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Limulus
NEWSLETTER
Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College, Staten Island, NY
Volume 2011, Issue Fall-02
October, 2011
BIOLOGY CLUB MEMBERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Biology Staff and Faculty News
Curriculum News
News from Clubs and Societies
Experiences
Opportunities
Publications, Presentations and Professional Meetings
Alumni
Cartoon
Guidelines for Contributors and Editorial Board
2
2
3
5
6
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8
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
The October LIMULUS is coming this year after the first
winter storm. The reason is not that the newsletter is late I
admit it sometimes happens), but that winter hit New York
exceptionally early. Under Curriculum News, the current
newsletter presents two First Year Learning Communities with
participation of the Department of Biological Sciences. The
Biology Club had a major event, and also the other student
societies associated with the department are very active. As
usual, reports from such activities and events are found in the
LIMULUS. A horse surgery externship at the Hagyard Equine
Medical Institute is the highlight of the EXPERIENCES
described in the October newsletter. A review of the fall
conference of the Metropolitan Association of College and
University Biologists (MACUB) should be another part of the
LIMULUS that I expect to find a lot of readers.
We all got an unusually early taste of winter this last weekend.
However, I very much hope that the winter will retreat again
that we all can enjoy some more pleasant fall weather. I hope
everybody had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN, and I wish all
students good luck with registration. Finally, let me remind
you that there are only a few weeks until THANKSGIVING.
HANG IN THERE AND GOOD LUCK IN THE FINALS!
Best regards,
Dr. Horst Onken, The Editor
PAGE 1
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
BIOLOGY STAFF AND FACULTY NEWS
PEER EVALUATIONS
A Peer Evaluation Group (PEG), consisting of the full-time
faculty members of the Department of Biological Sciences and
two peers from outside the department (Dr. Mohammad
Alauddin and Dr. Mark Wagner), met on Tuesday, October 25
to evaluate Dr. Onken in his 6th year at Wagner College. Dr.
Onken requested tenure and promotion to full professor. The
evaluation will be continued by the Faculty Personnel
Committee and the Provost, before a decision is made.
Dr. Cook has been tenured in spring and is coming up for
promotion. Her PEG will meet on November 15.
Contributed by Dr. Onken
CURRICULUM NEWS
LC 17 ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND AGAIN
Between October 19th and October 21st, 2011, Dr. Stearns and
Dr. Mosher presented a poser about first-year learning
communities (LCs) titled “Experiential Learning: Integrating
the Field Trip, Research and Civic Engagement Models in a
First Year Learning Community.”
For the past three fall semesters, Dr. Stearns has collaborated
with Dr. Houlihan (now at Randolph College) and now Dr.
Mosher to create the LC 17, titled “Bacteria, Human Health
and Survival.” This LC is composed of two introductory
courses, namely Microbiology (MI200, with laboratory
experience) and Biostatistics and Experimental Design
(BI221), and a third course called the Reflective Tutorial
(RFT). The RFT integrates components from microbiology
and biostatistics to “stimulate critical thinking, discussion,
research and formal writing around the common theme of the
LC.”
Moreover, this LC involves off-campus field-trips to connect
what is learned in the classroom about microorganisms, for
example, to the “real world.” To illustrate, this fall’s LC
students have toured numerous places, including a hospital, a
local wastewater treatment facility, scientific conferences,
laboratories and a medical school. Dr. Stearns writes, “where
possible, each trip is coordinated with subject matter being
considered in the LC lecture courses.”
Furthermore, LC 17 includes a research component called the
Bioremediation Project. This project is designed so that
students can use the scientific method as well as standard
microbiological procedures to “culture bacteria in the
presence/absence of [an industrial] chemical” and to see if
these bacteria can decompose a particular compound. Not only
do first-year students have the unparalleled experience of
conducting their own experiment, but they are also expected to
carry out standard literature research. At the end of this
project, each student writes a paper, which follows the
scientific formatting style, reporting his result. Students
organize Powerpoint presentations, explaining their literature
research as well as their experiments and their subsequent
results.
In addition to the field-trip and research components, LC
students visit an elementary school, where they explain
microbiology to grade-school students. An LC instructor
accompanies these students to assess their performance. The
purpose of this experience is to “reinforce [the students’]
understanding of the subject matter, and at the same time,
provide learning experiences for elementary school students in
the local community.” In this component, students work
together to assemble a Powerpoint presentation as well as
“hands-on” experiences for the children.
In short, the purpose of this LC is to improve first-year
students’ “critical thinking and civic thinking skills”
throughout the semester. From field trips to civic engagement,
students learn to make connections between what is taught in
the classroom and the real world.
I would like to thank Dr. Stearns for sharing this valuable
information with me.
LC 13 SNUG HARBOR WATER FRONT CLEAN UP
About twenty-five Wagner College students from Learning
Community (L.C.) 13, taught by Dr. Heather Cook, and Dr.
Gelabert, cleaned up the Snug Harbor Water Front. After four
straight hours of cleaning, students totaled over sixty bags of
garbage, including trash such as bottles and car parts.
Contributed by Gregory Balaes, and Dr. Heather Cook. Photos by Jonathan
Hinrichs.
PAGE 2
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
NEWS FROM CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
BIOLOGY CLUB
Members of the Biology Club once again had a big turn out at
their last event, titled “MED-iterranian Medley Health
Awareness Feast.” The event lasted from 4pm-7pm on
Wednesday, October 16th. The event was so successful that
more food had to be ordered within the second hour. Funds
were raised to benefit the American Cancer Society Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer. Members, students, faculty,
and staff alike helped raise funds and awareness for a great
cause. This is the second time the biology club has worked
with the ACS to make a donation in the name of Wagner
College Biology Club.
Six tables were set up in Beisler Lounge describing
information of different aspects of biology. The six tables had
their own theme, including: Microbes, Pharmacology, Oral
Hygiene, Breast Cancer, Pre-Veterinary/Environmental
Biology, and most importantly a Biology Information table
that promoted the biological sciences and included models
from the biology department. Each table had raffles including
microbe plushy toys, giveaways, and cookies made personally
by the club members that served as prizes for answering
biological trivia questions correctly.
Every table had pamphlets about its respective topic and
posters created by the members of the club. The microbe table
explained information regarding sex cells, where students
were also able to pick up free condoms. A pharmacology table
offered information regarding drug and alcohol abuse, and the
biochemical effects on the brain. Other information such as an
oral hygiene table gave out gum, toothpaste and toothbrushes
brought by a club member and a breast cancer table was also
on display with biological cancer effects.
Mediterranean food was the center of the event, offering foods
such as baklava, chicken, beef, and lamb kebabs, Turkish
bread, babaganoush, delicious sauces, grilled vegetables, and
tiramisu, just to name a few. The focal point of the event was
to bring delicious food to campus residents and educate the
public about biology and how it is related to everyday life.
The members were fully engaged and helped every step of the
way from decorations to clean up. Everyone worked together
to created a successful event. Close to 300 people passed by
including our new provost.
Please look for future events such as the Biology Club’s breast
cancer walk, and their “feeding meeting,” which will feature a
science with sushi night.
Contributed by Gregory Balaes
PAGE 3
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
TRI-BETA BIOLOGY HONORS SOCIETY
This past month, Tri-Beta took part in the Light the Night,
with a great turn out, despite the rain. The walk benefited the
leukemia and lymphoma society, where students walked to
raise money for research, and hopefully a cure.
On November 9th, members of Tri-Beta are hosting a Faculty
Luncheon for the Department of Biological Sciences. Students
of Tri-Beta are also holding a Thanksgiving canned food drive
to benefit a local church during the holiday season.
Shown below are students at the Light the Night Walk.
summer.
Lastly, there is a new executive board for the 2011-2012
academic semester. President- Paki Mekki; VP of Medicine Maleeha Memon; VP of Allied Health - Samar Alwani;
Community Service Chair - Antonia Bertelle; Treasurer Noor Hussain; Secretary: Kymberlie Vargas
For more information on future events, please contact
pakinam.mekki@wagner.edu
Contributed by Philip Fomina
PRE-DENTISTRY SOCIETY
On October 22, at 11 AM, the Pre-Dentistry Society held their
bi-annual CPR Certification event through the American Red
Cross at Wagner College. Students were trained on
administering CPR, the abdominal thrust, and how to use the
AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). If you were not able
to be certified in the Fall semester, then don’t worry. There
will be a future CPR certification event in the Spring 2012
semester.
Contributed by Philip Fomina. Photo by Joanna Emilio.
PRE-HEALTH SOCIETY
This semester, PHS has been extremely active. Our members
have attended symposiums, engaged in two community
service events and visited Mount Sinai School of Medicine's
Open House event.
As far as community service, the Pre-Health Society was
involved with the Light the Night walk on October 1st, as well
as a Muslims for Life blood drive on October 19th, in order to
commemorate lives lost on 9/11.
During this year, the Pre-Health Society is extremely
interested in attracting a wide variety of graduate schools to
come speak at Wagner College. For instance, the New York
College of Podiatric Medicine held a symposium on
September 30th, the African Conservation Experience held a
symposium on October 7th, MEDLIFE held a symposium on
October 12th, and NYIT’s New York College of Osteopathic
Medicine held a symposium on October 14th.
To highlight one symposium in particular, Ellen Sziede, a
representative from the African Conservation Experience,
spoke about the wildlife care and veterinary hands-on
experience available to interested students in southern Africa.
In this project, which lasts two to twelve weeks, students
take responsibility for the daily care of injured, orphaned and
poisoned wildlife, working with a wide range of African
species, from large mammals to reptiles and birds. Participants
also assist with veterinary nursing, preparing diet plans,
administering physiotherapy and preparing the wildlife for
release and rehabilitation. This program requires no previous
experience with animals and is ideal for those interested in
veterinary nursing and veterinary medicine. Two Wagner
students, Mark Fealey and Jessica Oppenheimer, are
participating in the African Conservation Experience next
Students administering rescue breaths to their victims and
administering CPR.
Any student interested in dentistry is certainly welcome to join
the Pre-Dentistry Society. For more information, please, email
pre-dental@wagner.edu!
Contributed by Philip Fomina. Photos by Gregory Balaes.
PAGE 4
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
EXPERIENCES
HORSE SURGERY EXTERNSHIP
Hi, my name is Mark Fealey. I am a third-year biology major
and aspiring to become a veterinarian one day.
This past summer, I had a great opportunity to gain experience
with not only large animals, but with the top equine surgeons
in the world. Towards the end of August, I flew down to
Lexington, KY and stayed at the world famous Hagyard
Equine Medical Institute (the world’s oldest and largest equine
practice) to go on a horse surgery externship, an externship
usually only offered to veterinary students. There, I lived with
veterinarians that were from around the world, ranging from
Argentina to Ireland.
On my weeklong stay, I shadowed Hagyard’s senior equine
surgeon, Dr. Michael Spirito (’80 Torino, Italy). I would start
my day by waking up at 6:30 am and travel to various farms to
assist and observe routine home visits horse inspections. This
mainly consisted of checking each horse’s larynx and x-raying
each horse’s legs. By the time we were done, it would be
around 1 pm and we would have x-rayed an average of 35
horses (keep in mind, a set of 36 x-rays per horse will run you
about $500).
Once we finished the home visits for the day, the real fun
began: surgery. To see an animal weighing around 1,000 lbs
go under anesthesia, lifted, prepped and eventually cut open
was remarkable. The one thing that amazed me more was how
quick and efficient the crew operated. For example, one of the
more common surgeries young horses underwent was to put
screws in the cannon of the horse to properly align its growth
plate. The average duration of the surgery was literally 5
minutes, from first incision up to putting sutures in.
Nothing surprised me more than seeing my first colic surgery.
A colic surgery consists of rearranging the large and small
intestines to reduce gas pressure and to make the horse
comfortable. A horse can die if left untreated due to pain
alone. As soon as the surgeon, Dr. Robert J. Hunt (84
University of Georgia), made his first incision, fluids were
pouring out of the horse. There was so much internal fluid that
they needed a vet technician to mop up the floor so the
surgeon wouldn’t slip. In my disbelief, that did not stifle him
as he reached for yards upon yards of large intestine and
continued with the surgery.
The surgeries I saw were very common for the time of year
but still very exciting: screws, osteochronditis dissecans
surgery (performed otoscopically), colic surgery and
castration. In a week’s time, I learned a lot about the
physiology of horses and techniques during surgery, but more
importantly that this is the field and atmosphere I would like
to work in one day.I can’t begin to thank Dr. Spirito enough
for allowing me to shadow one of the greatest, if not the
greatest horse surgeons in the world. I am happy to report that
I’ve been invited back to stay longer and experience another
externship in equine medicine next summer.
Contributed by Mark Fealey
PAGE 5
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
BIRD & MOTH RESCUE ON CAMPUS
This October, the department of biological sciences helped in
the rescue of both a moth and bird. Originally discovered by
staff member Joseph Cosentino and student Ethan Kraft, the
rescue efforts also involved Dr. Palestis, Prof. Raths, Mrs.
Rollizo, and Dr. Onken.
The first, an injured white-throated sparrow was found
“stunned,” but after a nice meal of birdseed and water, Dr.
Palestis decided it was fine to be released. Dr. Palestis gently
gripped the bird and placed it near a garden outside of Megerle
Science. After a few seconds, the bird peeked his head left and
right, and flew without any problems straight to a tree branch.
Stephanie Rollizo explains, “He looked very happy to be back
outside once again.”
The second, a moth, was found near the facilities loading
dock, simply laying on the ground. Joeseph Cosentino said he
passed the cocoon for several weeks, and was curious to see it
finally hatch. When he saw the moth on laying floor, it
disheartened him, where he felt it was his duty to bring it to
the Department of Biological Sciences for rescue. The staff
had no problem caring for the moth, in what he described as
food any moth would love:
“Most moths are quite fond of sugar water. No one quite
knows why they prefer this particular mixture, but they sure
do chow down on it. What you do, is you mix together water
(doesn't matter if it is warm or cold...just don't make it
freezing or piping hot) with A LOT of sugar. Then, you put a
cotton ball into the mixture and let it soak it up. The reason
you want to put it into a cotton ball is because if you just put it
in a bowl, the moth may drown in its food. Kind of squeeze
out some excess water, not a lot, just so the moth can't drown
in it, then you're set to go.”
Contributed by Gregory Balaes and Stephanie Rollizo.
OPPORTUNITIES
RESEARCH WITH MOSQUITOES AND CRABS
Dr. Onken offers research
opportunities for students in
the frame of a project in
which he collaborates with
scientists from Washington
State University, the University of Idaho, and the University
of Alberta (Edmonton, CA). The project is funded by the
National Institute of Health and studies the physiology of the
midgut of larval yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).
Mosquitoes are vectors of a number of parasites, transmit
devastating diseases like malaria, yellow fever and dengue,
and are a major threat to the health of billions of people on our
planet. The principal investigators of this project address
larval mosquitoes, because it appears more straightforward to
fight these vectors as long as they are confined in an aquatic
habitat.
In collaboration with colleagues from the U.S. (Mt. Desert
Island Biological Laboratories, Maine), Brazil (University of
São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto, University of Paraná in Curitiba)
and Canada (University of Manitoba in Winnipeg) Dr. Onken
pursues research with Crustacea related to the osmoregulatory
capacities and mechanisms of crabs.
Dr. Onken can offer research opportunities for two to three
students. If interested contact Dr. Onken in his office (Megerle
Science Hall Room 411), lab (Megerle Science Hall Room
406) or via e-mail (horst.onken@wagner.edu) or phone 4204211.
For the spring semester Dr. Onken offers a work study
position related to his work with mosquitoes.
Contributed by Dr. Onken
The editor would like to encourage faculty members of the
Department of Biological Sciences to describe their
opportunities for research projects in the LIMULUS.
If students are interested to volunteer, to do research for
credit (BI 493 and 494), or to prepare for their research
experience in the frame of the senior learning community,
please, contact the faculty members of the department.
WORK IN THE GARDEN
Students interested in collaborating in the greenhouse and/or
garden during the fall of 2011 should contact Dr. Onken
(horst.onken@wagner.edu).
Contributed by Dr. Onken
BE A LIMULUS ASISTANT EDITOR
Proficient student writers are invited to become assistant
editors for the newsletter of the Department of Biological
Sciences. If you are interested, please, contact Dr. Onken
(horst.onken@wagner.edu).
Contributed by Dr. Onken
PUBLICATIONS
Palestis, B.G., J. Cabrero, R. Trivers, and J.P.M. Camacho.
2010. Prevalence of B chromosomes in Orthoptera is
associated with shape and number of A chromosomes.
Genetica 138: 1181-1189.
PRESENTATIONS
Palestis, B.G. and K.E. Eppinger. 2011. A banding study of
common terns on Pettit Island, NJ: Preliminary results.
Greater New York/New Jersey Harbor Herons and Waterbirds
Working Group. Staten Island, NY. January 12-13.
PAGE 6
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
Palestis, B., I. Nisbet, J. Hatch, J. Arnold, and P. Szczys.
2011. The importance of tail length for sexual selection in
roseate terns. Waterbird Society. Grand Island, NE. March 1316.
PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
MACUB 2011
The 44th Annual MACUB Conference took place at Seton
Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey on Saturday,
October 29, 2011. MACUB is the Metropolitan Association
of College and University Biologists (see http://macub.org).
Seven faculty and staff of the department of biological
sciences attended with nine students, of which five presented
their research, as follows:
Analyzing the Effect of Phthalates on the Development of
Drosophila melanogaster. Lisa Duncan, Joanna Emilio,
Heather Cook, Wagner College
Electron Microscopic Analysis of Cell Membrane Integrity
when Expressing Tau Pseudophosphorylated at Positions
T212, T213 & S262. Leonid Denisenko, Christopher Corbo,
Wagner College; Alejandra Alonso, CSI
Identification of Proliferating and Immunologically Active
Cells in Surviving Organotypic Culture of Adult Zebrafish
(Danio rerio) Optic Tecturm. Michael C. Gutkin, Christoper
P. Corbo, Linda A. Raths, Zoltan L. Fulop, Wagner College
Imaging Primary Cilia in Pancreatic Cancer Tumor
Initiating Cells. Gina M. Auricchio, Wagner College;
Jennifer Bailty, Florencia McAllister, Anirban Maitra, Steven
Leach, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Measuring Distribution and Permeability of an HIV
Microbicide Gel Vehicle using MRT, SPECT/CT and a
Radiolabeled Small Molecule. Maleeha A. Memon, Wagner
College; Edward Fuchs, Rahul Bakshi, Craig Hendrix, Johns
Hopkins University
Contributed by Stephanie Rollizo
ALUMNI
Dear Alumni,
If you are interested in contributing to our newsletter, you
are very welcome to do so. Contact Dr. Onken by e-mail
(horst.onken@wagner.edu)
with
your
submission,
comment, ideas or questions! We are excited to hear about
where you are, how and what you do!
PAGE 7
�The Newsletter of the Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College
CARTOON
Cartoons from www.lab-initio.com
GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Authors in all sections should keep in mind that not all readers are specialized in their area of interest. Keep your contribution on a
level that everybody can understand.
Contributions may vary in length between about 50 and 500 words and must be submitted by e-mail to horst.onken@wagner.edu.
Photographs or other images that accompany an article are very welcome, but must be submitted as separate files (high quality jpg
is the preferred file format) attached to the e-mail. Be aware that photographs/images may be minimized in size.
Indicate the section of the newsletter where you want your contribution to appear.
The deadline for submission of a contribution is the 20th of the month. Contributions received later may or may not be considered.
The editor reserves his right to edit your contribution or post an immediate response.
Editing may involve to publish contributions in other sections as indicated by the author.
All contributions will clearly indicate the author's identity.
All contributions are reviewed and publication may be refused by the editor.
The Editorial Board:
Editor: Dr. Horst Onken, Associate Professor
Assistant Editor: Stephanie Rollizo, Department Secretary
Student Assistant Editor: Gregory Balaes (Biology)
Student Assistant Editor: Philip Fomina (Biopsychology)
Student Assistant Editor: Pakinam Mekki (Biology)
Student Assistant Editor: WANTED!
PAGE 8
�
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Limulus: The Newsletter of the Wagner College Biological Sciences Department
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The Department of Biological Sciences circulates a newsletter that will be updated monthly, culminating in two special issues per year (January and September). The January edition reviews the fall semester and the September edition reviews the spring semester and summer events. The name of the newsletter is LIMULUS and it is made available as pdf files.
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Limulus Newsletter, October 2011
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
Letter from the editor / Horst Onken -- Biology staff and faculty news : Peer evaluations / Horst Onken -- LC 17 on the road again and again -- LC 13 Snug Harbor water front clean up / Gregory Balaes, Heather Cook, and Jonathan Hinrichs -- News from clubs and societies / Gregory Balaes, Philip Fomina, and Joanna Emilio -- Horse surgery externship / Mark Fealey -- Bird and moth rescue on campus / Gregory Balaes and Stephanie Rollizo -- Opportunities, publications, presentations, professional meetings, alumni, and cartoon
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Wagner College, Department of Biological Sciences
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Wagner College, Staten Island, NY
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2011-10
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8 pages
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en
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