Do Stable Isotope Turnover Rates in Ectotherm Tissues Change with Temperature?

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Joseph Franckum and Professor Kent Hatch, Integrative Biology Examining the ratios of stable isotopes (non-decaying atoms with extra neutrons) in animal tissues can yield important information about an organism, such as detecting diet change or establishing migratory origin. Information gathered from these studies help develop future practices to care for certain species. A better understanding of […]

The Orthopteran Mitochondrial Genome and The Evolution of Genes

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J. Daniel Fenn and Dr. Michael F. Whiting, Integrative Biology The insect order Orthoptera contains the common name groups of Grasshoppers, Katydids and Crickets. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of the Mormon Cricket (Anabrus simplex). Within this genome we found interesting evidence relating to the organization and evolution of mitochondrial genomes. In particular we […]

Microbial Diversity Associated with Different Sediment Types at Rozel Point

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Sheena Deus and Dr. Donald Breakwell, Microbiology and Molecular Biology The initial focus of this project was to examine possible differences in microbial populations between clay and sand sediments at Rozel Point in Great Salt Lake by comparing 16S ribosomal RNA sequences obtained from each sediment type. The sediment DNA extraction protocol used involved a […]

Speciation by Reproductive Isolation

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Ian Dawson and Dr. Jerry Johnson, Integrative Biology Significance of Research The Ecological Speciation Hypothesis is a controversial explanation for how new species form. Although the idea is gaining momentum, there have been very few empirical tests of this model. Hence, our research is very timely and addresses what could be a common process by […]

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Scott A. Davis and Dr. Bruce Roundy, Plant and Animal Sciences The invasion of non-native species, mainly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), into our rangelands, especially following the destruction caused by wildfires, has made it necessary to find viable options for the restoration of native plant species to these areas. The aim of this project was to […]

The Association Between Expectancies for Success and In-Season Dietary Practices Among a Group of Female High School Softball Players

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Elizabeth M. Crowley and Dr. Lora Beth Brown, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science Coaches and trainers need to be aware of the dietary practices of their athletes and strive to encourage their players to engage in healthy and proper nutrition. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) assess the dietary and nutrition practices of […]

Analytical and Toxicological Assessment of Carp collected from Utah Lake

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Holly Clayton and Dr. Richard Kellems, Plant and Animal Science The June sucker was once the most abundant fish species in Utah Lake and its tributaries. Since April 30, 1986, the June sucker has been on the endangered species list. Some declines in species abundance is due to the competition of nonnative species and degraded […]

Characterizing the Receptor Profile of Distinct Migrating IgA Antibody Secreting Cell Populations

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Erick Christensen and Dr. Eric Wilson, Dept. of Micro and Molecular Biology Cells of the immune system must be precisely positioned to facilitate appropriate lymphocyte function. Immune system cells use a multi-step process, which allows them to home to specific areas of the body and perform different tasks. Cells traveling through the blood stream will […]

Effects of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios

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Bryt Christensen and Professor Kent Hatch, Integrative Biology The purpose of my project was to see if fasting has any effect on oxygen stable isotope ratios. Oxygen isotopes are molecules of oxygen that weigh more or less than normal oxygen 16 because they have more or less electrons. Stable isotopes are used as a scientific tool […]