ACTIVE PROJECTS
Wildlife Disease in the Amphibian Pet Trade
with Gia Haddock (MSU FW grad student) and Drs. Matt Gray, Neelam Poudyal, Nina Fefferman (UTK), Jesse Brunner & Jonah Piovia-Scott (WSU, Molly Bletz (Penn), Julie Lockwood (Rutgers), and North American Bsal Task Force.
Globalization is altering Earth’s ecosystems at unprecedented rates. Translocation of pathogens via trade is a signature consequence of globalization, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity and human health. The magnitude of animal movement and biosecurity practices along trade routes shape disease risk but are also inextricably linked to decisions and behaviors of diverse stakeholders. We are using a model system—amphibian hosts and their pathogens—to build a quantitative and analytical framework for understanding how ecological factors and socioeconomic feedbacks shape pathogen dynamics and disease risk in these dynamic wildlife trade networks. Amphibian populations are especially threatened by a recently identified chytrid fungus, Bactrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), which has been responsible for several massive salamander mortality events in Europe. This fungus has not been found in North America, but with the highest diversity of salamanders located in this world region, the possible introduction of Bsal poses a huge threat to biodiversity. Salamanders are an important part of a functioning ecosystem and their loss can result in substantial changes. More information can be found on the project website here.
Globalization is altering Earth’s ecosystems at unprecedented rates. Translocation of pathogens via trade is a signature consequence of globalization, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity and human health. The magnitude of animal movement and biosecurity practices along trade routes shape disease risk but are also inextricably linked to decisions and behaviors of diverse stakeholders. We are using a model system—amphibian hosts and their pathogens—to build a quantitative and analytical framework for understanding how ecological factors and socioeconomic feedbacks shape pathogen dynamics and disease risk in these dynamic wildlife trade networks. Amphibian populations are especially threatened by a recently identified chytrid fungus, Bactrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), which has been responsible for several massive salamander mortality events in Europe. This fungus has not been found in North America, but with the highest diversity of salamanders located in this world region, the possible introduction of Bsal poses a huge threat to biodiversity. Salamanders are an important part of a functioning ecosystem and their loss can result in substantial changes. More information can be found on the project website here.
Impacts of Chronic Wasting Disease on Michigan Meat Processors
with Dr. Adam Zwickle (MSU faculty), Jordan Burroughs (MSU Extension), Dr. Emily Pomeranz (former MDNR, now MSU), Brockton Feltman (MSU CSUS graduate student), and Garrett Knowlton (former MSU FW undergrad)
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious, fatal nervous system disease affecting deer and other cervids (e.g., elk, moose). It has become a concern in Michigan since it was first found in 2015. Although no cases of CWD infection in people have yet been reported, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended keeping any contaminated meat out of the human food system. In addition to the potential human health risks, CWD poses a serious threat to deer population health and management. Hunting of deer serves as an important wildlife management tool and has substantial direct (licensing) and indirect (travel, gear, etc.) impacts on Michigan’s economy. An important step in the hunting of deer is the processing of the meat. CWD risks related to carcass processing and disposal are amplified for meat processors because of the high volume of infected materials, potentially concentrated in one location. To date, no systematic effort has been made to collect input from processors and hunters using processors on the impact of existing CWD policies and to evaluate CWD risk communication. Thus, in order to understand and predict behaviors of these groups, we need to understand processor and hunter perceptions of risk and attitudes towards policies. In this study we collected social science data via semi-structured interviews of meat processors and deer hunters about their knowledge and perceptions of CWD in order to assist in the development and implementation of successful policies and communication strategies to address this emerging threat.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious, fatal nervous system disease affecting deer and other cervids (e.g., elk, moose). It has become a concern in Michigan since it was first found in 2015. Although no cases of CWD infection in people have yet been reported, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended keeping any contaminated meat out of the human food system. In addition to the potential human health risks, CWD poses a serious threat to deer population health and management. Hunting of deer serves as an important wildlife management tool and has substantial direct (licensing) and indirect (travel, gear, etc.) impacts on Michigan’s economy. An important step in the hunting of deer is the processing of the meat. CWD risks related to carcass processing and disposal are amplified for meat processors because of the high volume of infected materials, potentially concentrated in one location. To date, no systematic effort has been made to collect input from processors and hunters using processors on the impact of existing CWD policies and to evaluate CWD risk communication. Thus, in order to understand and predict behaviors of these groups, we need to understand processor and hunter perceptions of risk and attitudes towards policies. In this study we collected social science data via semi-structured interviews of meat processors and deer hunters about their knowledge and perceptions of CWD in order to assist in the development and implementation of successful policies and communication strategies to address this emerging threat.
Public Perception of Deer Management in East Lansing, Michigan
With Abbey Drouillard (former MSU undergrad), Endi Piovesana (MSU FW undergrad), Julie Moore (former MSU FW undergraduate), Cathy DeShambo (City of East Lansing), Jordan Burroughs (MSU Extension), and Dr. Henry (Rique) Campa III (MSU faculty)
Within many urban and suburban communities the topic of deer and deer management can be controversial. In this study we focused on social and biological dimensions of deer management in the city of East Lansing Michigan. To date, East Lansing has been very proactive in their deer management actions. For example, the city prohibited the feeding of deer in 2014, a year prior to the first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in free-ranging white tailed deer in Michigan. Though there are currently no confirmed cases of CWD in East Lansing, there have been in neighboring communities, therefore the public awareness of deer has heightened. Our study addressed the deer impacts on residents and the local ecosystem in East Lansing. We analyzed trends in reported deer vehicle collisions, density of deer in city parks, changes in vegetation, and public opinion surveys from citizens about deer impacts and management in East Lansing. We will be able to use these trends to identify the most pertinent impacts of deer on citizens of East Lansing, for the ease of future mitigation of those impacts by city officials.
Within many urban and suburban communities the topic of deer and deer management can be controversial. In this study we focused on social and biological dimensions of deer management in the city of East Lansing Michigan. To date, East Lansing has been very proactive in their deer management actions. For example, the city prohibited the feeding of deer in 2014, a year prior to the first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in free-ranging white tailed deer in Michigan. Though there are currently no confirmed cases of CWD in East Lansing, there have been in neighboring communities, therefore the public awareness of deer has heightened. Our study addressed the deer impacts on residents and the local ecosystem in East Lansing. We analyzed trends in reported deer vehicle collisions, density of deer in city parks, changes in vegetation, and public opinion surveys from citizens about deer impacts and management in East Lansing. We will be able to use these trends to identify the most pertinent impacts of deer on citizens of East Lansing, for the ease of future mitigation of those impacts by city officials.
yEvo: Experimental Evolution Research Modules for High School Students
Led by Dr. Bryce Taylor (University of Washington postdoc),
Microbial experimental evolution paired with whole-genome sequencing provides a powerful opportunity to see evolution in action over relatively short time scales. The tools required to carry out such investigations have become more accessible, making it possible to expand these studies beyond the purview of the research lab and into the classroom. We developed a series of lab modules in which high school students used experimental evolution to study antifungal resistance. Antifungal resistance in pathogenic yeasts is a growing concern globally. Domesticated, non-pathogenic lab strains of S. cerevisiae can provide a useful model for studying mechanisms of antifungal resistance that can be relevant to understanding genetically-distant pathogenic yeasts. Students in three biology classrooms selected for resistance to an over-the-counter fungicide with an azole as the active ingredient and we collected survey and interview data to measure their interest in science and evolution knowledge. We anticipate this high school-university collaboration can serve as a model for other researchers for involving members of the broader science-interested public in the scientific process.
Microbial experimental evolution paired with whole-genome sequencing provides a powerful opportunity to see evolution in action over relatively short time scales. The tools required to carry out such investigations have become more accessible, making it possible to expand these studies beyond the purview of the research lab and into the classroom. We developed a series of lab modules in which high school students used experimental evolution to study antifungal resistance. Antifungal resistance in pathogenic yeasts is a growing concern globally. Domesticated, non-pathogenic lab strains of S. cerevisiae can provide a useful model for studying mechanisms of antifungal resistance that can be relevant to understanding genetically-distant pathogenic yeasts. Students in three biology classrooms selected for resistance to an over-the-counter fungicide with an azole as the active ingredient and we collected survey and interview data to measure their interest in science and evolution knowledge. We anticipate this high school-university collaboration can serve as a model for other researchers for involving members of the broader science-interested public in the scientific process.
SPARCnet Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience
with Drs. Louise Mead (MSU faculty), Kristine Grayson (UR), and Caitlin Fisher-Reid (BSU).
Salamanders are accessible to people of all ages, and they are a great topic for educators who teach about science, wildlife, and the environment. By working with K-12 teachers, environmental centers, and college/university faculty, SPARCnet works to advance our education initiatives. At the undergraduate level, I am the co-PI on a project to develop a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (SPARCnet-CURE) across five institutions: MSU, . Two of our education modules are already available on our SPARCnet Education Resources site. I have also helped establish plots at local high schools in Michigan.
Salamanders are accessible to people of all ages, and they are a great topic for educators who teach about science, wildlife, and the environment. By working with K-12 teachers, environmental centers, and college/university faculty, SPARCnet works to advance our education initiatives. At the undergraduate level, I am the co-PI on a project to develop a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (SPARCnet-CURE) across five institutions: MSU, . Two of our education modules are already available on our SPARCnet Education Resources site. I have also helped establish plots at local high schools in Michigan.
PAST PROJECTS
ConnectedBio: Three-dimensional Learning from Molecules to Populations
with Drs. Louise Mead, Peter White, Jim Smith, Angela Kolonich (all MSU faculty), Frieda Reischman, and Kiley McElroy-Brown (Concord Consortium), Kristin Bass (Rockman et al)
Students are often taught evolution isolated from genetic and cellular mechanisms. In reality, a complete understanding of evolution requires knowledge spanning many biological sub-disciplines and levels. To address this issue, the ConnectedBio project team (MSU, Concord Consortium) developed a set of technology-enhanced lessons for high school biology that meet national science standards. This approach stands as a contrast and antidote to many approaches in biology education, which have often treated macro- and micro-biological concepts separately, resulting in learning of isolated processes rather than deep connections. We used the evolutionary phenomena from the previously developed Evo-Ed cases as the basis for the curriculum. As the primary postdoc on the project I was involved in curriculum and technology development, teacher professional development, and science education research.
Students are often taught evolution isolated from genetic and cellular mechanisms. In reality, a complete understanding of evolution requires knowledge spanning many biological sub-disciplines and levels. To address this issue, the ConnectedBio project team (MSU, Concord Consortium) developed a set of technology-enhanced lessons for high school biology that meet national science standards. This approach stands as a contrast and antidote to many approaches in biology education, which have often treated macro- and micro-biological concepts separately, resulting in learning of isolated processes rather than deep connections. We used the evolutionary phenomena from the previously developed Evo-Ed cases as the basis for the curriculum. As the primary postdoc on the project I was involved in curriculum and technology development, teacher professional development, and science education research.
Evolution Education Curriculum
Evolution is central to the biological sciences and one of the four core concepts for undergraduate biological literacy identified by Vision and Change (AAAS 2011). Despite its importance, an agreed-upon set of learning objectives for undergraduate students has yet to be developed. I am leading a project to survey life science faculty in the United States about teaching evolution to undergraduate biology majors. By incorporating responses from a wide range of instructors and higher education institutions the learning objectives should be broadly applicable and serve as a guide for faculty and institutions. Furthermore, the resulting list of community-validated learning objectives will be submitted as part of CourseSource’s Learning Framework for the Evolution Course section, which is the only area lacking a learning framework at present. Overall, we will provide an update on the current status of teaching evolution at the undergraduate level. I have also partnered with European collaborators as part of the EvoKE project to conduct similar research across European countries as part of a large COST Action grant.
Data Nuggets: Bringing Real Data into the Classroom
Data Nuggets are classroom activities, co-designed by scientists and science teachers, with an aim to help K-12 students practice interpreting quantitative information and making claims based on evidence. The current NSF project funds collaborative research between Michigan State University, where the Data Nuggets were created, and the BSCS Science Learning to study the effectiveness of Data Nuggets. The goals of this collaboration are to:
1. Expand the development of the current Data Nuggets educational resource to accentuate connections to the NGSS practices.
2. Develop a teacher professional development program for secondary teachers.
3. Test the efficacy of Data Nuggets using a powered experimental design in secondary science classrooms.
As part of the project I helped develop an observation protocol for science practices and co-led seminars and workshops to train scientists to make a Data Nugget using their own research and teachers to use existing Data Nuggets in their classrooms.
1. Expand the development of the current Data Nuggets educational resource to accentuate connections to the NGSS practices.
2. Develop a teacher professional development program for secondary teachers.
3. Test the efficacy of Data Nuggets using a powered experimental design in secondary science classrooms.
As part of the project I helped develop an observation protocol for science practices and co-led seminars and workshops to train scientists to make a Data Nugget using their own research and teachers to use existing Data Nuggets in their classrooms.