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FACULTY DESCRIPTIONS Faculty Name: Professor Lin Aanonsen Department: Biology Title of Research: Investigations directed at elucidating the role of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the spinal processing of persistent pain in a model of peripheral inflammation in mice. Description: Research in my lab is focused on the spinal molecular mechanisms underlying persistent/chronic pain in a model of peripheral inflammation in mice. Student collaborators are engaged in all aspects of the research, which encompasses behavioral to molecular studies. The project I plan to focus on this summer involves investigating the function a type of neural cell adhesion molecule, called PSA-NCAM, in the spinal processing of persistent pain. We will use pharmacological tools as well as immunohistochemical and Western blot techniques to determine the spinal distribution and changes in proteins and other molecules that interact with PSA-NCAM. We will also expand our knockdown studies using spinally administered siRNA directed at the enzymes that polysialyate NCAM, in order to better elucidate the role that PSA-NCAM plays in the induction of persistent pain. Ultimately, my hope is that some of our research findings may help lead to novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment and/or prevention of chronic pain in humans and other animals. • Students should • Summer research will be conducted primarily in June and July. • Stipends will be contingent on obtaining SFSR funds. Faculty Name: Professor Sarah Boyer Department: Biology Title of Research: Biodiversity and Evolution of Invertebrate Animals Description: I am interested in the diversity, evolution, and biogeography of invertebrate animals. My work is driven by questions such as: How many species are there? How are they related? And how can we explain their distribution in space? I work with morphological data gathered primarily through scanning electron microscopy as well as DNA sequence data. Students who work with me must be enthusiastic about both fieldwork and lab work. If you’re interested, please contact me directly in addition to applying for positions electronically. This season I will hire students for two projects: I. Evolution and Diversity of Australia’s Mite Harvestmen. Two students will travel with me to Queensland, Australia where we will collect mite harvestmen from the forests of the Wet Tropics. After 2 weeks in the field, we will return to Macalester’s campus where students will work on identifying specimens using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and will begin work on DNA sequencing of specimens. Students who are interested in GIS may also work on species distribution modeling in collaboration with Ken Kozak (UMN). These positions will begin on May 14 and run through July 20.
Faculty Name: Professor Devavani Chatterjea Department: Biology/Community and Global Health Title of Research: Roles of Mast Cells in Inflammatory Pain Description: Pain is a significant public health concern. Cross-talk between the immune and nervous systems is the basis for the biochemical underpinnings of the pain process. We are investigating the roles of tissue mast cells (a type of white blood cell) in inflammatory thermal pain in mice. Students will work collaboratively with me and with each other to learn techniques (animal handling, surgery, injections, thermal pain assays, tissue processing, tissue culture, cytokine and histamine ELISAs, real time quantitative PCR, statistical analysis, neutrophil activity), optimize assays, design experiments and analyze findings. Intensive reading/discussion of relevant literature, working lab meetings and journal clubs are an important part of our summer activities. Summer projects are often the basis for academic year research and/or honors projects. • If interested, please make an appointment to speak with me before submitting your application. • You must have completed cell biology, genetics and the cell/gen laboratory courses. Immunology coursework is helpful but not required. Prior research experience and/or a “research in” class in biology is a plus. Experience working with mice is also useful. • If you do not have prior experience in a research lab or course, you may have the option of registering for a 1 credit independent study in my research lab during the spring semester to prepare for the summer. • The typical research schedule is May 20-July 31 • Interested students will be expected to apply for stipends through the SFSR, Beltmann, Serie programs.
Faculty Name: Professor Mark Davis Department: Biology Title of Research: Research Project: Factors Influencing the Spread of Garlic Mustard (at the Ordway Field Station) Description:When a new species enters a new environment, both ecological and evolutionary forces come into play immediately. The interactions between the new species and the original residents (potentially including plants, animals, and microbes) inevitably impose new selection pressures on the different groups. Although some new species may spread with little apparent inhibition, at some point the environment usually pushes back. Other species may evolve adaptations that enable them to coexist with the new species or even inhibit its spread. In summer 2010, we began a long-term study of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), a non-native species that is spreading through the oak forest at Ordway. We will continue this study this coming summer. We will be conducting ongoing monitoring of garlic mustard and other species as well as performing both field and laboratory experiments to learn more about what factors influence the ability of garlic mustard to spread (such as the composition of surrounding vegetation, soil conditions, earthworm abundance, and physical characteristics such as slope and aspect) and what effects garlic mustard has on other plants and organsims. Findings will inform subsequent management efforts. Students will also assist with other research and management projects taking place at Ordway. Two students will be hired. This research will be conducted at Macalester’s Ordway field station, located 17 miles from campus in Inver Grove Heights. Student researchers will be housed on site at Ordway. (Living at Ordway is a requirement.) The students will be part of a summer Ordway research community consisting of 4 students, two faculty members (Davis and Dosch) and a staff member (Mike Anderson). All students will be living on site at no charge (students must purchase their own food). Research will begin on May 14 and will end on July 20 (10 weeks). Students need to be able to work up to 8 hours in a hilly and forested landscape, sometimes under adverse conditions, e.g., heat and bugs. Students must have taken Ecology. For answers to additional questions, contact Mark Davis. Faculty Name: Professor Daniel Hornbach Department: Environmental Studies/Biology Title of Research: The Effects of Small Dams on the Growth and Population Structure of Freshwater Mussels Description: It is estimated that there are over 2 million small dams on streams and rivers throughout the US. Most of these dams were built to power mills in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many of these dams are now failing or being removed. Little is known of the impact of these dams on the animals that live on the bottom of these streams and rivers. Freshwater mussels are important components of stream communities providing a number of important ecosystem services. Some studies have shown that the presence of small dams influence mussel assemblage structure and population density. Also it has been noted that mussels are often larger below small dams. We will examine the mussel communities above and below a small dam on the Sunrise River (a tributary to the St. Croix). We will assess mussel growth rates and test various factors that may be correlated with any changes we note in growth rate. These factors could include water temperature, food availability and suspended sediment. Additional information: * Term of employment - 10 weeks during the May 29 - Aug. 3, 2012 period Faculty Name: Professor Mary Montgomery Department: Biology Professor Montgomery will be on sabbatical and will not be taking students in her lab during summer 2012.
Faculty Name: Professor Paul Overvoorde Department: Biology Research Area: Hormone Signaling in Plant Root Architecture Description: A plant’s roots system determines both the capacity of a sessile organism to acquire nutrients and water, as well as providing a means to monitor soil status and environmental conditions. As such, identifying, characterizing, and potentially manipulating the hormonal and developmental pathways that regulate lateral root formation are components of my current research interests. This summer a collaborative project in Plant Chemical Biology will support the involvement of up to three students. Funding for the project comes from a multi-investigator National Science Foundation award that aims to improve the quantity and quality of metabolomics information in plants. The Macalester portion of this award is aimed at characterizing the pharmacokinetics and metabolic fate of a small molecule that stimulates lateral root formation in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as agriculturally important crops such as maize and alfalfa.
At minimum, the student(s) working on this project should have completed BIOL255, BIOL265 and one additional introductory course. For the synthetic and analytical chemistry aspects of the project, the ideal candidate(s) would have completed CHEM212, Biochemistry, or an additional upper level biology or chemistry course. For more information please email Paul (overvoorde@macaleester.edu) to set-up a meeting. Faculty Name: Professor Kristi Curry Rogers Department: Biology and Geology Title of Research: Growth in Living and Fossil Vertebrates Description: Research Positions: Professor Kristi Curry Rogers will be hiring 1 or 2 student research collaborators for summer 2012 for projects that could include the histology and growth rates of extant and extinct vertebrates, and might include fieldwork in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Eligible candidates for research positions:
Breakthrough Collaborative: In addition, Professor Curry Rogers will be hiring 1 or 2 students to teach with the St Paul Breakthrough Collaborative (as a part of Professor Curry Rogers' grant funded research program). Students interested in the Breakthrough Collaborative teaching option should talk with Professor Rogers for information about the application process and should NOT apply via the ESRA website. Eligible candidates for teaching positions:
Faculty Name: Professor Ron Brisbois Department: Chemistry Title of Research: Organic Synthesis and Synthetic Methodology Description: Of the many functions chemistry performs in its role as the central science, deliberate synthesis of difficult to obtain naturally occurring compounds and intentional creation of new materials are arguably the most broadly important. In my lab, students have been key contributors to (a) the development of new synthetic methods, (b) total synthesis of small molecules for chemical genetics studies in Arabidopsis thaliana (in collaboration with Paul Overvoorde), (c) synthesis and characterization of cyclopentadienyl-Co-cyclobutadienyl (CpCoCb) derived cyclophanes and dehydroannulenes, (d) design of ligands for constructing supramolecular self-assemblies, chiral catalyst candidates, and fluorophores as potential dyes and/or light-emitting materials, and (e) development of synthetic methodologies (currently) focused on 1,2,3-triazole synthesis. Typically, students enter my lab after their second year, after having CHEM 211-212. The exact start date of summer research has yet to be determined, although typically we start after graduation but before the end of May. Please feel welcome to schedule an appointment if you would like to discuss research in more detail. Faculty Name: Professor Paul Fischer Department: Chemistry Title of Research: Organometallic Synthesis Research Description: The Fischer research group synthesizes organometallic complexes (i.e., substances with metal-carbon bonding) that exhibit interesting reactivity for applications in organic chemistry. Target molecules are extremely reactive; specialized laboratory techniques for exclusion of air must be mastered to conduct the work. The syntheses of sulfur dioxide complexes of group VI metals (Cr, Mo, W) and zwitterionic iron-phosphine complexes form the basis of current research projects. Research in the Fischer laboratory requires meticulous attention to detail. Fischer research students must be resilient towards the challenges associated with synthesizing air sensitive molecules and accommodating when reactions require time beyond that expected. Prof. Fischer will not be taking students in his lab during summer 2012. Faculty Name: Professor Rebecca Hoye Department: Chemistry Title of Research: Synthesis of Biologically Active Molecules Description: Projects in Professor Hoye's lab entail the synthesis of natural products and non-naturally occurring analogs that display interesting biological properties. A collaborative project wth Professor Overvoode entails the synthesis and biological testing of heterocyclic compounds that stimulate root hair development in Arabidopsis thailana. In collaboration with Professor Calderone, we are pursuing the synthesis of putative intermediates implicated in a biosyntetic pathway for siderophore synthesis in virulent fungi. Students interested in organic synthesis and participation in these projects are encouraged to speak directly about their interests and qualifications with Professor Hoye. Faculty Name: Professor Keith Kuwata Department: Chemistry Title of Research: Computational Modeling of Reactive Intermediates in Oxidation Reactions Description: The reactions of hydrocarbons with oxidants in the lower atmosphere have a significant impact on human health and global climate change. However, these reactions are extremely complicated. In many cases only a small fraction of the final products are known, and even when product distributions are known, the mechanisms leading to product formation are poorly understood. Identifying and characterizing hydrocarbon oxidation reactive intermediates like carbonyl oxides, dioxiranes, and peroxides are at the heart of constructing valid atmospheric chemistry mechanisms. However, these intermediates, when formed in the atmosphere, contain tens of kilocalories of energy per mole, which enable them to isomerize and decompose faster than they can be measured experimentally. Students in my computational laboratory play an essential role in providing insights that experiment cannot provide. My students use computers to apply the equations of quantum mechanics to carbonyl oxides and other short-lived intermediates. Calculations generate both quantitative and qualitative insight. Prior training in computer programming or quantum mechanics is not required. What is required is an ability to think about the conformational preferences and reactivity of molecules. Typically, students should have completed the second semester of Organic Chemistry (Chem 212) before starting work in my lab. Students typically work for ten weeks. Each student will be required to present his or her research at the Midwest Undergraduate Computational Chemistry Conference. The next meeting will be at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities on 16-18 July 2012. Faculty Name: Professor Katy Splan Department: Chemistry Title of Research: Research in Bioinorganic Chemistry Description: The field of bioinorganic chemistry studies the role of metal ions and metal-containing compounds in biology and medicine. Research in my lab focuses on two facets of bioinorganic chemistry: 1.) Metals such as copper, zinc, and iron are functional in many biological processes and are essential for life, but at high concentrations display significant toxicity. Our research studies the effects of copper on protein and peptide function. In this work, you will gain experience in protein and peptide purification and characterization of metal-binding via spectroscopic methods. 2.) Porphyrins comprise a class of synthetic compounds that mimic the function of the natural pigments heme and chlorophyll. We synthesize new porphyrins that exhibit enhanced light-harvesting properties that might prove useful for applications including solar energy conversion and biological imaging. I generally work with 2-3 students for 10 weeks during the summer. Please make an appointment with me to further discuss research opportunities in my lab before submitting your application, and specify which area is your primary interest. Faculty Name: Professor Tom Varberg Department: Chemistry Title of Research: Molecular Spectroscopy of Metal Free Radicals Description: The Varberg research group uses visible-wavelength lasers to explore the electronic structure of small, gas-phase molecules that contain a metal atom. Such molecules are free radicals, with unpaired electrons that produce interesting and challenging spectra to record and analyze. We are particularly interested in understanding the bonding and electronic structure of these systems. Recent work in the group has focused on the molecules ReO, TaO, AuF, TaH and TaS with a particular focus on how the unpaired electrons interact with the two nuclear spins—student co-authored publications describing this work can be found on the board outside my research lab (OR365). This coming summer we will likely be working on spectra of TaH and perhaps a metal fluoride, as well as completing and testing a new molecular beam source that we assembled last summer. The technology we utilize is state of the art, and students in my group will learn much about modern signal acquisition, spectral assignment, data fitting, and the operation of modern lasers. These skills are transferable to different areas within chemical physics and physical chemistry. The work is basic research (in contrast with applied research) with a goal of understanding the fundamental properties of molecules. Generally speaking, students who work in my group should be those who enjoy the mathematical/physical side of the chemistry discipline. To get a better idea of what a typical summer in the Varberg group is like, you could talk to current students who have spent a summer in my lab: Andrew Bendelsmith, Mac McCreary, and Kacper Skakuj. For the 2012 summer, I will be hiring one or two students, with preference given to chemistry majors. This work is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. For more information, you should talk to Prof. Varberg. In their application, students should indicate how a summer research experience in physical chemistry/chemical physics supports their eventual career goals. The dates of employment will be May 15 – July 20, 2012 (ten weeks). We get started right after Commencement! Faculty Name: Professor Louisa Bradtmiller Department: Environmental Studies Title of Research: The making of the Sahara desert: using ocean sediments to reconstruct climate change along the northwest African coast over the past 15,000 years Description: The Sahara desert region of North Africa hasn’t always been a desert- it contained large lakes and many human settlements for a period from 11,000 to 5,000 years ago. The climate transitions into and out of this humid period were very abrupt, and were probably caused by a combination of changes in earth’s orbit and feedbacks in the climate system. My research focuses on reconstructing the position of maximum wind strength off the coast of northwest Africa, which is related to changes in the relative positions of the rain belt and the desert on the continent. Regions of high wind strength also create zones of upwelling, which bring nutrients to the surface and enhance ocean biological productivity. I will work with a student to measure two proxies for biological productivity in ocean sediment cores over the last 15,000 years to help constrain where and when the wind belt moved, and its potential impacts on African climate. Interested students should contact me to discuss potential involvement in the project. This project spans the intersection between earth science (oceanography) and biology, and so the ideal student would have a strong interest in one or both of these areas. The ideal student will also have some lab experience, and at least one course related to climate, earth science or introductory biology. Faculty Name: Professor Daniel Hornbach Department: Environmental Studies/Biology Title of Research: The Effects of Small Dams on the Growth and Population Structure of Freshwater Mussels Description: It is estimated that there are over 2 million small dams on streams and rivers throughout the US. Most of these dams were built to power mills in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many of these dams are now failing or being removed. Little is known of the impact of these dams on the animals that live on the bottom of these streams and rivers. Freshwater mussels are important components of stream communities providing a number of important ecosystem services. Some studies have shown that the presence of small dams influence mussel assemblage structure and population density. Also it has been noted that mussels are often larger below small dams. We will examine the mussel communities above and below a small dam on the Sunrise River (a tributary to the St. Croix). We will assess mussel growth rates and test various factors that may be correlated with any changes we note in growth rate. These factors could include water temperature, food availability and suspended sediment. 5. Additional information: * Term of employment - 10 weeks during the May 29 - Aug. 3, 2010 period * Free housing on campus available * SCUBA experience preferred but not required * Senior or honors projects available * Submit a short paragraph describing your interest and a brief résumé describing related course work & experience * We will likely have 1-2 positions available dependant upon funding from Macalester College Faculty Name: Professor Kristi Curry Rogers Department: Biology and Geology Title of Research: Growth in Living and Fossil Vertebrates Description: Research Positions: Professor Kristi Curry Rogers will be hiring 1 or 2 student research collaborators for summer 2012 for projects that could include the histology and growth rates of extant and extinct vertebrates, and might include fieldwork in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Eligible candidates for research positions:
Breakthrough Collaborative: In addition, Professor Curry Rogers will be hiring 1 or 2 students to teach with the St Paul Breakthrough Collaborative (as a part of Professor Curry Rogers' grant funded research program). Students interested in the Breakthrough Collaborative teaching option should talk with Professor Rogers for information about the application process and should NOT apply via the ESRA website. Eligible candidates for teaching positions:
Faculty Name: Professor Ray Rogers Department: Geology Title of Research: Sedimentary Geology, Vertebrate Taphonomy, Paleoecology of Dinosaurs Description: My research interests focus on sedimentary geology and vertebrate taphonomy. I am most interested in the reconstruction of ancient terrestrial ecosystems (especially those that were home to dinosaurs). I spend much of my research time exploring the taphonomy of dinosaur-bearing beds. I am currently studying how vertebrate skeletal debris accumulates to concentrated levels in ancient (and modern) rivers and lakes. Professor Ray Rogers is on sabbatical during the 2011-2012 academic year. Students should contact Professor Rogers about research opportunities.
Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Name: Professor Susan Fox Department: Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Title of Research: Adaptive Robot Navigation: Building Robots That Learn Description: Robot technology is increasingly present in our everyday lives, from robot vacuum cleaners to cars that can parallel park themselves, to cars that drive themselves. Successful robot systems need to exhibit robust behavior: to be predictable and reliable over time. Robots also need to be adaptable for a variety of environments. My research explores robot control systems that can learn from their experiences and adapt to their environments over time. My current project, RUPART, is developing an adaptable system for robot navigation, using a physical robot that navigates on campus. I have two Pioneer 2 DX robots that navigate in Olin-Rice, and a simple robot built from a Power Wheels toy that navigates outdoors. I have focused on case-based reasoning as a mechanism for learning and adaptation. In recent years I have worked on the problem of robot localization: keeping track of where the robot is in the world, and have used image processing techniques to detect visual landmarks in order to improve the robot’s localization abilities. Students interested in working with me should come talk with me prior to submitting an application. Students should have completed Comp 124 at least; preferably Comp 221 as well. Experience with artificial intelligence is NOT required; training in the tools used to program the robots will be a part of any research collaboration. Students and I will need to submit a request for funding to the SFSR (Student-Faculty Summer Research) fund at Macalester
Faculty Name: Professor Chad Higdon-Topaz Department: Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Title of Research: Pattern-Forming Natural Systems: Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry Description: Research in the Topaz group is inspired by the appearance of beautiful, organized patterns across the natural world. Using both mathematical and experimental approaches, we study pattern-forming systems in biology, chemistry and physics. Several projects involve the modeling and analysis of biological aggregation patterns such as locust swarms and fish schools. Another project involves gather experimental data on aphid movement and analyzing it to deduce aphids’ rules for movement. Another project focuses on Turing patterns, which appear in certain chemical reactions and which have been hypothesized as the mechanism behind animal coat patterns like zebra stripes. Some projects that involve analysis of experimental data will be co-advised by statisticians, Prof. Victor Addona and Prof. Alicia Johnson. The Topaz group’s interdisciplinary research is funded by the National Science Foundation and is carried out in Macalester’s eXperiment, Modeling, Analysis and Computation (XMAC) Laboratory. Students wishing to become involved in experimental portions of the research have the opportunity to do so. All students are exposed to experimental approaches through group meetings and peer interaction. The research cohort ideally will involve students with majors across the natural sciences, including mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. We are potentially interested in students from biology, chemistry, or mathematics. There may be positions available for students with varying skill sets, ranging from math majors who want to undertake analytical and computational research, to biology and chemistry students wishing to perform experiments, to students who are somewhere in-between and have some interest in math/statistics and biology or chemistry. Students interested in summer research are welcome to speak with Prof. Topaz (ctopaz@macalester.edu) before applying. Students should submit (minimially) a letter of interest and an unofficial transcript. Ideal candidates will be considering graduate school in a scientific discipline. Graduating seniors and international students are welcome to apply. Women, members of underrepresented minorities according to the National Science Foundation’s definition (members of Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Pacific Islander ethnic groups) are especially encouraged to apply. As an experimental lab within a mathematics department, the XMAC Lab is one of only a handful of such laboratories in existence. Come be a part of this exciting research environment Faculty Name: Professor John Cannon Department: Physics and Astonomy Title of Research: The Evolution of Low-Mass Galaxies Description: Professor Cannon and his students perform detailed observational studies of nearby, low-mass galaxies. These systems are the most numerous extragalactic population in the universe and play an important role in the formation of structure over cosmic time. During the summer of 2012, Cannon’s research group will work on data acquired with the Expanded Very Large Array, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the Hubble Space Telescope. • Students are strongly encouraged to talk with Professor Cannon before applying • Most students are declared physics majors with an astronomy emphasis, and have taken astronomy courses at the 400 level • Cannon’s research program is supported by both external and internal funding sources Faculty Name: Professor James Doyle Department: Physics and Astronomy Title of Research: Materials Research for Thin Film Solar Cells Description:The general area of research is thin film materials science. Our focus is semiconductor materials used in photovoltaic devices (solar cells). We deposit the layers using high vacuum methods and the films typically have a thickness of < 1 micron (a human hair is about 50 microns). The thin films are characterized by measuring their electrical optical properties to determine their suitability for solar cells. The goal of the work is to optimize the deposition process to produce the best quality films possible. In our approach we try to understand the details of the physics and chemistry that occurs during deposition and relate these details to the resulting film properties, so that an informed systematic optimization can be carried out. The work is very multidisciplinary, using ideas and methods from condensed matter physics, plasma physics, gas transport theory and vacuum science, and gas phase and surface chemistry. The work also has a strong applied physics/engineering flavor. Preference will be given to students who completed Laboratory Instrumentation (Physics 348). Declared physics majors will be given first priority. The research typically begins within a week or so after commencement and will finish by the end of July (10 weeks). Availability of positions is contingent on funding. Faculty Name: Professor James Heyman Department: Physics and Astronomy Title of Research: Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Graphene Description: Graphene – a single-atom thick graphite sheet – is a
Faculty Name: Professor Tonnis ter Veldhuis Department: Physics and Astronomy Title of Research: Theoretical Particle Physics Description: My interests include the physics of the Higgs boson, the elusive particle predicted to exists by the Standard model and currently being hunted for at the world's most powerful particle accelerators, and the physics of dark matter, the stuff recent observations indicate to be the dominant component of matter in our universe. I also study supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model, scenarios in which our Universe is embedded in a higher dimensional space-time, and mechanisms of dynamical symmetry breaking. Interested students should talk to me before filling out the application. A good background in mathematics is required, and it is preferred that students have completed some advanced physics courses. Students with programming experience and an interest in physics are also encouraged to apply. Student hiring will depend on available funding.
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