of the Center for Forest
Ecosystems Assessment, Interim
Director of the Center for Forestry
and Ecology and Director of the
USDA Center of Excellence in
Forestry at AAMU. Dr. Fraser’s
research interests include outreach
to landowners, participation of
Dr. Ken Ward retires from Alabama A&M
Spring 2015
cont. Pg 7.
cont. Pg 14.
I am very excited to become
part of the Alabama A&M
Bulldogs family. I arrived in
August from East Carolina
University and I have not looked back.
It has become very clear to me that
our faculty are some of the hardest
working and most dedicated profes-
sionals that I have seen. Their com-
mitment to our students is unprece-
dented and I am motivated by their
actions. As you are aware, our newly
formed Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences (BES) con-
sist of two former departments: Biolo-
gy, and Natural Resources and Envi-
ronmental Sciences. The merger of
these departments has placed us in
a very good position within the
College of Agricultural Life and
Natural Sciences at Alabama
A&M. This year, we have one of
the largest freshman classes
entering our Department in many
years, and the growth of our stu-
dent body is unprecedented. We
are in the midst of hiring several
new faculty members and our
offices and laboratories in Carter
Hall and Carver Complex are slat-
ed to undergo major renovations.
The enhancement of our infra-
structure increases our capacity to
train and teach students and to
conduct world-class research. We
are excited about the commitment
from our college and upper Uni-
versity administration to our mis-
sion. As you read this edition of
our newsletter, you will see that
our students and faculty members
have been quite busy over this last
year. Watch us now! We are on a
mission to enhance our academic
excellence and to make a differ-
ence in science and society. It is
an exciting time for AAMU and
the Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences.
T H E C H A I R ’ S C O R N E R
B I O L O G I C A L A N D E N V I R O N M E N T A L S C I E N C E S C H O L A R S @ A A M U : D E M O N S T R A T I N G E X C E L L E N C E A N D S T R E N G T H E N I N G T R A I N I N G I N
tional resources for 10 stu-
dents majoring in environ-
mental and natural resource
sciences. This program
strengthens the capacity and
quality of programs in the
Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences
(BES) through intensive re-
cruitment and retention ef-
forts, the cultivation of aca-
demic competitiveness via
rigorous curricula and extra-
curricular activities, and by
providing experimental learn-
ing opportunities for BES
Scholars through training in
advanced and emerging in-
strumentation techniques per-
formed in biological and
environmental sciences. Our
students receive multidiscipli-
nary training through en-
hanced interactive environ-
mental curricula and applied
research-based experiences
which result in well-rounded
students who are adequately
trained and prepared for the
environmental biology work
force. This project is lead by
Drs. Elica M. Moss, Irenus
Tazisong, Monday Mbila
and Florence Okafor.
Funding: USDA-NIFA
F orecasted demographics
suggest that the U.S.
needs to increase racial/
ethnic diversity in scientific pro-
fessions because its economic
viability depends on a diversi-
fied work-force. Diversity is rare-
ly found among the ranks of sci-
ence disciplines as most
institutions produce few minority
graduates. However, Alabama
A&M University (AAMU) has
been at the forefront of efforts to
train minority students to assume
leadership roles in environmen-
tal, biological and natural re-
source disciplines as evidenced
in the College of Agricultural,
Life, and Natural Sciences,
which has over 90% African-
American student enrollment.
The implementation of the BES
Scholars Program at AAMU,
provides scholarships and educa-
Page 2 T H E L E A F L E T
Dr. Anthony Overton Professor and Chair
BES Scholars @ AAMU:
Kayla Lang-Biology
Keana Smith-Environmental Science
Shynna Dale-Environmental Science
Kellon Banks-Environmental Science
Savoris Ivy-Environmental Science
Jasmine Jenkins-Biology DeMariah Koger-Environmental Science
Alexis Smith-Environmental Science
Dr. Srinivasa Mentreddy and Dr.
Colmore Christian served as
resource persons at two recent Train
-the-Trainers workshops held at
Tuskegee University and in Raleigh,
NC as part of a Southern SARE
funded project. The focus of the
October 18-19, 2014 Tuskegee
workshop, which was coordinated
by Dr. Uma Karki of Tuskegee
University, was on educating train-
ers in Agroforestry Practice in the
Southeastern Region. The Raleigh
workshop held during Novem-
ber 19-21, 2014 was coordinat-
ed by Dr. Joshua Idassi of
North Carolina A&T Universi-
ty and focused on instructing
female trainers in Agroforestry.
The first workshop primarily
targeted extension agents and
outreach professionals. The NC
workshop was designed to
reach active female
landowners/farmers, extension
agents, and outreach profes-
sionals. During both work-
shops, Dr. Mentreddy present-
ed on Forest Farming with
emphasis on Forest Medicinal
Plants, and Dr. Christian pre-
sented two lectures on Riparian
Buffers and Ecosystem Ser-
vices. Field visits and hands-
on exercises helped to reinforce
materials presented through
classroom discussions at these
workshops.
him to the national meeting
which featured a quiz bowl
(Andrew’s team made it to
the semi-final’s this year!),
scientific presentations, a
trade show, summer job
opportunities, and much
more. Andrew was one of
the four students that inter-
A ndrew Lawhorn, Presi-
dent of the AAMU For-
estry Club, won a travel
award to attend this year’s annual
convention of the Society of Amer-
ican Foresters in Salt Lake City for
a week in early October as a diver-
sity ambassador. Four other stu-
dents and Dr. Stone accompanied
viewed and was hired by
the USDA Forest Service
during the trip. Participants
also took time to explore
the forests of nearby moun-
tains and the State capitol
during and after the con-
vention.
B E S F A C U L T Y C O N T R I B U T E T O A G R O F O R E S T R Y T R A I N I N G A N D E D U C A T I O N I N S O U T H E R N U S
S T U D E N T S A T T E N D N A T I O N A L F O R E S T R Y C O N V E N T I O N I N U T A H
S E R V I C E & O U T R E A C H “ A L L A B O U T P L A N T S ”
ing exhibits. They quickly
learned the difference be-
tween dirt (that stuff you
find in the corner of your
house) and soil, the natural
material that nourishes plant
growth and helps to sustain
all forms of life. The chil-
dren got their hands dirty
during this event and planted
their own garden pots with
various special seeds.
Dr. Ernst Cebert led a group of
children from Jack and Jill of
America on a tour of our
departmental greenhouses and led
hands-on activities. Kids ranged in
age from 5 to 10 years old. They
learned all about the various uses
of the Canola and Aloe Vera
Plants. The children also learned
how a greenhouse operates and
functions. Dr. Cebert showed them
our hydroponics and fish garden-
“Start
Here, Go
Anywhere”
Page 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
Participants at the North Carolina & Tuskegee University workshops
Andrew Lawhorn and
fellow classmates in Utah
Dr. Cebert teaching future scientists
M iles Ward is cur-
rently a freshman
from Andalusia Alabama major-
ing in Forestry in the BES De-
partment. He became interested
in Forestry because of his aunt
Deirdre Smith, who is an
AAMU Forestry alum pres-
ently working with the US For-
est Service. Miles participated in
the summer forestry apprentice-
ship program hosted by Ala-
bama A&M. He worked with
faculty members and Ms. Steph-
anie Love of the USDA esti-
mating the diversity of snakes,
turtles, salamanders, and frogs
at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.
He says, “This summer experi-
ence further convinced me that
Forestry was the major for
me.” Miles’ career goal is to
work in forestry fire detail.
Recently, Miles was select-
ed to receive the Historically
Black Colleges and Universi-
ties Scholarship from the Na-
tional Organization of Profes-
sional Black Natural Resources
Conservation Service Employees
(NOPBNRCSE) in the amount of
$1,000. Miles was recognized at
the NOPBNRCSE 2014 Out-
reach & Ag Education Expo that
was held December 6, 2014. The
recognition took place during our
Small Farmers Award Luncheon
on Saturday, December 6th.
the Union Fellows. Nominees
are selected for eminence in
ornithology. Fellows are able
to nominate others for the
status of Fellow or Elective
Member, to hold any elective
office in the AOU, and to
attend the annual Fellows
meeting and dinner, which are
generally held on the first day
of the AOU annual meeting.
D r. Yong Wang
was officially
elected as a
Fellow of the
American Ornithologists' Un-
ion in September 2014 dur-
ing the 32nd Stated Meeting at
the YMCA of the Rockies in
Estes Park, Colorado. At the
time of elections, all nominees
must be Elective Members of
S T U D E N T M I L E S W A R D W I N S $ 1 , 0 0 0 S C H O L A R S H I P
D R . Y O N G W A N G N A M E D A M O N G A M E R I C A N O R N I T H O L O G I S T S F E L L O W S
T H E F O R E S T R Y C L U B P A R T I C I P A T E S I N T H E H O M E C O M I N G P A R A D E
theme, “Believe
It!”, surrounded
by a skirt of red
cedar branches.
The AAMU Student Chapter of the
Society of American Foresters (aka.,
the Forestry Club) designed and built
a float for the downtown parade for
the 12th consecutive year. This year’s
King and Queen, Cory and Latonya
Tucker, participated in the coronation
of Miss AAMU and presided over the
Forestry Homecoming events
including the parade (pictured), BBQ
float-building party, and a tailgate
alumni social during the game. The
float featured the King and Queen on
a decorated staircase with this year’s
W E O F F E R F O U R U N D E R G R A D U A T E D E G R E E P R O G R A M S I N T H E B E S D E P A R T M E N T
Biology
Environmental
Science
Forestry
Plant Biotechnology
Page 4 T H E L E A F L E T
Shynna Dale,
Environmental Science
Major
Miles Ward, Freshman
Forestry Major
Dr. Srinivasa Mentreddy received the National
Education Association travel award from the
HBCU Faculty Development Network to attend
their 21st annual conference in Raleigh, North
Carolina. The conference theme was Scholarly
Teaching, Constructive Learning and Measurable
Outcomes.
Invited speakers presented topics on enhancing
online pedagogy using online tools to teach at
HBCUs, and integrating technology into our
classrooms. Dr. Mentreddy will host a “Lunch
and Learn” professional development session
with the AAMU Education Association col-
leagues in 2015.
M E N T R E D D Y R E C E I V E S T R A V E L A W A R D
C H A M B E R S H A L L
B E S F A C U L T Y P A R T I C I P A T E I N T H E A L A B A M A B I O S C I E N C E S N E T W O R K
students. The founding mem-
bers were given the opportunity
to discuss challenges that were
specific to their home institu-
tions and ways in which the
newly formed Network might
be utilized to meet those chal-
lenges. In the afternoon ses-
sion, guest speakers present-
ed modern approaches to incor-
porate technology into the Biol-
ogy classroom.
The inaugural meeting of the
HBCU-ALBN Network of Biolo-
gists and Life Scientists was held
October 31, 2014 on the campus of
Alabama State University in the
New Life Sciences Building. The
workshop brought together educa-
tors from Historically Black Col-
leges and Universities in the state
of Alabama with the purpose of
elucidating innovative strategies to
make Biology and associated fields
more relevant and interesting to
21st century
Page 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
Drs. Tyesha Farmer and Latasha Reese
B E S S T U D E N T S T R A V E L T O B R A Z I L “Building Global Engagements to Enhance Faculty and Students’ Professional Development and
Career Opportuni es in Agriculture’s Challenge Areas”
Are you an alumnus
and want to give
back to the BES
Department? Call
us at (256)372-
4214. We would
love to hear from
you and reconnect.
Page 6 T H E L E A F L E T
Dr. Andrew Hugine and The First Lady travelled with BES students to Brazil Dr. Zachary Senwo and several
undergraduate students from the Depart-
ment of Biological and Environmental Sci-
ences along with students from Tuskegee
University went on a journey to Brazil this
summer to strengthen their global compe-
tence in food and agricultural sciences.
They were introduced to South American
culture and formed collaborative partner-
ships with institutions in Brazil. Students
were on a mission to build and strengthen
international relationships by embracing
diversity and preparing themselves for a
culturally equal future in agriculture and
related professions. They learned firsthand
about technologies developed by the Bra-
zilian Agricultural Research Corporation
and adopted for Brazil’s agricultural pro-
duction and food security. Students from
the Alabama A&M Department of Biologi-
cal and Environmental Sciences will be
travelling back to Brazil during the summer
of 2015. If you are interested in participat-
ing in this exciting program please contact
Dr. Zachary Senwo (256) 372-4216
B E S – F I S H E R I E S & W I L D L I F E S T U D E N T S O U T O N T H E W A T E R
S tudents in fish
and wildlife
courses took the
opportunity to
sample fish in the Tennes-
see River, the Flint River,
Paint Rock River, Aldridge
Creek, and Brierfork
Creek (on the WTARS
property) this semester
(pictures). Many species
were captured, measured
and (mostly) released in-
cluding some large-mouth
bass Electroshocking, seine
nets, and traditional an-
gling were all used to cap-
ture fish. Additionally, stu-
dents were able to measure
water quality, benthic in-
vertebrates, and mussels.
Students that participated in
the intensive “fish camp”
were also able to observe a
demonstration of an aqua-
culture-aquaponics system
designed and built by
Heather Howell and previ-
ous fisheries students at
AAMU.
D R . K E N W A R D R E T I R E S ( C O N T . F R O M P G . 1 )
Did you know
that we are now
offering a new
Degree program
in Plant
Biotechnology?
Page 7 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
Natural Resource Management, Forest Pro-tection, Forest Pest Management and Insect Biology and Pest Management. He assisted in teaching Ecological Processes, Biometry, Forestry Field Techniques and Forest Recreation. He has skill and special expertise in tree identification, genetic and sibling analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, and carabid beetle identifi-cation. In partnership with Auburn Universi-ty (AU) and USDA-ARS (Stoneville, MS), Ken was involved in the development of biological control methods for large-scale management of imported fire ant (IFA) popu-lations. Ken had a key role in the release of several phorid fly species (popularly called decapitating flies) and inoculation of the microsporidian parasite, Thelohania solenop-sae, in north Alabama and western Mississip-pi for the control of imported fire ants. He served as a member of the eXtension Com-munity of Practice for IFA, an integrated online go-to website for “all things IFA” and one of the model eXtension CoPs nationwide. Ken’s work on honey bees was initiated in response to a request by local beekeepers to evaluate the impact of honey bees on cotton production. In collaboration with USDA-ARS scientist, Dr. Robert Danka, his wife, Dr. Rufina Ward, and several Alabama bee-keepers, Ken evaluated bee stocks for their resistance to Varroa mite, one of the most destructive pests of honey bees.
Ken’s leadership in the initiation and devel-opment of the forestry program and its subse-quent accreditation by SAF and SACS is widely recognized by his peers. With SAF accreditation in 2003, AAMU’s Forestry program is strengthened and its place on the national map secured. Subsequently, Ken successfully led the Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program’s (FEWP) efforts in the 10-year extension of SAF accreditation. As FEWP coordinator, Ken’s other major contri-bution, which stands second only to achiev-ing SAF accreditation, is his leadership and pioneering efforts in the establishment of the
McIntire-Stennis (MS) cooperative research program at AAMU. As the first MS Tech-nical Administrator, he assisted the Dean in negotiating the largest state reallocation of the McIntire-Stennis Grant. Beyond this, his responsibilities included identifying match-ing funds, developing, reviewing and report-ing on proposals, facilitating research pro-jects and coordinating with the National Insti-tute of Food and Agriculture. He also suc-cessfully implemented, administered, coor-dinated and enhanced the Center of Excel-lence (COE) program which serves as the focal point of FEWP. As COE program coor-dinator, he helped in strengthening AAMU’s relationships with the USDA-FS Southern Research Station, Alabama Forestry Com-mission, USDA-FS Alabama National For-ests, Birmingham Water Works Board, and The Nature Conservancy, and supported the establishment of the FireDawgs program, which offers hands-on training in prescribed burning and wildland firefighting.
After 20 years of service as a faculty member at AAMU, including serving as the Coordinator of the Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program for the last seven years, Ken was honored by the USDA Forest Service at the Center of Excellence in Forest-ry meeting in Asheville, NC this past sum-mer. During Homecoming week, several forestry alumni organized a special program in recognition of his contributions toward their professional and personal development. Stephanie Love, Ben Battle, Reginald Ran-dolph, Julian Bergin and others spoke to a large crowd in the ARC auditorium during this special brunch to pay tribute to Ken for his contributions to the program. Faculty and staff honored him with gifts to encourage his hobbies in music, guitar playing, and birding. Ken also immensely enjoys reading and his library includes an eclectic collection of books and magazines on history, music, sports, biography, birds, gardening, and na-turizing. Though retired, Ken plans to remain in Huntsville and actively teach as an adjunct professor at AAMU.
Q & A with Environmental Health Science Student, Antoinette Fowlkes
Comment on some of your success in the BES program.
I am a native of Bir-mingham, AL currently pursuing a B.S degree in Environmental Sci-ence with a concentra-tion in Environmental Health. I have main-tained a 3.6 GPA and received recognition from the President’s List, Dean’s List, Honor Roll and numerous other academic recogni-tions. I stay involved on campus through community service and campus involvement. I recently served as President of the Environmental Science Club, Parliamentarian of the Honors Program, and Historian of the AAMU Student Ambassa-dors. I have had the opportunity to represent Alabama A&M University and the Biological and Environmental Science De-partment as a summer research student at Nanjing Forestry University. I presented my research at the College of Under-graduate Research in Washington D.C. Recently, I took ad-vantage of a two term environmental co-op opportunity with Toyota Manufacturing of Alabama where I served for eight months.
How has the BES Department helped you in your academic pursuits?
The BES department has helped me by giving me the oppor-tunity to shine as a student leader amongst my peers. This de-partment has challenged me to take every opportunity head on and give it my best no matter the situation. The BES depart-ment has helped to prepare me for a career in Environmental Science by ensuring that I have had the proper academic train-ing and professional exposure.
What are some of the benefits of environmental science/environmental health careers?
The benefits of having an environmental science/environmental health career are that you have the opportunity to solve the problems endangering the earth and its inhabitants. You conduct research; interpret findings and present infor-mation to appropriate agencies. You have the opportunity to travel across the world and do field work while interacting with people of various cultures, races, and ethnicities.
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to graduate Alabama A&M University and pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety. Upon receiving my master’s degree I would like to travel the world creating and implementing environmental sustainabil-ity projects that help to improve the lives of many.
U R B A N A U N I V E R S I T Y T R A N S F E R S T U D E N T F E E L S A T H O M E H E R E I N B E S
S T U D E N T V I C T O R I A W O M A C K I N T E R N S W I T H U S D A
Page 8 T H E L E A F L E T
V ictoria Womack, a junior Biology Pre-Professional and Animal Science
Bio-health major, spent her summer as an intern at the USDA Diagnostic Virology Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. She worked closely with researchers and studied the effect of different extraction meth-ods on PCR amplification of Blue-
tongue Virus (BTV) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV). This internship was sponsored through the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Victoria states “it was a wonderful experience that opened my eyes to a different career path in the field of Veterinary Medicine”. She has now gained skills and exposure that will be useful throughout her career. Victo-ria’s mentor was impressed by her ability and laboratory acumen and subse-quently offered her the opportunity to return next summer and possibly work full time after graduation.
D arnell Dunson, originally from
Dayton Ohio, is a transfer student from Urbana University. Darnell was attracted to Alabama A&M because the University ranked seventh in placing African-American scientists into the workforce. He was also attracted to the environmental science program, as few HBCUs offer this major. Darnell prefers Alabama A&M over Urbana University because “Alabama A&M offers more opportunities to go out and explore. It offers many more internship and scholarship opportunities than Urbana University”. Darnell feels that AAMU faculty and staff work for and with the students to help them achieve their goals and he has developed a close working relationship with faculty and staff here. He says that at his former University, he did not have ample interaction with his instructors, even though the school was much smaller. Darnell aspires to one day work for the United States Department of Agriculture. Currently, he works part-time pro-cessing different types of soil samples with Dr. Dedrick Davis, a soil physicist in the BES Department. According to Darnell, “Working closely with research faculty is what I enjoy most about A&M”.
S T U D E N T S : A R E Y O U I N T E R E S T E D I N W O R K I N G I N A N Y O F T H E M A N Y L A B S I N O U R D E P A R T M E N T ? ? ? ?
C O N T A C T Y O U R A D V I S O R F O R A V A I L A B L E O P P O R T U N I T I E S .
S T U D E N T S ’ C O R N E R
T he US-EPA Center of
Excellence in Watershed
Management (CoEWM) at
Alabama A&M University’s
(AAMU) Department of Biological
and Environmental Sciences is
applying for a five year renewal to
continue providing research, edu-
cation, and public outreach in
watershed management to northern
Alabama and beyond. In 2009,
Alabama A&M University was
recognized by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(US EPA) as the first HBCU to
become a designated Center of
Excellence for Watershed Manage-
ment. This is the fifth designated
CoEWM in the southeast and the
second for the state of Alabama.
AAMU’s CoEWM seeks to be the
primary resource and leader to help
local communities identify and solve
watershed based problems with sci-
entifically valid and sustainable
solutions. The CoEWM utilizes a
diverse group of water resources
experts that provide superior re-
search, planning, and educational
outreach to all stakeholders. The
CoEWM provides a unique, high
quality hands-on educational experi-
ence for students of all ages and
backgrounds in all aspects of water-
shed management.
Current research areas include:
watershed management, hydrolo-
gy, water quality (including nutri-
ent, pesticide, and bacterial track-
ing), stream biological assessments,
and freshwater fisheries. Our pro-
jects support integrative research
teams composed of high school
interns, undergraduate and gradu-
ate students, and trained faculty
and staff representing Biology,
Wildlife, Environmental Sciences,
Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), and Engineering fields. We
are able to survey a variety of
aquatic environments from tiny
springs and wetlands, to boating on
the Tennessee River. Our outreach
includes classroom based instruc-
tion, hands-on field training, and
our interactive watershed model,
the Stream Trailer. Complimenting
and enriching our research envi-
ronment is the newly created Geo-
spatial Research and Education
Center (GREC). GREC is funded
through a USDA-NIFA Capacity
Building Grant (Award Number:
2013-38821-21130). Through this
Center, we will continue our tradi-
tion of teaching, research, and
outreach in the areas of GIS, GPS,
remote sensing, and Expert Sys-
tems. GREC utilizes these technol-
ogies to focus on developing edu-
cational applications and
research to improve natural
resource management and
training the next generation
of scientists and managers.
This will be accomplished
by integrating high-tech
computer facilities with
expertise of the faculty and
staff to evaluate complex
problems and provide
solutions for more effective
natural resource
management and teaching
strategies. The Center will
also serve as a multidiscipli-
nary center supporting spatial
education research, and outreach
activities related to the utiliza-
tion of spatial and non-spatial
digital data and tools for manip-
ulation and for the analysis and
storage of these data sets to
provide users with tools to
manage natural and cultural
features of the environment.
A A M U U S - E P A C E N T E R O F E X C E L L E N C E F O R W A T E R S H E D M A N A G E M E N T S E E K S 5 - Y E A R R E N E W A L
Page 9 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
Ms. Stephanie Whitaker, former Envi-ronmental Science graduate student studied hydrology of the Flint River Watershed under the guidance of Dr. Wubishet Tadesse.
Students survey for freshwater fish with a backpack electroshocker.
The Stream Trailer is incredibly popular at public fairs and exhibits.
Dr. Ken Ward– BES Farm Day 2014
A L U M N I C O R N E R
D R . T E R R E L L S . G I B B S , P H . D . , P . E .
Page 10 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
D r. Terrell Gibbs, a native of Huntsville, AL, attended James Oliver Johnson High School where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Upon graduating from high school, Dr. Gibbs attended Alabama A&M University on scholarship where he majored in Environmental Science in the Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences (formerly Plant and Soil Science). After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science in 1997, Dr. Gibbs enrolled at the University of Ala-bama in Huntsville (UAH) to pursue a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. While at UAH, Dr. Gibbs was awarded the Alabama Space Grant Consortium Fellowship. After earning his MSE degree in 2001, Dr. Gibbs went on to work for private industry for 10 years. In 2008, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy de-gree in Management (formerly Applied Management and Decision Sciences) from Walden University. In 2009, Dr. Gibbs obtained his current position as Deputy Director of the Rock-dale County Department of Water Resources in Conyers, GA where he is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the water supply, water treatment, wastewater col-lections, wastewater treatment, and engineering groups. Dr. Gibbs is a registered profession-al engineer in both the State of Georgia and State of Alabama and is a member of Omega Psi Phi, fraternity, Inc. (Alabama A&M - Nu Epsilon Chapter), American Water Works Associa-tion, Georgia Association of Water Professionals, National Society of Black Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers,
Dr. Gibbs credits a large degree of his success to the tutelage he received at Alabama A&M University, specifically within BES. “The nur-turing and family environment along with the expectation of greatness and success fostered by BES faculty members (such as Dr. MacArthur Floyd, Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dr. William Belisle, Dr. Oscar Montgomery, Dr. Zachary Senwo, and Dr. Charles Taylor) help to create in me a spiritual toughness to engage and conquer the numerous social and political obstacles a person of color faces when ascending the academic and professional ranks. Some institutions consider themselves a capstone or pinnacle to one’s academic pursuits. A capstone does not exist without first a cornerstone being placed by which all other stones and appurtenances are supported to include the capstone. Alabama A&M University is that cornerstone. “
The BES Faculty and Staff participated in several recruitment events held on campus and across the state of Alabama in a vigor-ous effort to recruit the best and brightest students to our Depart-ment this year. Recruiting events included:
Presidential Bus Tour (throughout the state of Alabama)
AAMU High School Senior Day
Thomasville College and Career Expo
Perry County Recruitment Fair
White Creek-High School-TN
R E C R U I T I N G A C T I V I T I E S
B E S S T U D E N T O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
STUDENTS
Please
Consider
Joining One of
our Student
Organizations
Page 11 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
2013 REU Participants and Mentors visiting the northern Jiangsu Province, including the poplar tree plantation and industry base at Shiyang County
BES-Student on High School Senior Day
Beta Kappa Chi
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Wiley Henderson [email protected]
Biology Club
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sampson Hopkinson [email protected]
Environmental Science Club
President: Leslie Munroe
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elica M. Moss
FireDawgs
Faculty Advisor: Daryl Lawson
Forestry Club
President: Andrew Lawhorn [email protected]
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kozma Naka, [email protected]
National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences
President: Victoria Womack [email protected]
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Colmore Christian
MAPS Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Florence Okafor [email protected]
Pre-Professional Club
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Jeanette Jones [email protected]
Dr. Tyesha Farmer [email protected]
AAMU Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society
President: Andrew Cantrell, [email protected]
Faculty Advisor: Dr. William Stone [email protected]
B E S S T U D E N T S T R A V E L T O C H I N A
BES Department Hosts a National Science Foundation REU Site In China: Ecological and Environmental Research in Urbanized Landscape Drs. Yong Wang & Elica M. Moss
T he partnership between Alabama
A&M University (AAMU) and
Nanjing Forestry University (NFU)
led to the development of a three-year Re-
search Experiences for Undergraduates
(REU) program in China, funded by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) in
2011. The primary goal of the NSF REU
program is to provide research experiences
to undergraduate students who plan to pur-
sue an advanced degree in the sciences.
Over 50% of the student participants in the
China-REU program are underserved mi-
norities with limited research experi-
ence. In the summer of 2012, twelve stu-
dents from six different institutions across the USA
and five faculty/staff members participated in this pro-
gram. In the second funding year (summer 2013), thir-
teen students and six faculty/staff participated in the
program. In the final funding year (summer of 2014),
eight undergraduate students from seven different
institutions across the U.S. (including AAMU), three
AAMU graduate students, and eight faculty/staff par-
ticipated in the REUG (Research Experiences for Un-
dergraduates and Graduates) program. Altogether, the
China-REU program has hosted 33 undergraduate stu-
dents, seven graduate students, and 19 faculty mem-
bers.
This research training experience provided the students
with much needed hands-on exposure to the environ-
mental sciences and fostered the development of spe-
cialized skills that will make them more competitive in
today’s job market, thereby increasing the diversity of
the STEM workforce. The students participated in
relevant urban ecology research and gained cultural
dexterity through the immersion in Chinese culture.
Research topics included the following: Impact of An-
thropogenic Disturbance on the Avian Communities of
Nanjing, China; Comparison of Nitrification in Poplar
and Metasequoia Plantations; Urbanizing in Nanjing,
China from 1995-2011; Bat Foraging and Insect Com-
munities in Three Habitat Types in Nanjing, China;
Adsorption Behavior of Black Carbon in Urban Forest
and Traffic District Soils toward Heavy Metal Ions
(Cu, Zn); and Occurrence of Typical Antibiotics in
Huai River and Hongze Lake, Eastern China.
The establishment of a Confucius Institute on the cam-
pus of AAMU further underscores the strength of our
partnership with NFU. The Institute is scheduled to
roll out in Spring 2015. The first Chinese language and
cultural classes were offered Fall 2014. In addition,
AAMU is hosting the first NFU exchange students
during the 2014-2015 academic year. A dual degree
opportunity for AAMU students to study 1-2 semesters
at NFU is also currently underway.
2014 REU Participants and Mentors in front of a statue on the campus of Nanjing Forestry University.
Dr. Bruno Lemke launched the
2014-2015 BES departmental
seminar series on October 15th
with an excellent presentation
on heat stress in rural workplac-
es. Dr. Lemke is an international
researcher based in New Zea-
land with a multidisciplinary
team whose research focus inte-
grates human physiological re-
sponse with broader scale envi-
ronmental concerns, an ap-
proach very relevant to our
Departmental objective combin-
ing biology and environmental
sciences. In his presenta-
tion, Dr. Lemke discussed
several mechanisms that
can lead to heat stress in
workers, particularly work-
ers in rural settings in con-
trast to other vulnerable
groups such as the elderly.
He reviewed the use of heat
indexes to highlight the
individual and regional
health and productivity cost
of heat stress on rural work-
ers now and in the future.
The US and Southern Asia
were used as examples in
the development of mean-
ingful heat stress infor-
mation for current and fu-
ture issues relating to
health, productivity and
economic output.
More information about his
research can be found at
www.climatechip.org. Dr.
Bruno Lemke is the father
of BES faculty member Dr.
Dawn Lemke.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L R E S E A R C H E R D R . B R U N O L E M K E P A R T I C I P A T E S I N B E S S E M I N A R S E R I E S
M E D I C I N A L P L A N T S A N D E X O T I C V E G E T A B L E S F I E L D D A Y 2 0 1 4
“Development of Ethnic Vegetable Crops as Niche Market Cash Crops to Sustain Small Farms in Alabama”
University.
Jointly sponsored by Ala-bama A&M University and North Alabama Food Poli-cy Council and Food Bank of North Alabama, the annual field days are hosted in August of each year and generally attract 75 to 90 individuals. The partici-pants are comprised of farmers, gardeners, exten-sion service professionals and community members. As a result of funding from the USDA-Specialty Crops Block Grant program administered by the Ala-bama State Department of Agriculture and Industry, specialty crops such as His-panic, Chinese, and Indian
vegetable crops, are now heavily promoted.
Cooking demonstrations were held to educate at-tendees on how to utilize these new exotic crops. Due to popular demand, in 2014, Ms. Phyllis Light, a practicing certified herbal-ist, was invited to speak about various common me-dicinal active plants for the treatment of different ail-ments and to demonstrate the preparation of tinctures, balms, and salves.
The 10th Annual Field Day was
held on August 16, 2014 to show-
case medicinal herbs and exotic
vegetable crops at the Alabama
A&M University Winfred Thomas
Agricultural Research Station,
Hazelgreen, AL. Dr. Rao Men-
treddy hosted the event. The
Medicinal Plants Research Pro-
gram was initiated in 2005 with
funding from the USDA-Evans
Allen Program. Specialty vegeta-
ble crops were planted in demon-
stration plots with additional fund-
ing from the Alabama Agriculture
Land Grant Alliance, an initiative
to promote collaborative research
among Alabama A&M University,
Tuskegee University and Auburn
BES Department
Student Enrollment on
the Rise:
Student Enrollment
has risen 12% since
2012. Graduate
Student Enrollment
has risen an
unprecedented 63%
sine 2012. Current
Enrollment: 496-
Undergradaute
106-Graduate
Page 13 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
Dr. Bruno Lemke, Professor at
Australian National University
and Sri Ramachandra
University
Page 14 T H E L E A F L E T
community-based forestry. Dr. Fraser is high-ly respected by his colleagues and peers as an excellent scientist, motivator, team-leader, vi-sionary, and outspoken professional. These qualities were all the more evident when, as Project Investigator (PI), he coordinated the efforts of a multidisciplinary, inter-departmental team of faculty members and researchers to secure AAMU’s successful bid for a $5,000,000 NSF-CREST grant in 2005.
In his capacity as Faculty Senate President (2009-2011), Dr. Fraser was very vocal and vigilant in defense of faculty rights, interests, and issues. He fought tirelessly for the benefit of all faculty members on the A&M campus. As Faculty Senate President and an official non-voting member of AAMU’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Fraser secured official office
space for the Faculty Senate and served on the search committee for the 11th President of the University. Dr. Fraser’s decided to retire in the summer of 2014 and his departure has left a great void in the Forestry, Ecology and Wild-life Program (FEWP), Department of Biologi-cal and Environmental Sciences (BES), as well as the College of Agricultural, Life and Natu-ral Sciences (CALNS). Faculty and staff of FEWP, BES and CALNS extend best wishes to Dr. Fraser and his family during his retire-ment. Many of us will undoubtedly continue to privately call on him to share his wisdom, in-sights and expertise.
D R R O R Y F R A S E R R E T I R E S ( C O N T . F R O M P G . 1 )
Contact Us
Dr. Anthony Overton-Department Chair
Dr. Florence Okafor-Biology
Program Coordinator
Dr. Tadesse Wubishet-Environmental Science
Program Coordinator
Dr .William Stone-Forestry Program Coordina-
tor
Administrative Support
Ms. Martha Palmer, Ms. Penny Stone,
Ms. Petura McCaa-Burke, Ms. Kimi Sangalang
Ms. Rachelle Eggenburger
Address:
Alabama A&M University
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Carver Complex-Thomas Wing
P.O. Box 1208
Normal, AL 35762
Tele 256-372-4214 Fax 256-372-4264
G I V E T O T H E D E P A R T M E N T O F B I O L O G I C A L A N D E N V I R O N M E N T A L S C I E N C E S
Page 15 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1
A lums of Alabama A&M University can show their support of the BES Department through donations. Your contributions help provide many of the resources
needed to afford our students an exceptional education experi-ence at Alabama A&M. Each donation made to the BES Department: Ensures that the legacy of excellence passes on to the next
generation Provides students with opportunities to develop and hone
skills that will make them successful and competitive Invests in programs that make a huge difference in the
educational experience of our students Enhances the prestige and notoriety of the Department and
the University Call 256-372-4214 for more details.
Newsletter History: ”The Leaflet” was named in 2015 by Ms. Antoinette Fowlkes who
won the BES “Name the Newsletter” contest. Ms. Fowlkes is a senior Environmental
Sciences major from Birmingham, Alabama.
“The Leaflet” Editors: Dr. Elica Moss, Dr.
Anthony Overton, Mrs. Faith Smith, & Dr.
Tyesha Farmer
Contributors: Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences Faculty, Staff, &
Students
2014 BES PUBLICATIONS
Cantrell, A., L. Lei, Y. Wang, Z. W. Zhang, and J. Q. Li. 2014. Ectoparasites and other invertebrates in the nests of the Hair-crested Drongo
(Dicrurus hottentottus). Chinese Birds 4:314-318.
Cantrell, Andrew; Lei Lv; Zhengwang Zhang; Yong Wang; and Jianqiang Li. 2014. Ectoparasites and other invertebrates in the nests of the Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus). Chinese Birds 4(4): 31-318.
Chen X, Wu, S. 2014. Examining the patterns of animal-vehicle accidents in Alabama. Human-Wildlife Interactions 8: 235-244.
Chen X. 2014. A Case Study of Monitoring Emission from CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery by Remote Sensing Data. Energy and Environmental Research 4: 33-42.
Choi, C., X. Gan, N. Hua, Yong Wang, Z. Ma (2014). The habitat use and home range analysis of Dunlin (Calidris alpina) in Chongming Dongtan, China and their conservation implications. Wetlands. 34 255.
Choi, C., X. Gan, N. Hua, Y. Wang, Z. Ma. 2014. The habitat use and home range analysis of Dunlin (Calidris alpina) in Chongming Dong-tan, China and their conservation implications. Wetlands 34: 255-266.
Choi, Chiyeung; Xiaojing Gan; Ning Hua; Yong Wang; and Zhijun Ma. 2014. The habitat use and home range analysis of Dunlin (Calidris alpine) in Chongming Dongtan, China and their conservation implications. Wetlands 34(2): 255-266.
Clark, Stacy L. S.E. Schlarbaum, Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Graded Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Seedlings Have Better Growth Five Years After Planting in a Shelterwood Harvest. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 201X. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, South-ern Research Station. SRS-GTR.
Conner, Padraic T., Yong Wang, Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Influence of Three Management Prescriptions to Above-Ground Carbon and Subsequent Impacts to Herpetofauna and Small Mammal Habitat and Populations in an Upland Hardwood Forest on the Cumberland Plateau. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 2013. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-156.
Cowden, M., Justin Hart, Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Effects of intermediate-scale wind disturbance on forest composition, structure, and succession with implication for natural disturbance-based management. Forest Ecology and Management.
Dey, Daniel C., Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Considering Fire Damage to Hardwoods in Sustaining Oak Forests Using Prescribed Burning. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 201X. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-#. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research. SRS-GTR.
Dey, Daniel C., Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Restoration for the Future: Endpoints, Targets, and Indicators of Progress and Success. Journal of Sustainable Forestry. 33.
Garner, K. 2014. Simple Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Go Green. UNP- 2081. November.
George, P. L., T. D. Ranatunga, S. S. Reddy, and G. C. Sharma. 2014. A comparative analysis of mineral elements in the mycelia and the fruit-ing bodies of shiitake mushrooms. American Journal of Food Technology, 9: 360-369.
He, Z., ZN Senwo, H Zou, IA Tazisong, DA Martens. 2014. Amino acids and sugars in poultry litter, litter-amended pasture soil and grass shoots. Pedosphere. 24(2): 178-185.
Herbert, Berneece; and Colmore Christian. 2014. Regional tourism at the cross-roads: perspectives of Caribbean Tourism Organization’s stakeholders. Journal of Sustainable Development 7 (1): 17-32. DOI: 10.5539/jsd.v7n1p17
Isikhuemhen, OS., NA Mikiashivili, ZN Senwo, E Ohimain. 2014. Biodegradation and sugar release from Canola plant biomass by selected white rot fungi. Adv. in Biol. Chemistry, 4:395-406.
Jackson, J. and E. Moss. 2014. The Effects of Forest Management Practices on the Community Structure of Chemolithotropic Bacteria in the Bankhead National Forest. CSA/ASA/SSSA Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California.
Legaspi, J., D. Amalin, R. Ward and B. Legaspi. 2014. Trichogramma spp. as biological control agents in the Philippines: History and current practice. In Augmentative Biological Control Using Trichogramma spp.: Current Status and Perspectives. S. B. Vinson, S. Greenberg, T.-X. Liu and L. F. Volsciuc (eds.). Northwest A&F University Press, China Books (In press).
Li, J., Y. Liu, Y. Wang, Z. Zhang. 2014. Extra-pair paternity in two sympatric Aegithalos tits: patterns and implications. Journal of Ornithol-ogy 155: 83-90.
Li, Jianqiang, Lei Lv, Chang Gao, Zhengwang Zhang, Yong Wang. 2014. Do parents and helpers discriminate between related and unrelated nestlings in the cooperative breeding Silver-throated Tit? Ethology. 120(2): 159-168.
Li, Jianqiang, Y. Liu, Yong Wang, Zhengwang Zhang (2014). Extra-pair paternity in two sympatric Aegithalos tits: patterns and implications. Journal of Ornithology. 155 83.
Mojica-Howell, M., CHRISTIAN, C. S., and R. Fraser. (2014). Attitudes and Perceptions on Potential Development of Nature-based Enter-prises among Landowners in Alabama's Black Belt. Journal of Sustainable Development, 7(6):182-194. DOI: 10.5539/jsd.v7n6p182; URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v7n6p182.
Obeng, E., E. Cebert, R. Ward, L. Nyochembeng, D. Mays, H. Singh and B. Sigh. 2014. Insect incidence and damage on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under different nitrogen regimes. Florida Entomologist (In press; December issue).
P. L. George, T. D. Ranatunga, S. S. Reddy, and G. C. Sharma. 2014. A comparative analysis of mineral elements in the mycelia and the fruit-ing bodies of shiitake mushrooms. American Journal of Food Technology, 9: 360-369.
Pinchot, C.C., S.E. Schlarbaum, Stacy L. Clark, Callie Jo Schweitzer, A.M. Saxton (2014). Impact of silvicultural treatment on chestnut seed-ling growth and survival. Acta Horticulturae.
Ranatunga, T. D., K. N. Bhat, and R. W. Taylor. 2014. Forms of Extractable Fe and Al in Forest Soils Subjected to Prescribed Burning and
Thinning Treatments. CSA/ASA/SSSA Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California.
Ranatunga, T. D., K. N. Bhat, C.P. Schulthess, and R. W. Taylor. 2014. Factors Affecting Copper Sorption in Soil. CSA/ASA/SSSA Annual Meeting, Long beach, California.
Schweitzer, Callie Jo, Daniel C. Dey (2014). The Conundrum of Creating Understory Light Conditions Conducive to Promoting Oak Regener-ation: Midstory Herbicide Treatment Versus Prescribed Fire. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 201X. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Gen. Tech. Rep. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research. GTR-SRS.
Schweitzer, Callie Jo, Dawn Lemke, Yong Wang, Wubishet Tadesse (2014). Assessing How Forest Management Influences Biomass Changes in the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 201X. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Gen.Tech. Rep. SRS-#. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research. SRS-GTR.
Schweitzer, Callie Jo, K.W. Gottschalk, Stacy L. Clark, J. Stringer, R. Sitzlar (2014). Daniel Boone National Forest Kentucky: Progressive Partnerships Benefit Sustaining Forests. Journal of Forestry.
Senwo, Z. 2014. Agricultural advances: An organic revolution. www.researchmedia.eu International Innovation. Issue 135:68-70.
Spencer, R. and K. Golson-Garner. 2014. Livestock Medicines: Responsible Storage and Disposal. UNP-2071. ACES. September.
Steven, D. de, Callie Jo Schweitzer, S.C. Hughes, J.A. Stanturf (2014). Reforesting Agricultural Lands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley: Effects on Silvicultural Methods on Understory Plant Diversity. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 201X. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. SRS-GTR.
Stringer, Brandie K., Yong Wang, Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Forest CanopyManipulation and Breeding Bird Responses: Treatment-and Temporal-Dependent Patterns. In: Holley, G.; Haywood, D., Connor, K. eds. 201X. Proceedings, 17th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference; 2013 March 5-7, 2013; Shreveport, LA. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. SRS GTR.
Sutton, W., H. A. Czech, Y. Wang, and C. J. Schweitzer 2014. New records of amphibians and reptiles from Alabama, USA. Herpetological Review 45(2): 293-294.
Sutton, William B.; Yong Wang; Callie J. Schweitzer; and David A. Steen. 2014. Lizard microhabitat and microclimate relationships in south-eastern pine-hardwood forests managed with prescribed burning and thinning. Forest Science 60(1): 180-190. ISSN: 0015-749X
Tazisong, I.A., Z. N. Senwo, B. J. Cade-Menun, and Z. He. 2014. Phosphorus forms and mineralization potentials of Alabama upland cotton production soils amended with poultry litter. pp. 191 – 209. In Z. He and H. Zhang (eds.). Applied Manure and Nutrient Chemistry for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment. Springer publisher
Tazisong, I.A., Z.N. Senwo, and Z. He. 2014. Elemental composition and functional groups in light organic matter fraction, humic and fulvic acids of Decatur Silt Loams under a long term cropping system study. (In press).
Wang, Y., and G. M. Zheng. 2014. Editorial: Avian Research. Journal of Avian Research. 5:1. http://www.avianres.com/content/5/1/1
Wang, Yong; and Guangmei Zheng. 2014. Editorial for the new journal: Avian Research. Avian Research (formerly Chinese Birds) 5:1. doi:10.1186/s40657-014-0001-y
Weber, T., Justin Hart, Callie Jo Schweitzer, Daniel Dey (2014). Influence of gap-scale disturbance on development and succession in a Cum-berland Plateau Quercus-Pinus forest (submitted April 28). Forest Ecology and Management.
Wen, L., H. He, Y. Wang, J. Gorimar, and M. Liu. 2014. Potential effects of climate change on the Chinese Bulbul (Pycnontus sinensis) in China. Biologia 69(11): 1625-1630.
White, S.D., Justin L. Hart, Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Woody regeneration in a southern Appalachian Quercus stand following wind dam-age and salvage logging (submitted April 2014). Journal of Sustainable Forestry.
Zak, J.C., Luben Dimov, Callie Jo Schweitzer (2014). Initial ground vegetation response to prescribed burning and thinning on the Southern Cumberland Plateau (submitted Oct 29). Southeast Naturalist Journal.
2014 BES FUNDING
Cultivating 21st Century Workforce Diversity in Agricultural and Natural Resource Conservation Cultivating 21st Century Workforce Diversity in Agricultural and Natural Resource Conservation. Bolden-Tiller, Zachary Senwo, Elica M. Moss et al. (Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University). USDA-NIFA