Volume XXII ISSN: 1555-3760

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 52ND ANNUAL MEETING

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGISTS

April 10, 2021

Hosted Virtually By:

Department of Biology

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

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Proceedings of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists

52ND Annual Meeting, April 10, 2021 Hosted virtually by the Department of Biology

Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA

Table of Contents

Schedule of Events ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

Keynote Speaker Biography ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Outstanding Student Award Recipients ............................................................................................................. 4

Student CPUB Research Grant and Travel Grant Recipients ................................................................ 12

Schedule of Mini-Presentations (Formerly Poster)

Ecology and Organismal Biology A ............................................................................................. 13

Ecology and Organismal Biology B ............................................................................................. 15

Cellular and Molecular Biology ..................................................................................................... 16

Schedule of Platform Presentations

Cellular and Molecular Biology ..................................................................................................... 18

Ecology and Organismal Biology .................................................................................................. 19

Graduate Presentations (Platform and Mini-Presentations) ................................... 20

Abstracts .......................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Historical Highlights of APSCUB/CPUB ........................................................................................................... 40

CPUB Officers ................................................................................................................................................................ 42

CPUB Presidents .......................................................................................................................................................... 43

Recent History and Schedule of CPUB Annual Meetings ........................................................................ 45

Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................................... 46

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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists

52ND Annual Meeting, April 10, 2021

Schedule of Events:

8:30 – 9:30 AM CPUB Directors' Meeting- Zoom invitation from CPUB President Sarah Meiss

9:30 – 10:45 AM Welcome and Introduction followed by Keynote Address by Dr. Allen L. Richards, Former Director of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Naval Medical Research Center

11:00 – 12:15 PM Mini-Presentations (Formerly Poster) – Ecology and Organismal Biology A* or Mini-Presentations (Formerly Poster) – Ecology and Organismal Biology B* or Mini-Presentations (Formerly Poster) – Cell and Molecular Biology* 12:15 – 1:00 PM Lunch Break 1:00 – 2:45 PM Platform Presentations (Cell and Molecular Biology)* or 1:00 – 2:15 PM Platform Presentations (Ecology and Organismal Biology)* 2:15 – 3:00 PM Platform and Mini- Presentations (Graduate Students)*

3:00 – 4:00 PM PASSHE MS Biology Programs – Webinar Forum and University Sessions or CPUB Business Meeting – Webinar open to all members

4:00 – 5:00 PM Awards Webinar

*Schedule and Webinar links located throughout the Program

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Keynote Address

ALLEN L. RICHARDS, PhD Senior Scientist

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Med., Inc. (HJF), Bethesda, MD

Federal Research Microbiologist/Immunologist (Retired) Research Coordinator, Department of Defense’s (DoD) Rickettsial Diseases Research Program,

Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD.

Adjunct Professor Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health

Sciences USUHS, Bethesda, MD

Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Medical Service Corps, United States Navy

Title: Overview of Rickettsial Disease

Dr. Allen L. Richards has upwards of 25 years of experience studying rickettsiae and rickettsial diseases. His extensive research experience includes evaluating Orientia tsutsugamushi vaccine candidates/diagnostics/genomics, detailing the biology of Leptrombidium mites, developing murine and non-human primate models of scrub typhus, and leading surveillance studies throughout the world (including tick-, mite-, flea-, louse-, and mosquito-borne rickettsiae). Dr. Richards began his work in the field of rickettsiology in Dr. Gregory A. Dasch’s laboratories at the Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) in Bethesda, MD during 1989–1992. Subsequently, he worked at the Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2 (NAMRU-2) in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he directed the Immunology Department and the Rickettsial Diseases Research Program. During his tenure as an associate professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) (Bethesda, MD), he worked in the rickettsial laboratories of Dr. Daryl Kelly (Lieutenant Colonel Retired). Dr. Richards final transfer during his time as an active duty Navy officer was to the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) (Silver Spring, MD) where he headed the DoD’s Rickettsial Diseases Research Program (RDRP), that pioneers world class research on rickettsial epidemiology, pathogenesis, and immunology, as well as the development and evaluation of rickettsial diagnostic assays and vaccine candidates. Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Dr. Richards remained at NMRC as the head of the RDRP until his retirement in 2018. He currently works as a Senior Scientist for the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) (Bethesda, MD), serving as a principal investigator for the HJF and NMRC Infectious Diseases Directorate (NMRC-IDD) Cooperative Agreement for Research and Development of Protective Vaccines and Other Countermeasures Against Infectious Disease Agents of Military Importance; as an adjunct professor of Preventive Medicine/Biometrics and professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases (Secondary) in the Department of Preventive Medicine/Biometrics, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, USUHS; and as a private consultant for rickettsial diseases research projects (development, field/laboratory support, and writing). His career in rickettsial diseases research has led to authorship on upwards of 213 peer-reviewed publications, presentation/co-presentation of 358 talks/posters, and awarding of more than 65 research grants. Most recently, he was identified by BioMed Research International (2020), as the most prolific author on the topic of scrub typhus in the entire world; NMRC was identified as the 4th most prolific institute in the world conducting research on scrub typhus – undoubtedly as a result of the contributions made by Dr. Richards and his team at NMRC. In his talk “Overview of Rickettsial Diseases”, he will share his renowned expertise stemming from his years of dedication to the field of rickettsiology.

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2021 OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

In 1977, CPUB initiated an Outstanding Student Awards Program to honor a life science

student at each Pennsylvania SSHE University who best exemplifies scientific scholarship and

academic achievement. These awards are presented each year at the CPUB Annual Meeting. The

criteria for student selection are established by the department members at each university.

Student award winners are provided funding by CPUB and the individual departments so that they

can attend the Annual Meeting.

This honor of distinction is given to one student at each SSHE University, but it represents

the academic virtues possessed by numerous students who attend these Pennsylvania Universities.

Many of the previous CPUB Award winners are presently attending various graduate and medical

programs. Others have graduated and are presently involved in scientific research, teaching, or

medical professions.

Sarah M. Buckley, Bloomsburg University

Sarah Buckley is a senior biology, natural history major. She plans to become an

environmental educator in a park, nature center, or museum setting. Her goal is to inspire others

to take an interest in nature and to play an active role in protecting our planet. Sarah’s outstanding academic achievements have been recognized by a host of honors and awards including dean’s list

each semester and selection for membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Tri-

Beta Biology Honor Society. She was a recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Freshman Award,

the Frank J. Michaels Scholarship, the PHEAA Ready to Succeed Scholarship, the Chester/Delaware County Farm Bureau Scholarship, and the Lila P. Wilde Scholarship. Sarah has conducted

undergraduate research on crayfish behavior in response to trapping and has presented a poster

on including algae in environmental education at Bloomsburg University’s College of Science and

Technology Research Day. She has conducted an internship at Black Moshannon State Park and

served as the Adventure Camp Director at White Clay Creek State Park. Sarah served as a

Community Assistant in our campus residence halls and as a panelist at Bloomsburg University

admissions events. In the community, she led the annual Haunted Walk at Black Moshannon State Park and coached Envirothon teams at an elementary school, conducting lessons on wildlife,

forestry, aquatics, outdoor safety, and environmental issues. Sarah Buckley has excelled at

Bloomsburg University and the Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences is delighted to

recognize her scholarship, leadership, and service.

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Emily Bond, California University

Emily is a Biology major, minoring in Chemistry and Music, with a 3.913 GPA. She is a

member of the Honors program, is involved in several clubs, including the Biology Club and

the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and is also a peer instructor for the University

band. In her research she has investigated fin regeneration in both zebrafish and betta fish. She

was able to continue this work remotely last semester, examining the effects of tail regeneration on betta fish behavior for her honors thesis. Emily has excelled in research and academics, despite

the many demands on her time, and completed all coursework a semester early. She is now

spending her spring semester as an intern at the Mote marine aquarium in Florida.

Kimberly Westover, Clarion University

Kim is an exceptional student, undergraduate researcher, and community leader. She is

graduating a year early with a BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology degree and is also in the

honors program. During her time at Clarion, she has been awarded numerous competitive scholarships, been named to the Dean’s list every semester, and has been highly involved in

undergraduate research. While still in high school, Kim was awarded a summer internship

at Clarion University to work on an interdisciplinary project between the Physics and Biology

department concerning novel nanoparticles. During her internship, Kim learned to use the electron microscope and developed a protocol for purification of novel nanoparticles from contaminating

salt. Research from her project was published in the peer reviewed journal MRS advances, and she

presented at a national conference. Kim further presented this work while still a freshman at the PASSHE STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium at Millersville University. Kim has built upon

her initial internship to conduct research in several other laboratories, working on a variety of

projects involving phage collection and analysis and cellular biology. Kim has been employed

at Clarion University as both a laboratory assistant in the Physics department and a laboratory

technician in the animal facility. Further to these achievements and others, Kim is the secretary of

the Translational Medicine Research Club and a member of several honors societies. When not in

the lab, Kim is passionate about mentoring younger Biology students and is involved in various

activities within her local community. Kim has accepted an offer from University of Texas Southwestern to begin a Ph.D. program in Biomedical sciences in Fall 2021.

Brittney O’Connor, East Stroudsburg University

Brittney O’Connor is a senior in Biology and Environmental Studies at East Stroudsburg University. She will be graduating in 2021, and plans to work in conservation before attending graduate school. Brittney is an excellent student, making the Dean’s List every semester and obtaining an overall GPA of 3.79. Brittney’s studies at ESU are supported by an NSF-funded Clear

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Path Scholarship. Before attending ESU, Brittney attended Lehigh Carbon Community College, where she earned an A.A.S. in Environmental Science. Brittney has conducted research on the effects of non-native aphids on the growth of common milkweed plants under the guidance of faculty member Dr. Emily Rollinson, and presented this research at the national Botanical Society of America annual meeting in 2020. She has also volunteered as a research assistant studying population ecology of timber rattlesnakes with Dr. Thomas LaDuke and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Brittney is currently a climate impact intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where she is exploring green infrastructure methods and creating educational and outreach materials on stormwater management and invasive species. In addition to her academic work, Brittney is also a member of the ESU chapter of the environmental sciences honor society Pi Epsilon, and is the treasurer of the Stony Acres Advisory Board, a council that oversees the Stony Acres wildlife sanctuary and recreation area affiliated with ESU. Outside of ESU, Brittney is a registered yoga instructor with an RYT-500 certification, and teaches yoga classes as a volunteer for Adaptations Lehigh Valley, a social group program for adults between 20 and 30 with learning disabilities. She has also volunteered for the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, as well as participating in litter cleanups in local hiking areas.

D. Kyle Breault, Edinboro University

Kyle Breault is a senior majoring in the Department of Biology and Health Sciences at

Edinboro University. This spring he will graduate with a degree in Environmental Biology

concentrating on Wildlife Biology. He has an overall GPA of 3.86. This past summer, Kyle completed an internship in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University,

where he worked on a project examining the evolutionary factors impacting costal groove number

in salamanders, in conjunction to the Losos Laboratory. In the summer of 2019, Mr. Breault worked as a NOAA funded Research Vessel Science in Presque Isle, educating secondary school students on

how to conduct research and collect data on a research vessel. During the summer of 2019, Kyle

worked in the Florida Keys as an ecotourism guide, leading environment minded outdoor activities.

Kyle has been active in the Biology and Health Sciences Department, tutoring students as an official tutor since his sophomore year and as a lab assistant for Microbiology since his junior year. For the

past two years, he has served his classmates well as the president of Beta Beta Beta National

Honors Society. He also served as a member of the Cooper Halls Ambassadors of Science (CHAOS),

hosting school groups for museum tours, planetarium shows, and science fairs. He has received

numerous awards, including but not limited to the Eagle Scout Award, the Edinboro University

Scholar Athlete award, and a NASA Space Grant Consortium Scholarship. Kyle will be working at

Philmont Scout Ranch this summer working as a Natural Resource Technician doing flora and fauna population surveys, GIS mapping, and working with wildlife and nuisance animal reports.

His goal is to earn a Ph D in Ecology or Biostatistics and work in Scientific Communications.

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Alexa Hershberger, Indiana University

Alexa Hershberger is a senior at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This spring, she will

graduate with a BS in Biology (Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Biology Track) and a BA in Economics (Honor Program). She is currently enrolled in the Biology Department’s ‘4+1 Program’.

This program allows her to begin her graduate coursework and thesis research at the beginning of

her senior year, whilst finishing her undergraduate work. She has recently received the ‘Provost

Scholar Award’, the ‘Karl McDermott Scholarship’, and the ‘Nicholas Karatjas Economic Scholarship’

from the IUP Economics Department. As a student in the Biology Department, she has received the

‘Walter F. “Bud” Gasdek Memorial Scholarship’ and the ‘Biology Undergraduate Research

Experience Grant’. She has also been listed on the universities ‘Dean’s List’ every semester spent at

IUP. As a member of Dr. David Janetski’s Freshwater Aquatic’s Lab, she has taken advantage of many opportunities to gain research skills and learn from field and lab work. She was provided with the

opportunity to participate in a research project with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission her

sophomore year, which analyzed benthic macroinvertebrate recolonization following abandoned-mine remediation in the Bear Run Watershed. She has presented her results at the IUP Scholars

Forum and the Regional Science Consortium 16th Annual Symposium. Because of the exceptional

support from her advisor, Dr. Janetski, and her growing interest in the effects and concerns of

abandoned coal mines on freshwater ecosystems, her thesis is expanding on this pilot study. She will be comparing different biological indicators of abandoned-mine drainage as well as identifying

environmental variables that slow benthic macroinvertebrate recolonization in impaired streams.

Alexa has also spent a summer working with Dr. Janetski for the Fish and Boat Commission on their

Unassessed Waters Initiative. Outside of research, she serves as a mathematics tutor/teacher assistant for the Mathematics Department at IUP, as well as a BIOME student mentor for incoming

biology students. In her time between classwork and research, she has served as the president of

the IUP Skateboard and BMX Club, treasurer of the IUP Economics Club, and the treasurer of the IUP Swim Club. This summer, she is looking forward to working with the USGS Patuxent Wildlife

Research Center as a Student Contractor/BBS Biological Technician on the North American

Breeding Bird Survey program. After receiving her MS in Biology, Alexa plans to pursue a doctoral

degree that utilizes both her biology, economics, and statistics background. She sees the growing importance of interdisciplinary components in ecological research and hopes to bridge the gap

between the economic/business and biological community.

Claire Santa, Kutztown University

Claire Santa grew up in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, graduated from Parkland High school in 2015 to attend Kutztown University as a psychology major. She discovered a passion for

pursuing innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions to world problems during her first

year at Kutztown. In March 2016, she participated in a Green travel travel-abroad program to Iceland during which she took a 50-hour intensive course at Reykjavik University’s Iceland School

of Energy studying sustainability, hydropower, geothermal energy, geology, and bio fuels, and

toured various sustainable energy facilities. In summer 2016, Claire was selected as one of Oxfam

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America’s CHANGE leaders; a group dedicated to global social justice. The summer of 2016 also

brought Claire into the world of sustainable farming. All these experiences inspired Claire to change her major to environmental science/biology, with minors in psychology and geology. Since

then, Claire has conducted research projects in the fields of plant pathology and geology, and has

presented at various national and regional conferences. She was able to fund her research projects

through various awards and research grants. In summer 2019, she was hired as a research assistant in Dr. Carolee Bull’s lab in the Department of Plant Pathology at Penn State. During her

academic career at KU, Claire has made the Dean’s List during several semesters, and was

nominated for the Dean’s Scholars’ Award in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Claire is an active member of

the Botany and the Geology Clubs in which she served as president and treasurer, respectively. Claire actively participates in grassroots educational, humanitarian, and environmental

organizations that work to establish systems of sustainability and human equality. After

graduation, Claire will be spending a year in a farm apprenticeship program, continuing her experience in sustainable agriculture while being involved in community outreach and education.

She plans to earn her Master’s and Ph.D. in areas involving sustainable agriculture and plant

pathology. She looks forward to returning to academia as a professor, in hopes of inspiring and

encouraging her students in the same way her professors did for her, at Kutztown University.

Marissa Marie Faranda, Lock Haven University

Marissa Faranda is a true Double-Major completing all requirements for a BS degree in the Health Science Pre-PA Track (May 2020) and will graduate with her BS degree in Biology (May 2021) in our Biomedical Concentration. Marissa also has a minor in Chemistry and has maintained a stellar 3.992 GPA during her 4.5 years as a student. She has been actively engaged in multiple research projects, one of which is investigating the biodiversity of the Prokaryotic microbiome of the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) that has been exposed, either directly or indirectly, to the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the etiological agent of White Nose Syndrome (WNS). Investigations encompass sampling various anatomical parts (both living and deceased bats), guano, and samples from various hibernacula (sediment, soil, wall scrapings) in order to isolate and identify various prokaryotes. Her current research on WNS is a collaborative study with the Chemistry department whereby she and a colleague are investigating potential secondary metabolites excreted from an isolated environmental strain of Pseudomonas sp. that has shown antagonistic effects against Pd. Marissa is also engaged in another currently ongoing project assessing whether the environmental pollutant and endocrine disruptor nonylphenol has an effect on fertility in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Aside from her academics and research, Marissa has also worked in a Health Care Facility and hospital settings caring for the elderly and recently over Winter Break was responsible for the care of Covid-19 patients. She is involved in extracurricular activities such as being a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and the Lock Haven Global Honors Program, as well as working as a microbiology lab assistant and tutor for nursing microbiology. She has aspirations to enter graduate school following a "gap" year, to pursue a research-based degree. For this gap year, Marissa is currently looking at several private company research labs and also University labs for work prior to entering a graduate program.

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Samantha L. Rutledge, Mansfield University

Samantha Rutledge is B.S. General Biology undergraduate at Mansfield University, a degree

she will complete in May 2021. Since her freshman year, she has made every effort to design, conduct, and present ecological and ornithological research, including obtaining and completing a

competitive REU at Blandy Experimental Farm (through the University of Virginia) and an

internship with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). She has recently published her first manuscript as first author (Ethology, doi: 10.1111/eth.13109) on research

conducted during her REU with Drs. Daniel Hanley, David Carr, and Mark Hauber on visual ecology

and evolution in an avian brood parasitic system. She is currently working on writing/revising

three other co-authored papers involving diffuse coevolution and visual modeling between brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and their hosts, investigations that incorporate computational

modeling, spectroscopy, coding, and field-based research. Further, she is preparing to submit her

second manuscript as first author, based on research conducted with Dr. Sahas Barve of the

NMNH’s Division of Birds, investigating the impact of flocking behavior on representation in ornithological collections. Samantha has also presented her research (poster and oral) at both

undergraduate and international research conferences, including the North American

Ornithological 2020, Animal Behavior Society 2020, PASSHE STEM Undergraduate Research 2019, and COPLAC Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research 2019 conferences, as well as the

upcoming Northeast Natural History Conference 2021. During her time at Mansfield, she has

maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA, been named to the Presidents List every semester attended, and

was recognized as an Outstanding Biology Sophomore and Junior. Further, she has conducted research – both collaboratively and independently – in animal behavior on axolotls and chickens,

later presenting these projects to potential incoming students (at Mansfield University’s Spend-A-

Day event) and the Mansfield University Biology Department. Beginning this coming fall, she will

pursue her PhD in the biological sciences at Louisiana State University as part of the Mason Lab, specifically investigating the evolution of avian iridescence across climatic, elevational, and

latitudinal gradients. Pursuing a career in academia, Samantha intends to become a professor and

start her own lab, mentoring future scientists while also conducting ecological and evolutionary

research that is applicable to avian conservation and habitat restoration. When not in the lab or

classroom, Samantha works at the local YMCA as a Mansfield University Community

Representative, volunteers at the Animal Care Sanctuary as an animal caregiver, and enjoys the

great outdoors (hiking, birding, boating, biking). Samantha will attend LSU in the Biological Sciences Ph.D. program.

Danielle Oberdick, Millersville University

Danielle will graduate from Millersville University in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in sociology. She is truly an outstanding student and researcher, and a caring

contributor to student wellbeing in her Department and University. Danielle currently holds a 3.48

Major GPA (3.49 Cumulative GPA). This spring, she will defend her Biology Departmental Honors thesis research on the role of two signaling proteins, ectodysplasin and activin A, on the

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development of turtle scutes, the hard keratinous scales covering the turtle. Her research advisor

is Dr. Judith Cebra-Thomas. Danielle has received $5,500 in intramural and external grants to fund her research endeavors and travel, including a Millersville University Mentored Undergraduate

Research Experience (MUSE) fellowship, and a Student Grant for Research and Creative Activities.

She will be presenting her research at the 2021 Made In Millersville research fair and at the

Admitted Student Expo this spring.

Danielle has been a Biology mentor for 4 semesters, providing individual assistance and

holding open lab study sessions for our Cell and Developmental Biology (BIOL 362) course, and

she was also the laboratory assistant for Developmental Biology (BIOL465), where she prepared solutions and supplies and helped to maintain the animals used in the course. Danielle is also an

Educational support coach and works to provide academic, social, vocational and independent

living support to college students will intellectual or developmental disabilities, and is in the

process of becoming certified as a rape hotline crisis volunteer for the YWCA of Lancaster. In her

free time, she enjoys hiking and camping. Danielle plans to apply to graduate programs in genetic

counseling after graduation.

Noah Stewart, Shippensburg University

Noah is a senior Biology major with a concentration in Health Professions and a minor in

Biochemistry. Additionally, he is currently dual enrolled in Shippensburg University’s Masters of

Biology graduate program. During his time at Shippensburg University, Noah has earned a 3.949 GPA and became certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. Noah has been conducting

research examining the effect of burning on the prevalence of bacterial pathogens within Ixodes

scapularis populations in southcentral Pennsylvania with Drs. Lehman, Fedrow and Stewart since

his freshman year. He was awarded multiple grants to support his research including two Undergraduate Research grants and a Student Faculty Research Engagement (SFRE) grant. Noah

has presented various aspects of his work at the Shippensburg Minds at Work Conference (2018)

and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists annual meeting (2018, 2019). In

addition to his impressive academic achievements, Noah is involved in numerous extracurricular activities. He serves as the undergraduate assistant for the Microbiology and Pathogenic

Microbiology laboratories and is the Treasurer for the Biology Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta. He is

a student DJ for WSYC-the student radio station, an active member of the University Orchestra Cabinet, the SU Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. Following graduation, Noah plans to attend

medical school to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a Doctor of Medicine.

Hayley Corbin, Slippery Rock University

Hayley Corbin has been selected by the Biology faculty at SRU as the outstanding CPUB

student for 2021. Hayley is a junior cytotechnology student completing her last year at SRU. She is going to complete her senior year while attending her clinical experience at Magee Women’s

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Hospital in the Anisa I. Kanbour School of Cytotechnology. While at SRU Hayley has been an

exemplary student. Hayley is a student in the Honors College and her GPA is an excellent 3.814. Hayley has been very active in preparing for her career in cytotechnology working on a research

project with Dr. Tim Smith. She has worked for the past 4 semesters completing research

measuring epithelial tissue thickness in different primates and generating endocasts of different

primates in various life stages. Her research experience included tissue staining and using various software programs to generate the images and models from the tissues. Hayley also worked as the

lab assistant for the histology course offered by the biology department in the Spring of 2020. We

know Hayley has a bright future ahead of her as she works toward a career in the clinical laboratory

sciences.

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Recipients of the 2019-2020 CPUB Student Research Grants: Batool Mustafa Alhaji, Indiana University: “Confirming Lhx1a Dimerization Using Split GFP”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cuong Diep. Courtney Dukmen, Lock Haven University: “Assessment of Fertility in Fruit Flies Exposed to 4-Nonylphenol”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Bandura. Stephanie Leedom, Millersville University: “A Molecular Approach to the Study of Host-Pathogen Interactions of Pseudomonas tolaasii, Causal Agent of Bacterial Blotch Disease in Agaricus bisporus”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Ramos-Sepulveda. Howard Rainey, Lock Haven University: “Alternative Reproductive Tactics may be Associated with Morphological Differences in Color and Head Shape Among Morphs in the Blue-Ridge Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea cf. wilderae)”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Deitloff. Kayla Sompel, Bloomsburg University: “Determining the Effects of Clinical MAPK Inhibitor Resistance on Melanoma Tumor Cell Plasticity and Metastasis”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela R. Hess. Ian Whiteside, Bloomsburg University: “Examining the Effects of BORIS on Human Telomere Regulation and Stability”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kate Beishline.

Recipient of a 2019-2020 CPUB Travel Grant:

Jurian Jonathan Yock, Kutztown University: “A Meta-Analytical Generalization of Plant Performance as a Function of Seed Mass”, presentation at the 104th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Louisville, Kentucky, August 11-16, 2019, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christopher W. Habeck.

Recipients of the 2020-2021 CPUB Student Research Grants: Sarah Grandinette, Indiana University: “Identifying Peptides that Bind to the Transcription Factor Lhx1a”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cuong Diep. Emma Keele, Indiana University: “Monarch Butterfly and other Pollinator use of Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP) of Gold-winged Warbler Habitat in Minnesota and Wisconsin”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Larkin.

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Mini-Presentations

Ecology and Organismal Biology A

Saturday, April 10, 2021 11:00-12:15 WEBINAR LINK

11:00-11:06 S.L. Albright, H. Yaukey, A. Lorenz, M. Steinberger, and T. Light* (2021)

Effects of Management Strategies on Fish Distribution in Michaux State Forest Streams

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg PA, 17257

11:07-11:13 H. Beck, L. Smith, T. Young, B. Harkins, and I. Ligocki* (2021) Female mosquitofish social interaction structure when in the presence of a

potential mate Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, Pennsylvania, 17551

11:14-11:20 L. Smith, H. Beck, B. Harkins, T. Young, and I. Ligocki* (2021)

Mosquitofish Social Networks Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

11:21-11:27 S.M. Buckley and S.M. Hartzell* (2021)

Trap Happy Crayfish? A Pilot Study of Crayfish Behavior in Response to Trapping

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

11:28-11:34 M.K. Drake and P.R. Delis* (2021) Long Term Monitoring of Anuran Communities Using Automated Acoustic

Recording Systems in Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County, Pennsylvania: Implications for Conservation

Shippensburg University, Shippensburg PA 17257

11:35- 11:41 Z.W. Isenhour and P.R. Delis* (2021) Phenology of Amphibian Communities in Vernal Pools at Letterkenny Army

Depot, Southcentral Pennsylvania: Implications for Conservation Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

11:42- 11:48 E. Lezak, K. Madjerich, and C. Maltman* (2021)

Taxonomic Classification of metalloid resistant bacterial isolates from acid mine drainage

Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

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11:49-11:55 A. Hershberger, D. Janetski*, and T. Clark (2021) Macroinvertebrate and benthic algae recovery after abandoned mine

remediation in a Pennsylvania headwater stream Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

11:56-12:04 A. Nicholas, H. Bechtold*, A. Kutay*, and B. Overton* (2021).

Novel contaminant toxicological effects on aquatic organisms. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA. 17745.

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Mini-Presentations

Ecology and Organismal Biology B

Saturday, April 10, 2021 11:00 -12:15 WEBINAR LINK

11:00-11:06 M. Cree, S. Moehring, and L. Nicholson* (2021)

The effects of Alprazolam on wound healing and regeneration in planaria California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

11:07-11:13 S.P. Doyle and R.L. Stewart* (2021)

Correlation between Berberis thunbergii and Ixodes scapularis population on South Mountain, Shippensburg Pennsylvania.

Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA 17257 11:14-11:20 N. Stewart, C. Potter, M. Lehman*, A. Fedrow*, C. Kindlin, M. Miller, S. Pelesky, and

R. Stewart* (2021) Controlled burning for the potential control of tick populations in southcentral

Pennsylvania Shippensburg University, Shippensburg PA 17257

11:21-11:27 C.M. Silva and R.L. Stewart* (2021)

A Behavioral Dietary Preferences of Narceus americanus in a Controlled Environment Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, PA 17257

11:28-11:34 M.M. Faranda, C.L. Dukmen, C. Capper, and J.L. Bandura* (2021)

Does 4-nonylphenol affect the fertility of Drosophila? Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745

11:35- 11:41 R.M. Nenstiel, C.E. Donahoe, C. Surmacz*, and J.M. Hranitz (2021)

Assessing Sublethal Stress in Honeybees Exposed to “Bee-friendly” Neonicotinoid and Pyrethroid Pesticides

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg PA, 17815 11:42- 11:48 B. O’Connor, E. Deecher, and E.J. Rollinson* (2021)

Effects of invasive aphids on common milkweed ecology East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301

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Mini-Presentations

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Saturday, April 10, 2021 11:00-12:15

WEBINAR LINK 11:00-11:06 S.M. Richard and M.M. Valkanas* (2021)

Characterization and Antibiotic Screening of Soil Fungi California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

11:07-11:13 K. Covington and J. Kagle* (2021)

Induction of horizontal gene transfer by wastewater Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield PA 16933

11:14-11:20 A. Bottiglia and D. Aruscavage* (2021)

Investigating Antibiotic Resistant Properties of Organisms Living on the Surface of Vegetables Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

11:21-11:27 M.E. Campbell and J.P. Calabrese* (2021)

Preliminary Studies into the Potential Antimicrobial Properties of Canine (Canis familiaris) Saliva related to Isolated Prokaryotic Microbiome.

Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745 11:28-11:34 Z. Davis, J. Baumgardner, J. Kornilow, J. Martin, and S.E. Bergsten* (2021)

Looking at Linkage Between the Processes of Autophagy and Apoptosis Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

11:35- 11:41 H. Shearer, A. Dombroski, L. Maier, and S.E. Bergsten* (2021)

Evaluation of Coordination between Autophagy and Exosome Release in Glioma Cells Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

11:42- 11:48 B.M. Atkins and K.B. Long* (2021)

Cytotoxic effects of LipoCurc on malignant and nonmalignant cells in vivo Mansfield University, Mansflied, PA 16933

11:49-11:55 S.R. Marx and K.B. Long* (2021)

Understanding gene expression changes of bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to tumor cell supernatant

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

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11:56-12:04 L.J. Avery and L. Nicholson* (2021)

Effects of Glyphosate on Chicken Embryo Development California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

18

Platform Session

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Saturday, April 10, 2021 1:00 - 2:45 PM WEBINAR LINK

1:00-1:15 N. Natalia, J. Sendatch, M.L. Lehman*, R.L. Stewart*, and A. Luce-Fedrow* (2021)

Understanding Pennsylvania tick population and tick-borne disease dynamics: A retrospective analysis of archived databases from 2008-2020

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, PA 17257 1:15-1:30 C.O. Faris and M.M. Valkanas* (2021)

Investigating the Role Bacteria Play in Remediation of AMD Passive Systems

California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 1:30-1:45 D. Oberdick and J. Cebra-Thomas* (2021)

Effect of Ectodysplasin A on Early Scute Development Millersville University, Millersville PA 17551

1:45-2:00 C.E. McUmber, E.R. Farkas, and K.B. Long* (2021)

Mechanisms of liver damage after oral consumption of microplastics Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield PA 16933

2:00-2:15 C. Beauduy, A. Vaskas, J. Fraietta, and K. Long* (2021)

T-cell Presence During Tumor Development Influences Tumor Phenotype and Responsiveness to Therapy

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield PA 16933 2:15- 2:30 R.B. Wright and S.L. Meiss* (2021)

Effects of the environment and native soil microflora on the medicinal properties of Echinacea spp. (Purple Coneflower)

California University of PA, California, PA 15419 2:30- 2:45 A.G. Snavely and L. Ramos-Sepulveda* (2021)

Pioneering the Hemp Microbiome; Implication in Potential Crop Rotations in Pennsylvania

Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

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Platform Session

Ecology and Organismal Biology

Saturday, April 10, 2021 1:00 - 2:15 PM WEBINAR LINK

1:00-1:15 C.C. Farmer, M. Klosinska*, and C. Hardy* (2021)

Exploring species adaptation through genetic comparison of Arabidopsis lyrata populations growing on granitic and serpentine soils

Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551 1:15-1:30 K. Fogelsanger, E. Long, and H. Sahli* (2021)

Pollination biology of Iris verna and potential selection on morphological traits Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

1:30-1:45 J. Hockensmith, G. Turnage, and C. Shoemaker* (2021)

Evaluating the response of invasive Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) cytotypes to chemical control measures

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057 1:45-2:00 S.L. Rutledge and L.D. Clifford* (2021)

Bird-brained or bodily aware: Are chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) capable of recognizing the limitations of their own body’s dimensions when assessing holes of different dimensions?

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 2:00-2:15 A.M. McIntosh and S.L. Meiss* (2021)

Investigating the Antibiotic Properties of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) California University of PA, California, PA 15419

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Graduate Session

Platform and Mini-Presentations

Saturday, April 10, 2021 2:15 - 3:00 PM WEBINAR LINK

Platform Presentations 2:15-2:30 E. Luckenbaugh and P.R. Delis * (2021)

Demography of the Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum [Lacépède, 1789]) in South-Central Pennsylvania.

Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, 17257 2:30- 2:45 P. Sonawane and R. Major* (2021)

Expression analysis of the timeout gene and its role in stem-cell based tissue regeneration in planarians

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

Mini-Presentations 2:46-2:52 S.B. Patel, K.J. Williams*, S.T. Rier*, and T.S. Klinger* (2021)

Carbon Sequestration and Suburban Philadelphia Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA, 17815

2:53-2:59 P.J. Walker and P.R. Delis* (2021)

Comparative Morphology, Ecology and Conservation of Two Populations of the Common Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon sipedon (Linnaeus, 1758) in South Central Pennsylvania

Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

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ABSTRACTS

Alphabetical by last name of first author S.L. Albright, H. Yaukey, A. Lorenz, M. Steinberger, and T. Light* (2021) Effects of Management Strategies on Fish Distribution in Michaux State Forest Streams Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg PA, 17257 Ecosystem management in Michaux State Forest, PA includes several projects intended to enhance habitat for native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and other native fish and invertebrates. Management actions have included upgrading culverts to improve fish passage, adding large woody materials to streams, and liming of reaches affected by acidified precipitation. While these actions are beneficial for Brook Trout, they also improve conditions for non-native Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and potentially open more stream reaches to invasion by this competitively dominant species. In summer and fall 2020, as part of an ongoing project, we electrofished eight stream reaches in the Mountain Creek drainage and recorded pH, specific conductance, alkalinity, temperature, and mean stream width and depth. We collected ten fish species in total, with the highest diversity in sites having higher pH, conductance, and alkalinity. Brook Trout were present at all sites, but were found in greatest densities in smaller, higher elevation streams with moderate to low pH, and lacking Brown Trout. Brown Trout were present in four sites and have expanded their range since previous surveys in 2013. Their highest density was at a Mountain Creek site that has been extensively modified by the addition of woody debris; this was also the site with the lowest density of Brook Trout. As Brook Trout are a high conservation priority for Michaux State Forest and Pennsylvania, future management efforts should be tailored as much as possible to maintain stream conditions that favor them over non-native species such as Brown Trout. B.M. Atkins and K.B. Long* (2021) Cytotoxic effects of LipoCurc on malignant and nonmalignant cells in vivo Mansfield University, Mansflied, PA 16933

Pancreatic cancer has a very high mortality rate because effective treatment options are rather limited. Pancreatic cancer is resistant to current therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation; surgery is only an option for a slim number of patients. Due to the very limited therapy options for this disease, it is necessary to investigate potential cancer therapies outside of the typical standard of care therapies. Studies are now being conducted on various herbal medications including the compound curcumin, which is extracted from Curcuma longa, turmeric. Curcumin has been discovered to induce apoptosis, therefore inhibiting cell proliferation. Curcumin (using the liposomal delivery, LipoCurc) is now being tested in clinical trials against solid tumors, so it is important to understand if curcumin induces apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells (tumor cells) or in any cell, including normal (nonmalignant) cells. To discover if curcumin is able to specifically target rapidly dividing tumor cells, we exposed three unique murine pancreatic cancer cell lines (generated from tumors arising in genetically engineered KPC mice) as well as normal (nonmalignant) murine fibroblast primary cultures to varying concentrations of LipoCurc, in vitro. A Presto Blue assay was used to determine the viabilities of the various tumor and fibroblast cells post exposure to identify the effects that curcumin has on each. Discovering the effect curcumin has on tumor cells compared to nonmalignant cells will provide insight on whether curcumin targets malignant cells differently than nonmalignant cells. It is important to identify the mechanism of curcumin-induced cytotoxicity in order to increase its effectiveness as an anti-cancer therapy.

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L.J. Avery and L. Nicholson* (2021) Effects of Glyphosate on Chicken Embryo Development California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

The daily use of weed killers, such as Roundup, in today’s society could be problematic to our ecosystem and to the people who either use it, or encounter it. The main ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate. Since glyphosate has been shown to cause birth defects in animals, there is concern about its potential impact on human embryonic development. This research aims examine the effects of glyphosate on embryonic development in chickens, to determine whether glyphosate has the potential to affect human embryo development. Chicken embryos are an excellent model organism in which to study development, because they develop similarly to humans and share many of the same genes and developmental pathways. We exposed chicken embryos to three different concentrations of glyphosate, using PBS as the diluent and as a control. Eggs were examined at 3 and 7 days of development. We measured the overall rate of development, heart rate, and took tissue samples. From these tissue samples, DNA and RNA was extracted, and is currently being used to determine whether exposure to glyphosate has any epigenetic effects on development, and whether it leads to changes in retinoic acid signaling, as is the case in Xenopus. This will help to determine how glyphosate exposure could affect humans. C. Beauduy, A. Vaskas, J. Fraietta, and K. Long* (2021) T-cell Presence During Tumor Development Influences Tumor Phenotype and Responsiveness to Therapy Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield PA 16933

Although cancer research models have been exceedingly useful and have given the scientific community the ability to expand knowledge regarding cancer and its treatment, there are some key inconsistencies that must be considered. The models (coined “xenograft”) lack a key piece of the immune system that allows implantation of human tumor cells into mice (without rejection) for experimentation. The missing piece, T-cells, appear to have a profound effect on the tumors’ characteristics, suggesting that these models are more artificial than previously thought. Additionally, recent studies have showcased data suggesting that several treatments initially showing promising anti-tumor results in the preclinical laboratory setting struggled to have any effect on humans in clinical trials.

To explore the possibly misleading nature of the xenograft model, we tested the effectiveness of curcumin, a plant-based compound that is currently in phase two clinical trials as a cancer treatment, against subcutaneous tumors that developed after implantation of pancreatic cancer cells in syngeneic mice, which were either T-cell replete (immunocompetent) or T-cell depleted (mimicking the xenograft model). The results were consistent with our hypothesis—the treatment didn’t work in tumor-bearing mice with fully functioning immune systems. Interestingly, it was clear that there was a phenotypic difference in the tumor microenvironments between solid tumors that developed in the presence or absence of T-cells. To investigate how T-cells altered the tumor microenvironment and treatment effectiveness, TaqMan immune response gene array plates were used to evaluate gene expression qualitatively in tumors harvested from experimental and control mice. Several genes were then selected for quantitative testing against each experimental sample. The data point to a T-cell dependent difference in macrophages that influences tumor development and resistance to treatment therapy. Further exploration of these T-cell dependent tumor differences and their effect on responsiveness to treatment could have great implications for understanding the role of T-cells in tumor development and the effectiveness of treatments in the future.

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H. Beck, L. Smith, T. Young, B. Harkins, and I. Ligocki* (2021) Female mosquitofish social interaction structure when in the presence of a potential mate Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, Pennsylvania, 17551

Animal interactions with one in social groups are often associated with other aspects of an organism’s biology and ecology. We investigate the role of size in female Eastern mosquito fish, Gambusia holbrooki, in determining how interactions were influenced, and influenced with a male mosquito fish. Males in this species-utilize coercive strategies in order to mate; females typically avoid or attack coercive males, and we predict their size may influence 1) which females are approached by males, and 2) how females respond to a male’s advances. We hypothesized there would be more frequent mating attempts towards, and increased aggression from, larger females. Alternatively, smaller females may be less socially connected and thus face more frequent mating attempts by males. A. Bottiglia and D. Aruscavage* (2021) Investigating Antibiotic Resistant Properties of Organisms Living on the Surface of Vegetables Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

There are organisms that are growing on the surface of the crops that we are consuming from the store. The organisms that we are looking to detect are Extended Spectrum Beta- Lactamases, ESBLs. These microorganisms produce an enzyme that break down antibiotics, making them not usable. This property of ESBLs make them antibiotic resistant. If someone has a blood infection due to ESBLs they can not be treated with antibiotics and the infection can be deadly. To investigate ESBLs in this experiment we collected vegetables from the grocery store. The vegetables were grinded up and treated with antibiotics. If there was growth of a colony from the tested vegetable, it was determined as antibiotic resistant. The results showed a significant abundance of antibiotic resistant organisms growing on the vegetables. The majority of the semester was spent conducting a methodology to control the growth. The methodology created in this experiment will be used at Kutztown University for future experiments that will further investigate the ESBLs growing on crops. There were not only ESBLs detected in crops that we purchase from the grocery store, but an abundance of growth that took a semester to develop a way to get usable results. S.M. Buckley and S.M. Hartzell* (2021) Trap Happy Crayfish? A Pilot Study of Crayfish Behavior in Response to Trapping Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

A majority of studies conducted with crayfish focus on their trappability in terms of technique, trap design, and/or bait used. Crayfish behavior within and around the trap itself has received little attention, nor the acclimation to traps over time. For this pilot study, we conducted seven trials with ten adult crayfish in a large aquarium tank, using a baited hoop-net trap. A game camera was set to take one photo each minute of the trial. Based on the photo data, we recorded and analyzed how many crayfish were inside and around the trap, as well as other notable behavior. We found that more crayfish were being trapped as the trials progressed and numerous cases of fighting around the trap, especially during the latter trials. These findings suggest that crayfish become accustomed to traps over time, and even view it as their own territory to defend. To further this study, we aim to increase the sample size using more tanks and conducting trials over a longer period of time. Utilizing underwater cameras to collect data from traps set in the wild would also provide further insight into our lab observations.

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M.E. Campbell and J.P. Calabrese* (2021) Preliminary Studies into the Potential Antimicrobial Properties of Canine (Canis familiaris) Saliva related to Isolated Prokaryotic Microbiome. Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745

It is well documented that dog (canine) saliva has varied antimicrobial properties. One aspect of this phenomenon that has not been well-defined in the published literature is whether it is the saliva itself (enzymatic activity) or possibly the prokaryotic microbiome contained within the saliva once excreted that possess these antimicrobial properties. The overall objective of this Phase I study is to isolate and identify normal bacterial flora from canine saliva and then to subsequently test these strains for potential antimicrobial properties against other known potentially pathogenic lab strains of bacteria. Canine saliva samples were collected via oral swabbing from 16 canines, varying in gender, age, breed, diet, and medical history. Saliva samples were swabbed onto Mueller-Hinton Agar (MH) plates in vertical and horizontal patterns for total coverage and plates incubated at 32C. Following growth, random colony morphotypes were chosen for further isolation to obtain pure cultures of these microbiome strains. Only 10 of the randomly selected colonies survived multiple transfers and were chosen for further testing for identification purposes. A combination of both traditional and molecular diagnostics was performed on the 10 purified strains. Traditional diagnostic tests (media) included, but were not limited to, Gram stain; Aerotolerance (FTM); Motility (MM+TTC); CH2O fermentation (PRB); Hydrolysis (Starch and Casein); Catalase; and Oxidase. Molecular diagnostics for all 10 isolates was also performed analyzing 16s rRNA signature sequences via PCR employing 27F and 1492R primers. Presumptive identifications of all isolates will be presented. Phase II of the study is scheduled to begin following identification and will employ a “Disk Diffusion Assay” to determine if these canine isolate strains have antimicrobial properties against common bacterial pathogens. K. Covington and J. Kagle* (2021) Induction of horizontal gene transfer by wastewater Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield PA 16933

In bacteria, genes for antibiotic resistance can be obtained through a process referred to as Horizontal, or Lateral, Gene Transfer (HGT). HGT may occur via three main mechanisms: transformation, transduction, or conjugation. Conjugation, in which one bacterial cell transfers their genetic material to another bacterial cell through direct contact, is commonly seen as the mechanism of HGT leading to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. The result of the genetic exchange is a new bacterial strain which acquires one or more genes for antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistant strains pose threats to public health and may lead to the spread of unmanageable infection or disease. Conjugation (along with other forms of HGT) can be induced by the SOS Response, which can be triggered by physical or chemical influences in the environment. A variety of pharmaceuticals often found in wastewater have been shown to induce both the SOS response and HGT in multiple species of bacteria. Here, we have examined how influent and effluent water from a wastewater treatment plant affect the frequency of conjugation in a model system. Our data suggests that there is no statistically significant difference between the influent and effluent water treatment groups. There appears to be a trend, however, of the effluent having a higher frequency of conjugation than the negative control, contrary to our hypothesis. If further research supports this trend as being significant, our findings pose interesting questions regarding impact of wastewater treatments on the spread of antibiotic resistance.

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M. Cree, S. Moehring, and L. Nicholson* (2021) The effects of Alprazolam on wound healing and regeneration in planaria California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

Wound healing is a complex process that relies on an intricate network of cellular and molecular communications between the immune system, skin and surrounding extracellular matrix. In addition to these intrinsic mechanisms, wound healing can be influenced by a variety of factors, including age, underlying disease conditions, infection, stress, and certain medications. Wounds are a common-place occurrence, and poor wound healing affects millions of people, so identifying whether commonly prescribed medications that patients may already be taking improve – or interfere with – wound healing is important to determine. As wound response mechanisms are widely conserved, planarian wound healing and regeneration provides a simple model system in which to examine the effects of these commonly prescribed drugs on the wound healing process. One such medication is Alprazolam, a generic form of the benzodiazepine Xanax, which is used to treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia. Benzodiazepines work by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and increasing the activity of the GABA molecules. GABA molecules reduce brain activity in the areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotion, rational thought, and certain functions such as breathing. This results in the overall slowing down of the central nervous system. As both planaria and humans have GABA receptors, Alprazolam could have similar effect on planaria and humans. We first tested whether Alprazolam could influence anxiety-like responses in planaria, using a light/dark test. Next, to determine whether Alprazolam might influence wound healing, we exposed regenerating planaria to varying physiologically relevant doses of Alprazolam, and compared the results to control planaria regenerating in spring water or spring water plus methanol, the solvent that Alprazolam was dissolved in. Initial results suggest that Alprazolam does have an effect on planarian behavior, and that the regeneration proceeds more slowly in planaria exposed to Alprazolam. As aspects of the underlying mechanisms of wound healing and Alprazolam responses are conserved, this research could help us to identify how a commonly prescribed anxiety medication influences wound healing in humans. Z. Davis, J. Baumgardner, J. Kornilow, J. Martin, and S.E. Bergsten* (2021) Looking at Linkage Between the Processes of Autophagy and Apoptosis Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Autophagy is a mechanism the cell uses to digest and recycle damaged or obsolete components to

promote homeostasis. Within cancer cells, autophagy can act as either a tumor suppressor or a survival mechanism. Apoptosis is a process by which cell death occurs to eliminate abnormal cells that may cause harm to the host. Thus, damaged, infected, and cancerous cells are often eliminated through apoptosis. There are two forms of apoptosis: intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. Both follow similar pathways using caspases, enzymes that cleave proteins, to cause a cascade that usually ends with apoptosis. The relationship between autophagy and apoptosis is most often inhibitory. Autophagy can inhibit apoptosis by improving cell conditions thereby rendering apoptosis unnecessary, or by selectively destroying components necessary for apoptosis induction. Regulators of apoptosis are also known to cleave proteins necessary for autophagy. Conversely, under certain circumstances autophagy can facilitate the induction of apoptosis through activation of an apoptotic regulator during autophagosome formation. Chemical inhibitors and stimulators impact key steps of autophagy and apoptosis, and may provide a tool to discern their interaction. Rapamycin induces autophagy by inhibiting signaling through mTOR. Resveratrol has been shown to induce autophagy at low doses, and apoptosis in higher doses. Chloroquine can be used to inhibit autophagy through impacts

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on the lysosome, but may also induce apoptosis. The goal of our experiments is to better understand the conditions under which autophagy stimulates or inhibits apoptosis. Cells used in experiments are the SNB-19 variant of glioblastoma cells. One cell line is a double transfectant (DT) expressing DsRed-LC3 and GFP-p62 which are fluorescently labelled markers of autophagosomes, and the other cell line is our vector control (VC). Quantitative PCR results show increased expression of both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors (BCL2, BID, CASP-10, and PUMA) after treatment with Resveratrol, and this impact is partially inhibited by Chloroquine. S.P. Doyle and R.L. Stewart* (2021) Correlation between Berberis thunbergii and Ixodes scapularis population on South Mountain, Shippensburg Pennsylvania. Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA 17257

Pennsylvania has one of the best populations of Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick, in the United States and is a very efficient vector of certain human and animal pathogens. Borrelia burgdorferi (causative agent of Lyme disease) is abundant within these ticks and Pennsylvania leads the nation in human prevalence of the disease. The invasive Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii, is rapidly altering the forests in Pennsylvania and some suggest that the unique microhabitat created by the establishment of this species may increase Ixodes scapularis populations. While increasing the local relative humidity in the microhabitat, it also may alter the habitat surrounding the Japanese barberry potentially increasing tick or small mammal success. If a consistent correlational relationship can be established between barberry and deer tick density, it would necessitate additional control and potential banning the sale of this ornamental. Adult ticks were sampled using stratified dragging. 50 meter transects were sampled at 5 paired sites on South Mountain, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The pairs have within approximately 15% barberry concentration of one other to ensure consistency of the sample and eliminate the risk of extraneous variables within the collected population data. Thus far there is a 93.9% correlation between proportions of ticks found questing between the sites. While there is insufficient data and more samples need to be taken this spring and fall, early evidence suggests a strong positive correlation between the variables. Our data suggest that a greater population of adult black-legged ticks occurs with increasing Berberis thunbergii density. These early findings suggest a targeted course to reduce Berberis thunbergii populations and thereby decrease islands of greater success for this species in our forests. M.K. Drake and P.R. Delis* (2021) Long Term Monitoring of Anuran Communities Using Automated Acoustic Recording Systems in Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County, Pennsylvania: Implications for Conservation Shippensburg University, Shippensburg PA 17257

This research is continuation of a long-term study on the herpetological assemblages in Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD), Franklin Co., South-central Pennsylvania. Biologists are sounding the alarm of an impending global biodiversity crisis affecting particularly amphibians and reptiles. For the last 17 years, Dr. Delis has been collaborating with LEAD’s Office of Natural Resources to survey the communities of amphibians and reptiles at the site. Multiple natural resources and wildlife management projects, including wetland management and restoration, have been generated by this ongoing collaboration. Wetlands and amphibians are of particular policy and scientific interest because of wetland’s federal protection status and

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amphibian’s bioindicator value. The objective of this research is to monitor anuran communities in two wetlands at LEAD: a relatively natural site, Twin Pond, and a newly reclaimed wetland, Anas Pond. In February 2021, two Automated Acoustic Recording Systems (AARSs) were placed at the sites. Data will be collected through the AARSs and analyzed and interpreted using Kaleidoscope software to determine species presence, activity patterns, and density estimates at both sites. The data gathered will be compared to prior information, collected since 2012, which detected healthy populations of the American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus), Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris), Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor), and Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum). The expected calling activity chronology will start with the Upland Chorus Frog, followed by the Spring Peeper, the American Toad, and lastly the Gray Tree Frog and Pickerel Frog. Additional precipitation and temperature data will be collected from nearby weather stations. This new study will offer crucial understanding of long-term population trends, restored wetland ecological success and potential effects of global warming and climate change on anuran communities. This research will offer insight on the amphibian diversity crisis, environmental stresses, and the role of conservation/restoration efforts in mitigating these challenges. M.M. Faranda, C.L. Dukmen, C. Capper, and J.L. Bandura* (2021) Does 4-nonylphenol affect the fertility of Drosophila? Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are commonly found dispersed in the environment and may pose a threat to human health. These chemicals come from many everyday products, including plastic containers and detergents, and some can persist for long periods of time in soil and water. EDCs interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, or action, and can negatively affect reproduction. We have focused specifically on the effects of 4-nonylphenol, an EDC that is particularly prevalent in the environment. 4-nonylphenol has been shown to have a definitive feminizing effect on fish. However, its impact on the fertility of Drosophila is currently not as clear. Our previous work indicated no difference in the number of eggs laid by females exposed to nonylphenol compared to control flies. Currently, we are trying to determine if there is a difference in fertility of male or female flies by assaying the viability of eggs laid. C.O. Faris and M.M. Valkanas* (2021) Investigating the Role Bacteria Play in Remediation of AMD Passive Systems

California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

All mines will eventually be abandoned, leading to serious heavy metal contamination in watersheds around the world. There is no way to stop the damage; there are only ways to rectify it. The drainage that occurs from the mines can be put through a passive system that helps to remediate the water using biotic (bacteria) and abiotic (geochemical) processes. To determine the impact bacteria have in acid mine drainage, bacterial samples were collected from the Middle Branch remediation site located in the Pennsylvania State Forest (Elk County). Samples were collected and enriched with minimal media and supplemented with aluminum or iron. From this, unique isolates were selected and purified. Characterizations were conducted on the isolates and four unique isolates were sent for full genome sequencing. Once sequenced, the genomes were screened for specific genes (czcABCD, cusRCFBA, cueRO, copA, etc.) These genes could explain the microorganisms’ ability to survive in extreme environments like Middle Branch. Understanding the genetic microbiota in sites like Middle Branch may solve many bioremediation problems at acid mine drainage sites all over the world. This would ultimately contribute to the solution of the ongoing issue regarding the conservation of water for our planet.

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C.C. Farmer, M. Klosinska*, and C. Hardy* (2021) Exploring species adaptation through genetic comparison of Arabidopsis lyrata populations growing on granitic and serpentine soils Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

A short-lived perennial in the mustard family, Arabidopsis lyrata is often used in studies of plant ecology and evolution due to its high level of morphological and genetic polymorphism. A. lyrata can also grow in disturbed or disadvantaged habitats, such as on nutrient poor serpentine soils high in heavy metals. We aim to provide insight into local adaptation and evolution through examining genetic differences and similarities between A. lyrata populations growing in the same geographic area but in differing habitats, on granitic and serpentine soils in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Using amplification through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of selected microsatellite loci and determination of allele composition we will determine whether serpentine soil populations exchange genetic material mainly with other serpentine soil populations or if they exchange genes also with local granitic populations and are possibly a result of local adaptations. K. Fogelsanger, E. Long, and H. Sahli* (2021) Pollination biology of Iris verna and potential selection on morphological traits Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Rare and threatened plants are at a risk of further population decline or even extinction if management strategies are not implemented. Very few studies have investigated the dwarf iris, Iris verna, despite its endangered status in Pennsylvania. We examined the pollination biology and potential natural selection by pollinators of one population of I. verna in Michaux State Forest with the goal of creating a baseline of information for the development of future conservation approaches. In May 2020, observations were conducted for this population to determine the species of pollinators visiting the flowers. Visitation data included the identity of the pollinator, the number of flowers visited, and whether reproductive contact was made or not. Visitors were collected and rinsed to remove and isolate pollen. The pollen collected from each insect was stained and examined for I. verna pollen and pollen from other plant species flowering during the same time. In addition to observations, flowers were photographed to analyze characteristics that might be under selective pressure by pollinators including total height, flower height, sepal area, nectar-guide area, and sepal reflexivity using ImageJ software. These traits were compared to the seed production in each plant later in the summer to identify floral traits under selection by pollinators. Analysis of results will be presented. A. Hershberger, D. Janetski*, and T. Clark (2021) Macroinvertebrate and benthic algae recovery after abandoned mine remediation in a Pennsylvania headwater stream Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

Acid-mine drainage (AMD) has caused significant ecological damage in the Appalachian Region. Iron pyrite exposed during coal mining increases acidity and metal concentrations in streams, which could be detrimental to biology. While remediation is generally effective, why ecosystem components recover at different rates remains uncertain. The Bear Run Watershed presents an ideal study where the fish community and water quality have improved following remediation, but macroinvertebrate recolonization

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has been slow. To examine whether substrate embeddedness and metal precipitates on substrate are impairing recovery, we sampled macroinvertebrates and algae on artificial and natural substrates in AMD and unimpaired stream reaches in fall 2019. We predicted that algae and macroinvertebrates in AMD reaches would colonize artifical substrates because they lack the metal precipitates that embed natural sediments. While there was no difference in algal responses between AMD and unimpaired reaches, macroinvertebrate abundance showed a trend toward a reach-substrate interaction. This may indicate that the macroinvertebrates are available to recolonize recovering stream reaches, but substrate quality is preventing them from increasing in abundance. We recommend further exploration of how substrate embeddedness caused by metal precipitates may impair macroinvertebrate recolonization following coal mine remediation. J. Hockensmith, G. Turnage, and C. Shoemaker* (2021) Evaluating the response of invasive Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) cytotypes to chemical control measures Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057

Establishment and spread of invasive species has affected ecosystems across the globe. These intruders compete with native species for resources, which often leads to reduced biodiversity as well as other environmental issues. Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) is one such species that has invaded the northern United States and Canada. Flowing Rush is a perennial, aquatic species that can be found growing along the shoreline of lakes and other waterbodies. In North America, two distinct cytotype populations occur: diploid and triploid. These cytotypes differ in key anatomical and physiological properties. Despite these differences, current best management practices of chemical control are based solely off research conducted on triploid populations, which account for only 29% of flowering rush populations in North America. In this study, we assessed the effect of two commonly used chemical control measures for aquatic plants, Diquat and Endothall, on diploid and triploid cytotypes. After establishment and subsequent herbicide application, plants were followed to eight weeks post treatment. At this time the plants were harvested to assess the efficacy of the treatments on above- and belowground biomass accumulation, in addition to belowground asexual rhizomatous bud production. We observed that when treated with herbicides, bud production in diploid plants increased, while bud production in triploid plants was unaffected. Additionally, in diploid Flowering Rush, higher concentrations of Diquat and Endothall increased bud production compared to control and low concentration treatments. Both Diquat and Endothall reduced the overall above- and belowground biomass. Our results suggest that diploid and triploid populations display different reactions to chemical controls and that further research is needed to elucidate these differences. Z.W. Isenhour and P.R. Delis* (2021) Phenology of Amphibian Communities in Vernal Pools at Letterkenny Army Depot, Southcentral Pennsylvania: Implications for Conservation Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Amphibians (salamanders, frogs and toads) are characteristic and familiar taxa in freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Increasing our knowledge on current amphibian biodiversity and population abundances is of crucial interest because of their vital roles within various food webs. Additionally, amphibians act as bioindicators by revealing the health and stability of the environments they inhabit. In the United States, the declines of amphibian populations have become serious concerns because they indicate decreases in biodiversity within ecosystems and alterations in ecological relationships. The objective of this research is to

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monitor the diversity, population relative densities, and phenology of amphibians in some vernal pools at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD), Southcentral Pennsylvania during the 2021 breeding season. This will be accomplished by, at least monthly, surveys of the amphibian species in LEAD, then using the data obtained to determine species presence, relative abundance, and assemblage activity characteristics. The methodology will include a combination of visual surveys, larvae/adult dip netting, nocturnal surveys, and hand captures. In prior years, opportunistic surveys have identified the Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) the Northern Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), the Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans), the Woodfrog (Lithobates pipiens), the Pickerel Frog (Lithobatus palustris), Northern Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), and the Uplands Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum) in some of these vernal pools. Monitoring the characteristics of vernal pool amphibians during their breeding periods in Southcentral Pennsylvania will inform us about their overall success and the ecological health of these particular habitats at LEAD. As global warming and climate change stress the world’s biota, these sorts of studies will shed a light on potential biodiversity and phenological shifts. E. Lezak, K. Madjerich, and C. Maltman* (2021) Taxonomic Classification of metalloid resistant bacterial isolates from acid mine drainage Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

The study of bacteria has been an ongoing process for hundreds of years. While the field itself covers

a broad area of specialties, one of the cornerstones of microbiology is accurate and definitive classification of individual bacterial isolates. Through the use of a polyphasic approach, which uses both classical physiology and biochemical testing methods along with gene sequencing, a vast number of bacteria have been officially identified, however, it is estimated that in spite of our best efforts, less than 1% of all bacteria have actually been properly taxonomically classified. To this end, we selected two bacterial isolates (TSed Te1 and TWSe14) from acid mine drainage were selected for taxonomic classification. A series of biochemical tests, including carbon source utilization, enzyme activities, metal resistance, as well as morphological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were carried out. Based on sequencing, TSed Te1 was 99.5% similar to Gordonia namibiensis and TWSe14 was 99.9% similar to Rhodococcus qingshengii. These similarities are low enough, with respect to their individual genera, to suggest they are new species. This information, when coupled to the classical and biochemical taxonomic testing, further support the idea these isolates are members of these genera and strongly suggests they are also new species. The second aspect of this study was the ability of our isolates to resist high levels of tellurite and selenite. Both of these compounds are highly toxic and commonly found at mine sites. We found both TWSe14 and TSed Te1 were able to grow in the presence of high levels of both tellurite and selenite. This helps further our understanding of bacterial metalloid resistance and may possibly lead to development of bioremediation methods using these newly identified isolates. E. Luckenbaugh and P.R. Delis * (2021) Demography of the Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum [Lacépède, 1789]) in South-Central Pennsylvania. Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, 17257

Snakes are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem, playing the roles of both predators and prey to a variety of taxa. Additionally, snakes have recently been considered as bioassessment tools. One–fifth of the reptiles on earth are expected to become threatened or extinct as a result of global warming, climate change and other anthropomorphic activities. The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) is one of twenty species of snakes inhabiting Pennsylvania. However, few publications investigated Pennsylvania

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within the northern reaches of the Eastern Milksnake natural range. Since 2008, data have been collected on the snake assemblages at two South-Central Pennsylvania locations: a natural site (Letterkenny Army Depot - LEAD) and a disturbed site (Shippensburg University Campus - SU). Starting on 2020 and continuing into 2021, I pursued additional sampling of the Eastern Milksnake at these two locales. Snakes were captured using coverboards, 132 at LEAD and 56 at SU Campus, and mark-recapture techniques. Snakes were identified, sexed, measured, tagged and released in situ. From historical data, April and May are the peak abundance months for the Eastern Milksnakes at both locales. Prior findings documented a higher relative abundance of Eastern Milksnakes at LEAD than at SU. The population at LEAD showed a male bias, whereas the SU population revealed a female bias. Preliminary surveys from 2020 did not exhibit Eastern Milksnakes at SU while those found at LEAD showed a near 1:1 sex ratio. The continuation of this research into 2021will explore also the presence of Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) in the Eastern Milksnake and its potential implication for the conservation and management of the species. S.R. Marx and K.B. Long* (2021) Understanding gene expression changes of bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to tumor cell supernatant Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Inflammation is a natural and vital immune response that allows the body to recognize and eliminate pathogens and even tumor cells under normal conditions. However, uncontrolled or misdirected inflammation can lead to tissue damage and can support tumor growth and development; this type of inflammation is harmful. In both good and bad inflammation, cytokines are produced to recruit various immune cells to the inflammation source, where they receive additional cytokine signals necessary for maturation and effector functions. Using tumors to model inflammation, this research will utilize naïve macrophages (MØ) that can be pushed to the anti-tumor (M1) or pro-tumor (M2) phenotype depending on the cytokine signals they receive. Three groups of macrophages (M1, M2, and MØ) will be established and exposed to tumor cell supernatant containing naturally produced cytokines. Three genetically identical, yet unique, tumor cell lines will be used to produce supernatant containing various cytokines. When these tumor cell lines are implanted into mice, each develops into solid tumors that are phenotypically different and whose surrounding environments contain varying populations of immune cells. Using phenotypically different tumor cell lines and the resulting differences in inflammation, we seek to understand what controls the phenotypic shift from good to bad inflammation. Standard M1, M2, and MØ macrophage genes were selected and used to create primers (synthesized by Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.) using the UCSC genome browser and Primer3 database. The primers were validated through qRT-PCR to generate amplification and dissociation curves. RNA was isolated from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs, from mouse femurs) to determine proper cell plating densities. Next, MØ, M1, and M2 controls will be generated using appropriate stimulation, and experimental BMDM groups will be exposed to various tumor cell supernatants to determine gene expression profile changes and ultimately the pathways important in controlling inflammation. A.M. McIntosh and S.L. Meiss* (2021) Investigating the Antibiotic Properties of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) California University of PA, California, PA 15419 Antibiotics play an important role in our society by keeping most bacterial diseases under control. Bacteria are mutating at a faster rate than scientists can discover new antibiotics. Also, the overuse of antibiotics by the medical field have increased antibiotic resistant bacterium including MRSA (Methicillin

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Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It is important that scientists continue studying the potential of antibiotics. Without this continuous research, bacterial diseases will become prevalent once again contributing the deaths and illness of many. The first antibiotic, Penicillin, was isolated from a fungus and many more are produced by other bacteria and fungi. This research project investigates the common mushroom Ganoderma lucidum also known as Reishi for its antibiotic activity. There were two forms of Reishi tested; store bought and extract from a close relative done in the lab. The antibiotic producing abilities of Reishi were tested on Staphylococcus epidermis and Escherichia coli. Serial dilutions of Reishi and the Kirby Bauer method were used to investigate the strength of Reishi as an antibiotic producer. It is hypothesized that Reishi will effectively produce antibiotics against Gram negative and Gram Positive bacterium. C.E. McUmber, E.R. Farkas, and K.B. Long* (2021)

Mechanisms of liver damage after oral consumption of microplastics Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield PA 16933

The effects of oral microplastic consumption on mammals has been sparsely researched. What is known about the health consequences of plastic ingestion primarily comes from observations in marine organisms, where oral consumption of plastic leads to negative effects, including death. Understanding the effects these particles have on mammals is important because humans ingest plastics daily. Research investigating the extent of plastic ingestion by humans, whether plastics can be detected in human organs, and damage this ingestion may cause is in its infancy and warrants more thorough investigation in model mammalian systems. Past research we conducted using a mouse model found that micro- and nano-plastic ingestion over a period of 30 days caused liver damage. Specifically, plastic-fed mice exhibited elevated blood liver enzyme levels; in parallel, histological evaluation of liver tissues showed increased immune aggregates in these mice relative to a control group. To determine whether these immune cell abnormalities are contributing directly to liver damage or are a result of plastic ingestion-induced liver damage, we evaluated the effects of microplastics on murine immune cells using an in vitro model. Bone marrow derived cells (BMDCs) were isolated from the leg bones of non-plastic fed mice and cultured in vitro. Murine tumor cells were cultured as a nonphagocytic cell control. Preliminary data from these studies show that treatment of cells with microplastics cause cell proliferation and morphological changes in BMDCs. In contrast, treatment with microplastics induce tumor cell death. These data show BMDC activation in response to plastics and point to a potential mechanism of liver damage. Future studies will compare the responses of immature cells to the responses of mature bone marrow-derived macrophages in order to observe whether phagocytosed microplastics can reprogram mature macrophages. These studies highlight the need for more thorough investigations regarding the potential mechanisms of negative effects continuous oral microplastic ingestion has in mammals. N. Natalia, J. Sendatch, M.L. Lehman*, R.L. Stewart*, and A. Luce-Fedrow* (2021) Understanding Pennsylvania tick population and tick-borne disease dynamics: A retrospective analysis of archived databases from 2008-2020 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Ticks have been studied worldwide for their importance in vector-transmitted diseases, such as

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease. Despite the devastating consequences and potentially fatal outcomes of tick-borne diseases, the local and regional distribution of ticks in Pennsylvania has not received sufficient investigation. Our research aims to analyze the changing dynamics of tick populations in Pennsylvania over the last twelve years through the examination of

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previously established tick population databases from the Department of Biology at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Our research involves organizing and combining individual archived databases from 2008 to 2020 to analyze the geographical distribution of tick species, with an emphasis on ticks of significant public health and veterinary importance. Additionally, seasonal distribution of tick species and their life stages (larvae, nymphs, and adults) will be investigated. Further analyses will examine host association of tick species and the molecular status of ticks that are positive or negative for Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Borrelia. Mapping (ArcGIS) is being used to display these comparisons. The results of this study will improve public health awareness, contribute essential information for disease prevention and treatment (human and veterinary), and provide the foundation for future research. R.M. Nenstiel, C.E. Donahoe, C. Surmacz*, and J.M. Hranitz (2021) Assessing Sublethal Stress in Honeybees Exposed to “Bee-friendly” Neonicotinoid and Pyrethroid Pesticides Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg PA, 17815

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) contribute to worldwide agricultural pollination. Since 2006, bee pollinators have experienced global declines, which may be linked to widespread agricultural use of neonicotinoid pesticides and a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder (CCD). While CCD appears to be caused by many factors, neonicotinoid pesticides are indicated as a major factor in CCD. Neonicotinoids and pyrethroids differ in their chemical structure and strategies for application. We tested honeybees in acute exposure to two neonicotinoid (imidacloprid, acetamiprid) pesticides and one pyrethroid (deltamethrin) pesticide for sublethal motor coordination and stress responses. Motor and cellular stress responses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity) were measured after 4-h exposure to treatments. Control bees were fed 1.5 M sucrose and treatment groups were fed sublethal doses (1/5th LD50

to 1/500th LD50) of pesticides in 1.5 M sucrose. Doses were like those reported for the natural environment. After treatment, we evaluated the movement of the abdomen, legs, antennae, and proboscis extension reflex and calculated motor scores. Bees displayed impaired motor coordination at 1/5th-1/10th LD50 when fed imidacloprid and at 1/5th LD50 when fed with acetamiprid. Deltamethrin did not impact motor coordination at the doses used in our study. Bees displayed increased SOD activity at 1/5th-1/10th LD50 treatments of imidacloprid but no difference in SOD activity among acetamiprid or deltamethrin treatments. Preliminary studies have shown no significant difference in HSP70 levels between control and treatment bees. This suggests acetamiprid and deltamethrin are safer to honeybees than imidacloprid. A. Nicholas, H. Bechtold*, A. Kutay*, and B. Overton* (2021). Novel contaminant toxicological effects on aquatic organisms. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA. 17745.

The use of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (ppcp’s) is nearly inescapable. Inevitably, these PPCP’s become contaminants in both natural and man-made water systems and may cause adverse and unintentional effects in organisms utilizing these water sources. The usage of repellent PPCP’s containing pesticides Permethrin and DEET have increased in recent times and in correlation with increased disease risks from both mosquito and tick-borne illnesses. Additional, PEG20, a newly used compound to control white nose syndrome was investigated for unintended consequences for organisms near and around treated cave environments. Often these compounds are not removed by waste-water treatment plants thus they can directly or indirectly enter surface waters and groundwater. Permethrin and DEET have been shown to slow growth and can have lethal effects on aquatic organisms in larval and young age classes. To assess potential lethal and sublethal effects on aquatic organisms we exposed young tadpoles to environmentally relevant concentrations of these compounds in the laboratory setting. Laboratory frog eggs

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were hatched and the resulting tadpoles were separated into 4 trial groups per chemical and observed for behavioral and physical changes. We found that even at doses that are lower than what are found in surface waters, the chemicals affect the nervous system, except PEG20 did not. In addition to mortality, we recorded sublethal effects including paralysis, tremors, and altered stimuli response patterns. Lethality was only observed in the Permethrin trials at the experimental doses. Tadpoles are often used as one of several indicator species to detect potential dangers posed to human internal organ health. With the increase of contaminants in surface waters there may be unintended consequences that directly affect human health. D. Oberdick and J. Cebra-Thomas* (2021) Effect of Ectodysplasin A on Early Scute Development Millersville University, Millersville PA 17551

Scutes are the thick keratinized scales found on the carapace of a turtle shell. They form a mosaic pattern that is unique to each species. Scutes are formed from skin cells and are considered an epidermal appendage, like human hair or the feathers of birds. Like all epidermal appendages, they arise from a placode (a plate of thickened cells) which forms from the interaction of various signaling pathways and molecules. Ectodysplasin A (EDA) and Activin A are known signaling molecules that are necessary for the development of such appendages. One objective of this research is to test if EDA also plays a necessary role in the development of scutes in turtles using an antagonist antibody (EctoD2) that can block signaling through the EDA receptor. The torsos of turtle embryos were cultured with the antibodies for several days and the formation of scute placodes was analyzed with an in-situ hybridization probe. Exposure to EctoD2 antibody reduced or completely erased EDA expression during these early stages resulting in no scute formation. When embryos were exposed to Activin A, they had fewer, but larger scutes. Which suggests that they may have fused together. It can be concluded that, EDA is necessary for the formation of scutes during early embryonic turtle development, and that Activin A also plays an important role. B. O’Connor, E. Deecher, and E.J. Rollinson* (2021) Effects of invasive aphids on common milkweed ecology East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301

The milkweed genus (Asclepias) is a host plant for monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus. Although common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is toxic to many herbivores, other insects, including monarch caterpillars and others, can feed on the plant. Aphis nerii (oleander aphid) is an invasive species that can be abundant on milkweed. If aphids harm the milkweed plants, this may have an indirect negative effect on monarchs.

In Fall 2018, a pilot study surveyed 23 populations of common milkweed to determine regional abundance of oleander aphids and monarch caterpillars in milkweed populations. In Summer 2019, we monitored 9 milkweed populations. In each population, ten plants were tagged and surveyed weekly for aphid density and presence of monarchs. Additionally, plant height, number of leaves, and number of inflorescences and fruits were measured, to determine the effect of aphid abundance on milkweed development.

Aphid and monarch abundance peaked after the milkweed flowered. Aphid density (aphids per leaf) was positively related with the number of leaves on a plant, after controlling for week, suggesting that aphids may not negatively affect milkweed growth or cause down-stream effects on monarchs. However, while aphid abundance was not correlated with plant vegetative growth or flower & fruit production, we did not measure seed production or viability. Future greenhouse studies with experimental herbivory treatments could address the effects of leaf damage on milkweed fitness.

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S.B. Patel, K.J. Williams*, S.T. Rier*, and T.S. Klinger*. (2021) Carbon Sequestration and Suburban Philadelphia Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA, 17815

Urban tree planting has been employed in U.S. cities to decrease the accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions, namely atmospheric carbon dioxide, and for other ecosystem services. Carbon sequestration by trees contributes to the mitigation of climate change. Trees have an inherently higher capacity to sequester more carbon per unit area than shrubs or grasses. Emission inventories have been collected in various cities to evaluate climate change relief efforts. While urban greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation values are thoroughly researched, suburban areas are currently not well investigated. Studies have shown high population densities in cities are attributed to increased levels of carbon dioxide, but collective suburban carbon accumulation has not been explored. This study evaluates the offset of carbon emissions and environmental impacts of Greater Philadelphia’s suburban trees by quantifying the amounts of carbon dioxide sequestered in trees planted across the peri-urban and suburban area surrounding Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and of trees planted in the city itself. S.M. Richard and M.M. Valkanas* (2021) Characterization and Antibiotic Screening of Soil Fungi California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

The need for new antibiotics is rising, as bacteria and other microorganisms are adapting, mutating, and sharing resistant genes. Antibiotics continue to be widely overprescribed and insufficiently regulated, driving pathogens to adjust and develop a resistance to them. Discovering new antibiotics is essential in order to combat infections that are caused by pathogens that have become resistant to our available treatments. In this study, soil was collected next to Monongahela River in California, PA and plated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium. Eleven unique fungi were isolated, identified and selected for further testing. The fungal isolates were characterized using microscopy and then screened for antibiotic production. Out of eleven isolates, four exhibited antibacterial activity. This suggests that antibiotic producers are present in the soil, which can be useful in the discovery of new antibiotics. The emergence of new antibiotics is crucial in successfully fighting off infections, which are becoming tougher to do so because of resistant pathogens. S.L. Rutledge and L.D. Clifford* (2021) Bird-brained or bodily aware: Are chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) capable of recognizing the limitations of their own body’s dimensions when assessing holes of different dimensions? Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

Self-awareness is the ability of an individual to recognize itself as a unique entity that is distinct from others of its kind and separate from its environment. As self-awareness is thought to be associated with other higher brain functions (e.g. empathy, projection of future events), past studies in animal self-awareness – investigating animals such as elephants, magpies, Eurasian crows, dolphins, and even ants – have implied that higher cognitive functions may not be unique to humans and primates. One possible component of self-awareness is ‘body awareness’, which is composed of two main parts: proprioception (i.e. an individual’s ability to sense their body’s position in their environment) and spatial awareness (i.e. an

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individual’s ability to assess their own body’s dimensions and its ability based on those dimensions). This study addressed the hypothesis that the capacity for spatial awareness is present in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) at a pre-adult stage, specifically assessing the ability of chicks to successfully navigate holes of differing sizes. Chicks were able to determine which hole could accommodate their body’s dimensions based on the hole’s size, rather than its location. Further, the majority (≥ 50%) of chicks were able to identify the correct hole on the first try in each series, with few to no mistakes. These findings indicate that chicks are likely aware of their own body’s dimensions, relative to the environment, and that this spatial awareness is present in chickens innately. The observed capacity for spatial awareness supports previous studies that found chicks capable of performing complex tasks, indicating that chickens are capable of higher neural functions. H. Shearer, A. Dombroski, L. Maier, and S.E. Bergsten* (2021) Evaluation of Coordination between Autophagy and Exosome Release in Glioma Cells Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and recycling process in eukaryotic cells to maintain homeostasis. Autophagy is highly regulated and targets materials to membrane bound autophagosomes that will fuse with the digestive organelles, lysosomes. This process has been linked to exosome release. Exosomes release unnecessary cell content into the extracellular environment. Like autophagy, exosome secretion occurs in a constitutive manner in normal cells and may be altered in cells under stress. Since exosomes can release damaged proteins, it is hypothesized that they may play a role in the spread of toxic proteins that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. To study the relationship between autophagy and exosome formation, we utilize a brain cancer cell line, SNB19 glioma cells, with fluorescently tagged autophagosome components (GFP-p62 and DsRed-LC3). These cell cultures are treated with drug combinations that restrict or accelerate particular steps of autophagy. Rapamycin is a drug that stimulates autophagy. Treatments such as Wortmannin and Chloroquine inhibit autophagy, while Tipifarnib inhibits exosome production. After treatments, the fluorescently tagged autophagosomes are detected by fluorescence microscopy which allows visualization of autophagosome accumulation and fusion of autophagosomes with exosomes. The exosomes are isolated with an exosome isolation kit, and the amount of GFP-p62 released from our glioma cells after the treatments show a direct connection between autophagy and exosome release. Carefully controlled experimental trials compare increases and decreases in both autophagosome accumulation and exosome production, which provides insight on the relationship between autophagy and exosome release. Results suggest that treatments that both stimulate and inhibit autophagy can increase the release of GFP-p62 containing exosomes, with the greatest release seen upon co-treatment with Rapamycin and Chloroquine. The combination of Rapamycin and Chloroquine results in excessive accumulation of autophagosomes that cannot be digested by the lysosome, and may lead to greater fusion of autophagosomes with vesicles in the endosome-exosome pathway. C.M. Silva and R.L. Stewart* (2021) A Behavioral Dietary Preferences of Narceus americanus in a Controlled Environment Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, PA 17257

Narceus americanus, the American giant millipede, can reach lengths of 12cm and is distributed in pockets throughout the east, but is present as far west as Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. It is a common pet sold at many online pet sites. Many pet retailers direct pet owners to feed these millipedes mixed greens and fruits, although when observed at our collection site, they were gathered under and in decomposing wood. In an ecosystem, many millipede species are decomposers that primarily eat dead plant material. However,

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some species are considered serious agricultural pests as they are primarily herbivorous. This study aims to determine if there is a dietary preference in the millipede species N. americanus using an arena to provide dietary choices. Adult millipedes were collected in September from a known population in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and maintained at room temperature in plastic totes primarily on decomposing wood obtained from the collection site. They were maintained with a 14 light:10 dark photoperiod until testing. Five groups of 10 randomly assorted millipedes were given a new food choice in an arena on weekly basis along with a control food, moistened decomposing wood obtained from the millipede site. A sixth group of 10 random millipedes were only given the decomposing wood. The food choices were weighed before and after to determine how much of each option was consumed. A control was used to account for food desiccation. Cameras were also used to capture the activity of two groups simultaneously. Thus far, the millipedes have shown a preference for all fresh food options offered to them over decomposing vegetation, although no statistics have been employed as the trial replicates are small. The preferred food items include: cucumbers, dried cat food, bananas, and deer scat. The ecological implications of preferential consumption of deer scat are relevant for nutrient cycling. A.G. Snavely and L. Ramos-Sepulveda* (2021) Pioneering the Hemp Microbiome; Implication in Potential Crop Rotations in Pennsylvania Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

Cannabis sativa L. is perhaps one of the most infamous plants worldwide – leading to a history of prohibition. Consequently, little is known about the plant. Cannabis sativa has two main informal groupings: the widely known drug marijuana, and hemp, the psychoactive-free form of Cannabis, which is exploding in popularity. With products such as cannabidiol (CBD), hemp seeds, and natural fiber, hemp has many uses. The demand for these products is increasing while our knowledge of the plant remains stagnant. In this project, we aim to pioneer the soil microbiome (rhizosphere) of hemp. Hemp is expected to be rotated with other important crops in Pennsylvania such as corn and soybeans - thus their microbiota will be shared. In light of this possible transmission of microbiota through crop rotation, it is imperative to understand the bacterial composition of the hemp rhizosphere. This illumination of the microbiome allows for the analysis of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria the crops have in common – at the soil level. Understanding the rhizosphere microbial community is key to the successful production of hemp. P. Sonawane and R. Major* (2021) Expression analysis of the timeout gene and its role in stem-cell based tissue regeneration in planarians Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

Planarians are one of the simplest metazoans possessing the capacity for tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Injury-induced proliferation of planarian stem cells (neoblasts) drives this regeneration. Previous experiments from our lab have uncovered a role for the timeout gene in planarian regeneration and neoblast proliferation. We have established that in the absence of timeout function, planarian amputation fragments fail to regeneration, however, little is known about its expression pattern. In my study, I have analyzed the expression pattern for timeout using in situ hybridization. My results suggests that timeout is expressed in a broad parenchymal pattern and perhaps in subepidermal muscle cells. Experiments designed to knockdown timeout function shows a significant decrease in category 1 neoblast marker (piwi) expression when compared to control animals. In addition, my study uncovers a subset of timeout-independent piwi-positive cells. Since the mammalian orthologue is not well understood yet, this study unveils a new role for the timeout gene in stem cell proliferation and tissue repair in a highly regenerative model system.

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L. Smith, H. Beck, B. Harkins, T. Young, and I. Ligocki* (2021) Mosquitofish Social Networks Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

Mosquitofish (Gambusia Holbrooki) form shoals in which network and dominance relationships form. My research is examining how these relationships form. To do this, sixteen groups composed of five female Gambusia were set up and observed twice weekly, for thirty minutes, for three weeks. The recordings are now being scored and the data will be analyzed to determine social networks. I hypothesize that Gambusia top-down, bottom- up, social choices, cause initial relationships to be formed when size differences are smallest. There are many other possibilities for the initial formation of social networks and this study will lay a good foundation for future research on social preferences, and how these preferences affect information relay and spread of disease. N. Stewart, C. Potter, M. Lehman*, A. Fedrow*, C. Kindlin, M. Miller, S. Pelesky, and R. Stewart* (2021) Controlled burning for the potential control of tick populations in southcentral Pennsylvania Shippensburg University, Shippensburg PA 17257

Controlled burning has been used to manage invasive species in a variety of ecosystems with much success. While many tick species are well established in southcentral PA, Amblyomma americanum (commonly known as the Lone Star tick) recently became established at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD). To evaluate the effects of burning for tick control, we conducted a study to compare relative abundance of three species: A. americanum nymphs and adults, Ixodes scapularis adults, and Dermacentor variabilis adults at three sites after burning occurred. Each burned site was paired with a similar non-burned site located in close proximity to the burned area. Each paired site was tick-dragged with equal effort during visits. All three paired sites were sampled monthly for 1 year after controlled burning occurred at the study site. Phenology gaps occurred resulting in a sampling period from April through August for both nymph and adult A. americanum at both LEAD sites, but not SGL 169 where only A. americanum males were discovered. Dermacentor variabilis was collected at all three sites from April through August, but numbers declined at the beginning of July. Ixodes scapularis adults were observed at all three sites between September and June, but with a precipitous decline after March. Relative abundance was compared using a two-tailed T-test. No significant differences were observed in abundances between burned or non-burned sites at the 95% confidence interval. However, at the 90% confidence interval, I. scapularis relative abundance was significant at one site, SGL 169, and this significance persisted for three consecutive years post-burning. The results of this study are not consistent with most studies evaluating the effectiveness of controlled burning to reduce tick numbers for all three species. This study was limited by unavailable pre-burn relative abundance estimations and potentially by the establishment of A. americanum at all three sites. P.J. Walker and P.R. Delis*(2021) Comparative Morphology, Ecology and Conservation of Two Populations of the Common Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon sipedon (Linnaeus, 1758) in South Central Pennsylvania Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257

As part of the ongoing global biodiversity crisis, snakes are undergoing widespread population declines. Additionally, because of snakes’ cryptic behaviors, sweeping public fears, and generalized

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misunderstanding, snakes have been understudied. The Common Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon sipedon, (Linnaeus, 1758), is one of 14 species in the genus Nerodia (Stejneger, Barbour 1917) in North America. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the life history and strategies of the Common Water Snake, and to explore the morphological, demographic and ecological characters of two populations in South Central Pennsylvania: one relatively natural (Letterkenny Army Depot – LEAD) and the other significantly impacted by human disturbances (Shippensburg University Campus - SU). The objectives of this study are to determine coloration variation between populations, general seasonal activity, patterns of movement, population sizes, age classes, sex ratios, survivorship, predation, disease. The methodology includes the use of cover boards, hand capture, and mark recapture techniques, by Passive Integrated Transponders. Some of the expected outcomes of this study include: 1. Variation in disturbance and predation levels between the two localities will result in differences in the predominant coloration and general morphology between the two populations 2. The greater level of human disturbance at SU will result in smaller-size snakes and greater incidence of injuries and diseases in the populations of Nerodia s. sipedon in contrast to LEAD 3. General patterns of movement are expected to be greater in SU, in avoidance in of anthropogenic threats and disturbances. 4. The seasonal activity will be bimodal in both locations but accelerated in the start in SU as a consequence of warmer thermal conditions in anthropogenically influenced sites. Overall, demographic parameters and likelihood of persistence in the population of Common Water Snake at the disturbed site (SU) are likely to be compromised and imperil the long-term viability of this urban population in comparison to that of more natural population (LEAD).

R.B. Wright and S.L. Meiss* (2021) Effects of the environment and native soil microflora on the medicinal properties of Echinacea spp. (Purple Coneflower) California University of PA, California, PA 15419

Echinacea spp. (Coneflower) are a group of plants that have been used medicinally for a variety of ailments including shortening the length of the common cold and the flu, treating coughs and sore throats and boosting the immune system. Current research shows that the active properties of Echinacea spp. include antimicrobial and antioxidant properties as well as immunostimulatory effects. The underlying mechanism of these properties is not well understood and inconsistent in the literature. Overall, it seems that Echinacea spp. is a medicinal compound, but its specific contributions seem to vary. Plants produce thousands of compounds in response to their environment and this study aims to examine if there is a correlation between the environment and the plant’s ability to produce medicinal compounds. The goal of this research is to examine the influence of the environment and microflora in the rhizosphere of Echinacea purpurea and its impact on the medicinal properties. Echinacea grown in vitro and in vivo, as well as encapsulated Echinacea supplements, was examined for its medicinal properties using the Kirby-Bauer method of antibiotic resistance. The results show little to no antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli or S. epidermidis. The results do show altered microbial cell growth supporting the hypothesis that Echinacea plays a role in immunostimulation.

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Historical Highlights of APSCUB/CPUB

• The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Biologists (APSCUB) was formed in 1969.

• The First Annual Meeting was held in April 1970 at Shippensburg.

• The Fifth Annual Meeting was held in connection with the Annual Meeting of the

Pennsylvania Academy of Science at Bloomsburg.

• The tradition of awarding Outstanding Student Awards was initiated at the Eighth Annual Meeting at Indiana in 1977.

• The nuclear reactor accident at Three Mile Island occurred on the morning of day one of

the Tenth Annual Meeting at Millersville.

• The Fourteenth Annual Meeting was held at Mansfield in 1983, marking the point at which each member institution had hosted an annual meeting.

• APSCUB changed its name to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists

(CPUB) in 1984.

• Regional meetings were held during the 1980‘s.

• APSCUB/CPUB has been an active voice for Biology Faculty concerns since its inception. During the 1972-1973 academic year, the APSCUB Executive Committee prepared a position paper entitled “Position to be Taken in Negotiations on Behalf of the State College and University Biologists (Scientists)” that was instrumental in faculty obtaining 1 credit for 1 contact hour of laboratory teaching (1:1) in the collective bargaining agreement.

• CPUB position papers were again prepared in the 1980‘s, 2003 and as recently as 2016

when contract negotiations resulted in concerns over the loss of 1:1 for laboratories. CPUB has consistently played an important role in expressing and representing the concerns of our State System Science Faculty.

• APSCUB/CPUB prepared position papers expressing support for the teaching of evolution

and opposition to the teaching of creationism in the 1980‘s and again in 2001.

• A CPUB position paper opposing below ground storage of long half-life, low-level nuclear wastes was approved by the membership in 1987.

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• APSCUB/CPUB has supported faculty professional development since the 1970‘s. Faculty Professional Development Institutes were held starting in the late 1970‘s on topics such as Electron Microscopy, Natural History-Ecology, Marine Science, Organismal Physiology, Photography, Gel Electrophoresis, Heart Stress Analysis, Microcomputers, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, as well as Annual Wildflower Studies. Symposia were held in the 1980‘s on topics such as Genetic Engineering and The Battle Against AIDS. More recently, workshops have been held on topics such as Paleontology of Pennsylvania, Molecular Techniques, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Mini- workshops have also been offered during numerous CPUB Annual Meetings.

• CPUB Student Grants were first awarded in 2001 as “Student Travel Grants for Scholarly

Presentations”. The CPUB Student Grants became research grants in 2002. Awards were initially set at a maximum of $200, but the maximum award has been increased to $600. In 2019, the CPUB Student Grants Committee started funding research presentation travel grants in addition to research grants.

• The abstracts of CPUB Annual Meetings were originally compiled into large volumes that

spanned a number of years. Starting with the Annual Meeting at Millersville University in 2005, the program of the meeting was given an ISSN number. Programs of subsequent meetings have been published annually as proceedings under the same ISSN number.

• The 2020 CPUB Annual Meeting that was scheduled to take place at Shippensburg was

cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first time in 50 years that a CPUB Annual Meeting was cancelled.

• The 2021 CPUB Annual Meeting that was hosted by Shippensburg University was held

virtually in keeping with guidance from the CDC due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first time that a CPUB Annual Meeting was held as a virtual event.

Additional Information on the early history of CPUB can be obtained by reading the history sections of Volumes 1-3 of the APSCUB/CPUB Proceedings (1969-1987).

Carol C. Mapes, CPUB President 2003-2007 (updated April 2019 & April 2021)

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CPUB OFFICERS

President (2019-2021) Dr. Sarah Meiss

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

California University California, PA 15419

724-938-4203 meiss@calu.edu

Vice President (2020-2022) Dr. Matthew Foradori

Department of Biology and Health Sciences

Edinboro University Edinboro, PA 16444

814-732-1519

mforadori@edinboro.edu

Secretary (2019-2021) Dr. Chad Hanna

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

California University

California, PA 15419

724-938-5989

hanna@calu.edu

Treasurer (2020-2022) Dr. Steve Seiler

Department of Biological Sciences Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA 17745

570-484-2152 sseiler@lockhaven.edu

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CPUB Presidents

Term President Institution 1969---1970 Kenneth Michel Slippery Rock University of PA 1970---1971 Kenneth Michel Slippery Rock University of PA 1971---1972 Gould Schrock Indiana University of PA 1972---1973 Carmela Cinquina West Chester University of PA 1973---1974 Joseph Vaughn Bloomsburg University of PA 1974---1975 Gordon Kirkland Shippensburg University of PA 1975---1976 Blair Carbaugh Lock Haven University of PA 1976---1977 Barry Hunter California University of PA 1977---1978 William Morrison Slippery Rock University of PA 1978---1979 Robert Reed Shippensburg University of PA 1979---1980 Henry Vallowe Indiana University of PA 1980---1981 Alex Henderson Millersville University of PA 1981---1982 Ronald Rhein Kutztown University of PA 1982---1983 Clifford Kelsey East Stroudsbug University of PA 1983---1984 Foster Billheimer California University of PA 1984---1985 Florence Lewis Cheyney University of PA 1985---1986 David Dobbins Millersville University of PA 1986---1987 Jay Davidson Shippensburg University of PA 1987---1988 Andrew Browe Indiana University of PA 1988---1989 Eugene Jones Cheyney University of PA 1989---1990 Dave Flesch Mansfield University of PA 1990---1991 Roger McPherson Clarion University of PA 1991---1992 Frank Hoffman Slippery Rock University of PA 1992---1993 Ernie Bernice Edinboro University of PA 1993---1994 Jerry Chmielewski Slippery Rock University of PA 1994---1995 Bill Barnes Clarion University of PA 1995---1996 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1996---1997 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1997---1998 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1998---1999 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1999---2000 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2000---2001 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2001---2002 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2002---2003 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2003---2004 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2004---2005 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2005---2006 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2006---2007 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2007---2008 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA 2008---2009 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA 2009---2010 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA

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CPUB Presidents (continued)

Term President Institution 2010---2011 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA 2011---2012 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2012---2013 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2013---2014 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2014---2015 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2015---2016 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA 2016---2017 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA 2017---2018 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA 2018---2019 2019---2020 2020---2021

Nathan Thomas Sarah Meiss Sarah Meiss

Shippensburg University of PA California University of PA California University of PA

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CPUB Annual Meetings

2023 – East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 2022 – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 2021 – Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania- virtual 2020 – Cancelled (COVID Pandemic) 2019 – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 2018 – Mansfield University of Pennsylvania 2017 – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 2016 – Millersville University of Pennsylvania 2015 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2014 – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 2013 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania 2012 – Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 2011 – California University of Pennsylvania 2010 – East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 2009 – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 2008 – Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 2007 – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 2006 – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 2005 – Millersville University of Pennsylvania 2004 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2003 – Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 2002 – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 2001 – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

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Acknowledgements

Shippensburg University Administration:

Laurie A. Carter, President

Dr. Tom Ormond, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Lesly Brown, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Planning Committee:

Dr. Richard Stewart, Department of Biology, Shippensburg University

Dr. Nathan Thomas, Department of Biology, Shippensburg University

Webinar Coordinator:

Scott Donald, Media Services, Shippensburg University

Electronic Registration:

Mira Mattern, Web Content Manager, Shippensburg University

Welcoming Remarks:

Dr. Donna Wilson, Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, PASSHE

Dr. Lesley Brown, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Sarah Meiss, CPUB President

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Allen L. Richards, Senior Scientist at The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Med., Inc. (HJF), Bethesda, MD; Federal Research Microbiologist/Immunologist (Retired)

Judging Coordinator:

Dr. Stacy Hrizo, Biology Department, Slippery Rock University

Platform and Mini-Presentation (Formerly Poster) Judging:

All CPUB Faculty Judges Platform Session Moderators

Shippensburg University Department of Biology