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Biology
Research

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Contact Biology
Ghosh Science & Technology Center
Suite ST-310
508-929-8569

Biology Research Opportunities at Worcester State

At Worcester State University, we understand that the best learning includes doing. That’s why we offer you the opportunity to hone your scientific skills and techniques by working on faculty-led undergraduate research exploring topics like anti-microbial and anti-parasitic drug development, animal and plant diversity in Worcester County, application of virtual reality to studies of human perception, and genes involved in frog development. We also promote independent internships with local biological and biotechnology organizations as well as interdisciplinary research with other Worcester State departments in the fields of chemistry, computer science, mathematics, environmental sciences, and psychology.

Collaborating with your professors on research projects will reinforce laboratory learning and expose you to best research practices. Many of our students have co-authored papers in academic journals and presented their research at local and national academic and scientific conferences.

Biology Research Presentations
Preparation of a Research Manuscript Describing the Effects of Phosphorylation Site Mutations on the Function of the Yeast Protein Bud3
We studied the effects of Bud3 phosphorylation site mutations on these processes and will present our research manuscript for publication. Our results indicated phosphorylation has minimal effects on bud site selection, but affects cell cycle progression.
Learn More
A Review of Myocarditis Immunosuppressive Therapies
Myocarditis is a precursor of dilated cardiomyopathy – the most frequent reason for heart transplantation. This review includes a synopsis of recent immunosuppressant treatment trial results and recommendations for future treatment options.
Learn More
Genome Annotation of Drosophila elegans
This study involved identifying the genes on a segment of 80kb on chromosome 3L in D. elegans, and their reading frame sequences. The gene model suggests that the Ten-m gene is a protein-coding gene with 3 mRNAs and 13 exons.
Learn More
Characterization of an Environmental Pseudomonas Isolate that is a Rapid Biofilm Producer
This work seeks to further investigate the phenotype and characteristics of Pseudomonas isolate D11.
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Microbiology Spotlight on the Radiation-Resistant Bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans
This presentation will focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of Deinococcus radiodurans and provides information about the organism’s genome.
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Captive Reared Pseudemys rubriventris Hatchlings Grow Faster than Their Wild Counterparts
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MDFW) is employing 28 state institutions to raise endangered Pseudemys rubriventris hatchlings to the size of three-year-old turtles in nine months in an effort to increase their chances of survival upon their release into the wild.
Learn More
Portrait of Biology Student, Gloria Liseno
"I was fortunate enough to travel to the Ecuadorian Amazon with a professor for a research expedition to collect and work with Opiliones–you might know them as daddy long legs."
— Gloria Liseno, Biology
Portrait of Tallia Annese, Biotechnology Graduate Student
"Working closely alongside one of my professors, I was able to complete an independent study on tissue culture–which is really big in biotech. That research opportunity was a very big learning milestone for me."
— Tallia Annese, Biotechnology Graduate Student

Recent Biology Research at Worcester State

Biotic and Abiotic Factors’ Impacts on Tree Growth

In this study we will look at the biotic and abiotic factors that impact tree growth: how they accelerate, decelerate, or completely stop tree growth from happening.
Faculty Advisor: Aleel Grennan, Ph.D.

Tree Growth Analysis by the Holden Rail Trail

After the deconstruction of the Central Massachusetts railroad, the route of the trail was restored into a popular walking trail. The age and type of trees were identified through bark analysis, dendrochronology, and diameter breast height.
Faculty Advisor: Aleel Grennan, Ph.D.

Evaluation of Mutualistic Interactions on Tree Growth in Holden, Massachusetts

Tree growth rate is a manifestation of the biotic/abiotic interactions in the environment in which the tree is existing. In our research, we aim to identify organisms involved in a mutualistic relationship with the trees in our study plot.
Faculty Advisor: Aleel Grennan, Ph.D.

Examination of Factors Required for Mitchella repens Germination

This study focuses on partridgeberry germination and what conditions were optimal for its success. This was achieved by exposing the berries to a variety of treatments simulating different abiotic and biotic factors. Our results suggest that a cold stratification and berry flesh removal were necessary for germination.
Faculty Advisor: Aleel Grennan, Ph.D.

Predicting Ecological Succession of Reforestation

To predict the ecological succession of a forest where trees were removed, multiple sites must be compared. We take our climatological data into account to predict how varying precipitation and temperature will affect the future generations of vegetation growth.
Faculty Advisor: Aleel Grennan, Ph.D.

Validating an Efficient Transformation Method to Identify Gene Function in Monocots

Understanding gene function provides us with key data needed to understand how organisms thrive in their environment. This project investigated methods to transform the C4 plants Zea mays and Setaria viridis.
Faculty Advisor: Aleel Grennan, Ph.D.

Biology News

Biology Major Helps Fight Wildland Fires in the West

Biology major Jesse Caney might have the riskiest summer job of the Worcester State student body.  He’s been on elite hotshot crews battling wildland fires in California, Utah, and Nevada–essential training for a career in fire ecology

Read Story

Barnard Publishes Journal Article with Molecular Biology Students

Daron C. Barnard (Biology), with Isaac Appiah, Michelle M. Giddens and the Molecular Biology class of 2009 have recently had a paper published in the journal G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics as part of their Genomics Education Partnership

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Faculty and CHIP Interns Attend American Society for Microbiology Meeting

Ellen Fynan (Biology) and their WSU-CHIP interns, Danielle Bavoux (Nursing) and Briana Vazquez (Health Sciences) attended the 50th Annual Region I Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology on October 20th and 21st.

Read Story

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