BIO AC November 18, 2004 Division of Integrative Organismal Biology Outreach Activities

Melina Hale University of Chicago CAREER: Reticulospinal control of alternative startle behaviors Identification of a new form of startle behavior and startle neural circuit. Ecological and evolutionary implications for predator-prey interactions. Use of genetic approaches, combined with functional imaging, to suggest mechanisms for evolution of the startle circuit. 10 ms 12 ms 14 ms 16 ms 18 ms 0 ms 2 ms 4 ms 6 ms 8 ms C-Start Physiology of neurons with in vivo imaging Behavioral analysis of the startle response

Melina Hale Outreach: Sisters4Science The Sisters4Science program provides minority middle school girls with scientific and leadership skills. Creates a safe space for girls to explore science and develop leadership skills Exposes girls to the wide variety of roles played by women in science Improves girls’ overall school performance by developing goal setting, decision making, and communication skills

Melina Hale Outreach: Sisters4Science The Scientific Toolbox: “Tools” scientists use to address questions. Research: Combining neurobiology & biomechanics to understand how animals move. Using state-of-the-art technology to address hypotheses on how we move.

Joel Snodgrass Towson University Collaborative-RUI: Cellular, Physiological, and Life-history responses of a stream fish, Blacknose Dace (Rhinichthys atromaculatus), to Urbanization Overall goals: 1.Understand the response of blacknose dace to watershed urbanization 2.Evaluate the role of rapid evolution in the adaptation of dace to the environment of urban streams 3.Promote the involvement of undergraduate students in research 4.Promote undergraduate interest in pursuing interdisciplinary research at the graduate level.

Joel Snodgrass Objectives for Undergraduate Involvement Ensure undergraduate involvement in all aspects of research Target underrepresented minorities in recruitment Promote long-term involvement –Exposing undergraduates to both field and laboratory work –Frequent meetings where undergraduates are involved in planning and discussions

Daniel Martinez, Pomona College Diane Bridge, Elizabethtown College Collaborative-RUI: Developmental Bases of Body Plan Diversity within the Phylum Cnidaria--A Comparison of Polyp and Medusa Development Scientific Focus: –Examining development in the cnidarian (i.e., jellyfish, corals, hydra) species Podocoryna carnea to test hypotheses about parallels and differences between polyp and medusa formation –During the summer groups work together as a larger, collaborative laboratory, enhancing undergraduate training.

Daniel Martinez, Pomona College, Diane Bridge, Elizabethtown College Collaborative Outreach supported by this award: –Project has involved 6 undergraduates who co- authored two publications and a total of 6 presentations. –Two undergrads attended the International Workshop on Hydra and the Evolution of Signaling Pathways, in Tutzing, Germany –Of the undergrads involved, one is in graduate school, three are applying to graduate school, one to MD programs, and one to Vet/PhD programs. Prior recruitment in the Martinez Laboratory: Of 33 undergraduate students taught, 12 are minorities. Of the 9 that have already graduated: –two are in graduate school, –one is in an MD/PhD program, –four are in medical school, one is applying, –one is studying abroad on an Avery Fellowship.