Download DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

DEPARTMENT
OF BIOLOGY
MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
HONOURS PROJECT TITLES
2016-2017
BIGNELL, Dawn
SN-1011
[email protected]
Research in my lab aims to better understand the ecological roles of natural products
(i.e. secondary metabolites) that are produced by Streptomyces and other
actinomycete bacteria. As a model, we study the secondary metabolites that are
produced by plant pathogenic Streptomyces spp., and our goal is to decipher the
function of these molecules in plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions.
In addition, we currently have an ongoing collaborative project with Dr. Kapil Tahlan
and Dr. Suzanne Dufour that aims to characterize the bioactive secondary
metabolites that are produced by actinomycetes from marine sediments.
Potential projects for honours students include the following:
(1)
Activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters for producing secondary
metabolites in Streptomyces scabies using chemical, genetic and/or coculture strategies.
(2)
Characterization of phytotoxic secondary metabolites produced by plant
pathogenic Streptomyces spp. isolated in Newfoundland.
(3)
Isolation and characterization of marine actinomycetes and their bioactive
natural products from deep sea sediments.
CARR, Steve
SN3020
[email protected]
Honours projects are available in molecular evolutionary genetics, conservation
genetics, and biodiversity genomics.
Species of interest include: Atlantic Cod, Wolffish, Harp Seals, Caribou, Salmon, and
other marine fish and terrestrial mammals.
Potential projects in seabirds and shellfish dependent on funding.
Requirements include a strong interest in molecular genetics and evolutionary
biology.
We have increasing interest in Computational Science programming for analysis of
large data sets. Projects in human medical genetics are also conducted in
cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine.
Genetic studies of an endangered marine species, Atlantic Wolffish
Post-glacial origins of Newfoundland Caribou
Genomic variation in wild Atlantic Cod fisheries
DNA Microarray sequencing: Development of computer algorithms for sequence
analysis and pattern identification.
Population Genomics (co-supervisor, Dr. D. Marshall)
Population Genetics of Newfoundlanders (Co-Supervisor, Dr. D. Marshall)
Human Mitochondrial DNA mutations (Co-supervisor, Dr. D. Marshall)
See http://www.mun.ca/biology/scarr/research.html for examples of current projects.
Contact Dr. Carr at 864-4776 or [email protected]
DEBNATH, Samir
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
[email protected]
Available projects on berry crop improvement using conventional methods combined
with biotechnology:
1. Morphological and biochemical study of in vitro-derived berry plants.
2. Genetic fidelity in micropropagated lowbush, half-high and/or hybrid blueberries.
3. Molecular analysis to maintain genetic purity in cranberry.
4. Bioreactor micropropagation in berry crops.
5. EST-PCR analysis to characterize berry crops.
DUFOUR, Suzanne
SN2086
[email protected]
Marine Chemosymbiosis and Benthic Biology
Research projects focusing on the symbiotic relationship between bivalves (Family
Thyasiridae) and sulphur-oxidizing bacteria, on adaptations of benthic invertebrates to
organically enriched environments, or on bioturbation are available.
1.
Description of the gill structure and relationship to bacterial symbiont presence
in local populations of thyasirid bivalves. The project involves thin sectioning
of bivalve gills, for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
2.
Investigation of suspension feeding structures, bacterial symbiont presence
and trophic level in bivalves from organically enriched benthic environments
(including aquaculture sites). The project can involve a combination of
histology, transmission electron microscopy, isotope ratio determinations, and
molecular biology (gene sequencing).
3.
Study of environmental variability in thyasirid habitats based on long-term in
situ data collected at the VENUS underwater observatory.
4.
Burrowing behaviour and sedimentary impacts of bioturbating marine animals
(in collaboration with Dr. Duncan McIlroy, Earth Sciences).
EDINGER, Evan
SN-1012
[email protected]
1.
Cold-water coral and sponge habitats in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia
(it’s a video analysis project).
2.
Biodiversity and biogeography of bryozoans in the Newfoundland and
Labrador waters.
3.
Biodiversity and conservation of sponges in the Newfoundland and Labrador
shelf & slope bioregion.
Contact E. Edinger, SN1044, ext. 3233, [email protected]
FLEMING, Ian
Ocean Sciences Centre
Contact: 864-3586 or [email protected]
Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation of Fishes. Honours students have the
opportunity to potentially undertake projects in the following areas.
(i)
Invasion Biology and Consequences of the Escape of Cultured Fish –
Combining laboratory and field experiments, this work aims to examine the
roles of environment (phenotypic plasticity) and genetics (i.e. non-indigenous
origins and domestication) in the potential for introduced fishes to establish
both within native and non-native ranges, and to assess impacts on the
productivity and genetic integrity of wild fish populations and the ecosystems
they inhabit.
(ii)
Captive Breeding and Fish Conservation – Our research in this area aims to
address whether captive breeding programs can successfully contribute to
the recovery of populations, and under what circumstances. Using field and
laboratory experiments we explore how captive rearing can generate an array
of behavioural, life history and morphological changes that impede the
success of fish after release.
(iii)
Maternal effects – This research explores the evolutionary significance of
maternal effects (i.e. female differences in egg size, breeding time and
location) on offspring performance (growth and survival). We work primarily
with salmon and trout.
GAGNON, Patrick
Ocean Sciences Centre: OS-4016 and OS-4017
Lab website: http//www.ucs.mun.ca/~pgagnon/
[email protected]
(709) 864-7663
Research in my laboratory, the Cold Ocean Benthic Ecology Lab (COBEL) located at
the Ocean Sciences Centre, aims to elucidate the structure and function of subtidal
marine ecosystems in subarctic and temperate regions with current emphasis on
shallow rocky ecosystems of eastern Canada. It investigates how environmental
variability (including anthropogenic disturbances) affects recruitment, growth, survival,
and interactions in native and invasive invertebrates and seaweeds. Our approach
combines field and laboratory experiments and observations using SCUBA diving*,
underwater photography and videography, wave tanks, remote sensors (airborne and
satellite), and GIS tools to extract and merge ecological data across spatial and
temporal scales.
Honours projects are available in the following areas:
1.
Effects of environmental variability on species interactions and population
dynamics.
2.
Ecology and ecosystem impacts of marine invasive species.
3.
Mapping and study of shallow marine communities at broad spatial and
temporal scales.
* Honours students are not expected to dive for their projects, though projects can be
tailored to include diving depending on qualifications.
GAMPERL, Kurt
Ocean Sciences Centre
[email protected]
A position is available in my lab at the Ocean Sciences Centre for a 4th year honours
student to investigate how temperature or reductions in water oxygen levels (hypoxia)
affect fish physiology. All candidates for the honours B.Sc. in Biology must take both
Biology 499A and 499B, and the program requires students to undertake an
independent research project that takes approximately 12 hours per week (160 hours
per course).
If you are interested in this project, or have an idea for a dissertation topic in the area
of fish physiology/biology, please contact 864-2692 or email [email protected]
GREGORY, Robert, Adjunct Professor
Fisheries & Oceans Canada, St. John’s, NL, Canada
[email protected]
(709)772-4491
1.
Growth and survival of Atlantic cod in coastal habitats (field and non-field
components are possible).
2.
Juvenile fish distribution in coastal nursery habitats (field components).
3.
Fish associations with marine seabed habitats on offshore banks (non-field
project; analysis of existing data).
Applicants should have an interest in pursuing studies on fish behaviour and ecology
during the late spring or summer periods. Previous employment or volunteer
experience working outdoors on a daily basis would be an asset.
IGAMBERDIEV, Andrei
SN-4100
[email protected]
1.
Anaerobic operation of plant mitochondria: can plants respire without oxygen?
2.
Pathways of nitric oxide synthesis and scavenging in plant cells.
3.
The role of plant bioactive compounds in protection from oxidative stress in
brain cell cultures (in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy).
4.
Antioxidant metabolism of cool season berry crops (in collaboration with Agric.
Can).
5.
Plant hemoglobins and their functions.
INNES, Dave
SN-4114
[email protected]
1.
Genetics of sexual and asexual Daphnia
2.
Evolution and genetics in a mussel hybrid zone
3.
Mussel aquaculture genetics
4.
Spider mating
LANG, Andrew
SN-3021
[email protected]
1.
Bacterial genetics:
role of viruses in bacterial evolution
regulation of gene expression by signal transduction pathways
2.
Avian influenza viruses:
genomics and evolution
prevalence and diversity in wild birds
global movements of viruses by wild birds
3.
Marine microbiology:
viruses and gene exchange in the ocean
diversity and biogeography of marine bacteria
marine microbes as sources of novel bioactive compounds
4.
Virus discovery:
Identification of new viruses in different animal species
Identification of new viruses infecting bacteria
MARINO, Paul
SN-3125
[email protected]
Marino’s research in ecology and evolution focuses on understanding the
mechanisms behind which plants attract insects by examining the ecology and
evolution of spore dispersal in Splachnaceae mosses. Spores are dispersed by flies
and the sporophytes of these species are highly modified and promote the dispersal
of their spores.
Potential projects include:
1)
characterization of sporophyte odour chemistry, and
2)
exploring the relative importance of visual vs odour cues in attracting flies to
particular species of mosses.
3)
comparing spore dispersal ability among different fly taxa.
4)
exploring competitive interactions among different species of Splachnaceae
mosses.
MARSHALL, Heather Dawn
SN-2102
[email protected]
1.
Phylogeography of red and Arctic foxes in Northern Canada and the
relationship to spread of rabies.
2.
Investigation of immune system genetic diversity in Newfoundland red foxes
and coyotes susceptible to French Heartworm.
3.
Using mitogenomics to test the nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution in
European chaffinches.
MERCIER, Annie
Ocean Sciences Centre
[email protected]
1.
Biology of deep-sea invertebrates. This research involves the use of
microscopy and imaging analysis techniques for the study of preserved
specimens (possibly new or poorly known species). It may also involve
collection of specimens (ship time) and assessment of feeding and
reproductive cycles in live animals.
2.
Breeding strategies of echinoderms (e.g. spawning periodicity and synchrony,
ecology of brooding, fecundity, etc.). This research is based on behavioural
observations, experimental trials in controlled environments,
histology/microscopy, image analysis, and biochemical analysis.
3.
Biology and management of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa. This
research focuses on the study of the Newfoundland populations of sea
cucumbers with respect to an emerging fishery and potential aquaculture
program. It involves the study of growth patterns, tagging and aging methods,
diets, prey-predator interactions and various other aspects of the biology and
ecology of the species.
4.
Various other projects on the general biology and ecology of marine
invertebrates (e.g. symbioses, trophic ecology, competition, behaviour,
morphology, etc.).
PARRISH, Chris
Ocean Sciences Centre
[email protected]
Ecological and nutritional projects related to marine lipids.
PENA-CASTILLO, Lourdes
ER-3014
[email protected]
The research in my group focuses on the application and development of
bioinformatics resources. Honours students who enjoy working with computers and
are looking for a dry lab project, have the opportunity to undertake projects mostly in
the analysis of large-scale omics data and network analysis.
If this is of interest to you - come and see me, or send me an email.
PURCHASE, Craig
SN-4103
[email protected]
A variety of projects related to fish ecology and reproduction are available every year,
please see Dr. Purchase to discuss details.
RONCAL, Julissa
SN-4102
[email protected]
“Towards a molecular phylogeny of the vascular plants of Newfoundland”
Honors thesis project in the Plant Diversity and Evolution Lab under the supervision
of Dr. Julissa Roncal
This thesis project aims to reconstruct a molecular phylogenetic tree of all vascular
plant genera in Newfoundland (ca.200). This phylogenetic tree will be useful to
determine measurements of plant diversity among the different ecological regions of
Newfoundland. To reconstruct this tree we will use DNA sequences, most of them are
already available from public databases but we are missing approximately 15 genera.
The student will conduct DNA sequencing for these missing genera from herbarium
specimens or live plants. Therefore the student will learn basic molecular laboratory
techniques like DNA extractions, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Different methods like
maximum parsimony and Bayesian will be used to infer the tree.
More information on the research we conduct in my group can be found on my
webpage http://julissaroncal.wordpress.com/
SCHNEIDER, Dave
Ocean Sciences Centre
[email protected]
All four topics are potentially publishable in the refereed literature. Funding available
for students during summer prior to final year.
Marine and Aquatic Birds
1.
Long term variation in osprey reproductive success in Labrador. BACI design.
[Environmental science journal]
2.
Long term trends in migratory shorebirds at Gulf Islands National Seashore,
Florida. Potential for field work at GINS. [Ornithology journal]
Oceanography
1.
Annual primary production due to episodic coastal upwelling in the northwest
Atlantic. Compute gross production (carbon fixation) from rate of injection of
nitrogen into the euphotic zone by episodic upwelling. Verify model from
literature. [Oceanography journal].
Natural Selection
2.
Frequency dependent selection on polymorphic molluscs at multiple spatial
scales. Field work at Heart’s Delight (Thais), and possibly Florida (Donax).
Ten years of data from Florida. [Journal of Natural History].
SHAHIDI, Fereidoon
Biochemistry
[email protected]
Plant Phenolics, Antioxidants, Lipids and proteins Phenolics are ubiquitous
components in all plants and exist as structural components and for playing biological
roles in the plant with respect to anti-hebivory, protection from oxidative stress under
sunlight, as wound-healing components and as attractants for polinators, among
others. We are interested in such compounds as antioxidants, free radical
scavengers and as nutraceuticals for disease risk reduction and health promotion.
Studies of interest include extraction, evaluation of antioxidant and biological activity
of the extracted materials and structure elucidation of active components.
Derivatization of ployphenols for enhancing their bioavailability and for their beneficial
effects in reaching mitochondria is also intended.
Furthermore, such compounds protect lipids against oxidation. Oxidative stability of
lipids is important because their deterioration leads to generation of toxic degradation
products as well as flavour reversion.
Oxidative stability of lipids is generally dictated by the degree of unsaturation of their
fatty acid constituents. However, recent research in our laboratory has shown that
factors such as minor components in the oil as well as presence of the lipids in the
bulk or in an emulsion system might exert effects that could possibly reverse the
expected trends. The work of interest includes study of stability and stabilization of
selected plant/food material. As an example, disease prevention and health
promotion activities of such products will be examined by testing their effects on
prevention of human LDL oxidation and DNA breakage, among others. In
collaboration with other researchers, studies on selected cell lines or animals may be
performed for demonstrating the efficacy of commodities of interest that include
cereals, grains, small fruits, nuts as well as fish and fish by-products. Studies on
preparation of so-called structured lipids, including phenolipids, using lipid
biotechnology, to examine their characteristics and potential use in diseases
prevention/amolioration are also of continued interest. In addition, hydrolysis of
protein leads to the formation of peptides, some of which are biologically active and
provide many health benefits as supplements or for use in food and cosmetics or for
aquaculture feed application. Therefore, there will be ample opportunity to select a
project that concentrates on one of the above areas.
SNELGROVE, Paul
Ocean Sciences Centre
[email protected]
1.
Larval ecology
2.
Sedimentary biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
3.
Ecology of deep-sea ecosystems
3.
Biology of juvenile cod in coastal Newfoundland
STAVELEY, Brian
SN-3017
[email protected]
1.
Isolation and characterization of new insulin receptor pathway genes.
2.
Characterization of genes involved in programmed cell survival signal
transduction.
3.
Development of genetic models of human degenerative diseases.
4.
Study of mitochondrial integrity genes in Drosophila models of human disease
STOREY, Anne
Psychology
[email protected]
Honours projects may be available to study the behavioural ecology of seabirds.
Potential projects include:
1.
Field projects on mating and parental behavior of Common Murres and Atlantic
Puffins
2.
Laboratory projects examining the costs of seabird parental behavior. For
example, a project might focus on how individual differences in parental
behavior are related to levels of stress hormones.
TAHLAN, Kapil
SN-1007
[email protected]
1.
Genetics and biochemistry of antibiotic producing bacteria: This project
involves studying the production on pharmaceutically important natural
products in industrially used Streptomyces species.
2.
Screening for novel bioactive compounds: On an ongoing basis our
laboratory has projects on screens to identify bacteria from different
environments that produce bioactive natural products. The projects also
involve genetic manipulations to produce new natural products which could
have applications in medicine and industry. We also have collaboratirve
projects where we test chemically synthesized compounds for antimicrobial
activities.
3.
Identification of agents and targets active against mycobacteria: The
project involves the use of genetics and biochemistry to look at the
mechanism of action of bioactive compounds (synthetic and natural) using
non-pathogenic mycobacterial models as a surrogate for M. Tuberculosis,
which causes tuberculosis in humans.
4.
Studies on bacterial pathogens of concern to veterinary medicine: This
project is focused on the identification bacterial pathogens that cause animal
diseases in Newfoundland. It also involves the use of genetics and
biochemistry to study antibiotic resistance, virulence mechanisms and
pathogenicity in these organisms.
VOLKOFF, Helene
SN-3009
[email protected]
Project 1. Interactions between appetite regulating peptides in goldfish and
piranha.
The study involves sampling of fish, tissue culture and gene expression studies using
PCR and qPCR.
Project 2. Characterization of amylin in cunner, skate and flounder.
The study involves cloning and gene expression studies using PCR and qPCR.
Project 3. The role of neuronostatin in regulating feeding in goldfish.
Neuronostatin, a recently discovered peptide derived from the somatostatin
preprohormone, significantly inhibits food intake when administered in adult male rats.
The project involves intra peritoneal and brain injections followed by observations of
feeding behavior.
WHITNEY, Hugh
NL Forestry and Agrifoods Agency (Animal Health)
[email protected]
Topics related to diseases of wild and domestic animals, particularly those of public
health or economic importance. This could be for students interested in a career in
veterinary medicine or as a research scientist.
WIERSMA, Yolanda
SN-4099
[email protected]
1. General landscape ecology research
2. Lichen diversity patterns in the city and surrounding area
3. Citizen science and NL Nature