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| Department of Biological Sciences | |
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Dr. Mark Bulmer |
Termites live in large, crowded colonies, which can make them vulnerable to the rapid spread of disease. This predicted vulnerability has led to the development of fungal pathogen strains as an alternative to chemical control of termite infestations. However, termites appear to have exploited elements of the conserved innate immune system for socially mediated protection. Antifungal peptides that are usually associated with the hemolymph (insect blood) are spread among colony members by mutual grooming and incorporated into nest building materials. My research uses tropical termites and their fungal pathogens from Panama and Australia, as well as from in and around Towson, to understand the evolution and mechanism of these antimicrobial peptides and the fungal pathogens they target. Because termites rely upon these secreted peptides to protect themselves from pathogens, they have enormous potential in termite control strategies. |
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Dr. Gail Gasparich |
The development of taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of the eubacterial class Mollicutes whose members are all closely associated with a variety of hosts including vertebrates (Mycoplasmas, Ureaplasmas), arthropod hosts (Entomoplasmas, Spiroplasms, Mesoplasmas) and plants (Phytoplasmas). Bacterial strains are currently classified using serological and biochemical tests. However, it has recently been determined that using these classical characters to distinguish "serogroup" status may not accurately represent species distinctions as originally thought. For this reason a major long term project within my laboratory is to characterize the diversity and assess the relationships among the genera using cladistic analyses based on serology, metabolic tests, morphology, ecology, molecular and biogeographical data. Undergraduate students have a wide range of opportunities to conduct research on evolutionary relationships within and among the different Mollicute genera. Long term research goals for the future involve: The development of a gene expression vector for use with the genera Spiroplasmas for the basic examination of gene expression and regulation is also a research focus in the laboratory. Such a vector could also be used for the more applied purpose of developing insect biocontrol by expression of arthropod lethal toxins (i.e. Bt toxin and scorpion toxin) by spiroplasmas in their arthropod hosts (which include disease carrying mosquitoes and ticks). The identification of the protein(s) involved in attachment to examine the question of host specificity and pathogenicity. |
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Dr. David Hearn Smith Hall 215, 410-704-2997 Assistant Professor Ph.D., University of Arizona |
| My research focuses on understanding theevolutionary, developmental, and ecological processes responsible for land plant diversity. The analysis of character evolution using tools from molecular phylogenetics and molecular genetics forms the core of this research. In particular, fascination with plant form, plant morphogenesis, and plant development fuel these interests. Currently, I am examining the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms responsible for water storage tissue in stems and roots (i.e., plant succulence). Stem succulence provides a classic example of convergent evolution, as over thirty lineages have evolved stem succulence. I am testing my hypothesis that shared (homologous) developmental modules are switched on and off during evolution to account for multiple origins of succulent growth habits. My lab is undertaking phylogenetic, bioinformatic, anatomical, and molecular genetic analyses in Brassica, Arabidopsis, Vitaceae, and Passifloraceae to understand what aspects of succulence evolution and development are shared and which aspects differ among distantly related lineages. Addiontal projects include the analysis of biological shape, biodiversity informatics, and computational approaches to characterize plants in an automated fashion. At its most general, my lab focuses on the causes and consequences of biological pattern formation and employs computational/bioinformatic, mathematical, field and lab experimental approaches. | |
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Dr. Matthew Hemm Smith Hall 343, 410-704-2996 Assistant Professor Ph.D., Purdue University |
| My lab is focused on identifying and functionally characterizing proteins containing fifty or fewer amino acids. The prevalence and physiological function of such small proteins are poorly understood in any organism. To address these biological questions, we are using the model bacterium Escherichia coli. We have recently shown that E. coli contains many more small proteins than had been previously predicted. Further analysis has shown that many of these proteins are expressed under specific environmental conditions, suggesting that they have interesting functions in the cell. Our current goals include continuing to characterize small protein function in E. coli, in particular those small proteins that are predicted to span the membrane with a single hydrophobic a- helix. These transmembrane small proteins make up the majority of small proteins identified in E. coli, and could be performing a wide range of functions at the membrane. Ultimately, the information we learn about E. coli small proteins will provide a foundation for investigating small protein abundance and function in both other bacteria species and eukaryotes. | |
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Dr. Barry Margulies |
The Towson University Herpes Virus Laboratory (TUHVL) is studying pathogenic mechanisms employed by three different human herpesviruses, the virus’ interactions with the host immune system, and means of antiviral intervention for each infectious agent. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the etiologic agent for fever blisters and cold sores. We are using a mouse model of infection to explore long-term delivery of the useful anti-herpetic acyclovir. We have already developed silicone-based controlled-release devices that release acyclovir at a quantity and rate that completely stops infection in vitro, and prevent reoccurrences in vivo. We are currently collaborating with multiple labs in the US to improve efficacy and extend our studies to other viruses and model systems, including HSV-2, the etiologic agent of genital herpes. We are also examining an odd molecular phenomenon exhibited by the US27-encoded chemokine receptor-like glycoprotein expressed by human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous pathogen that tends to cause solid organ damage, including but not limited to CMV retinitis, a blindness caused by death of retinal cells in the eye. Although there does not appear to be anything special about the mRNA or protein sequences from this gene, it is clear that a single transcript codes for two related glycoproteins. Our favorite hypothesis, that alternative initiation codons are being employed, is currently under investigation. It has been hypothesized, through many lines of circumstantial evidence, that human herpevirus-6 (HHV-6) is the indirect cause of multiple sclerosis (MS), perhaps by tricking the host immune system into attacking itself through a phenomenon called molecular mimicry. We are developing a mouse model for MS that employs expression of a single HHV-6 protein and whether it can be proved as a causative link to MS. We believe such a system will give us an ideal small animal model to definitively prove or disprove the currently circulating theories of a viral origin for MS, and provide a system to test many different antiviral drugs' ability to combat MS. |
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Dr. Brian Masters |
My research involves the use of molecular techniques (such as DNA fingerprinting) to answer ecological questions. Currently, there are three major projects that are being conducted in my lab:
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Dr. Roland Roberts |
| My laboratory is engaged in research on the systematics and evolution of vascular plants. Taxonomic groups of current interest are the Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae. I am also interested in the evolution of desert flora, particularly population structure and the roll of hybridization in speciation, and the biogeography and evolution of the flora of the West Indies specifically that of the islands of the Lesser Antilles. Methodologies employed for uncovering evolutionary relationships include the use DNA sequences of chloroplast and nuclear genes along with traditional techniques. | |
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Dr. Vonnie Shields |
| All animals detect and react to chemicals in their external environment. Recent evidence suggests that the basic processing of chemosensory information is similar in invertebrates and vertebrates. Consequently, using insects as model systems has implications for chemosensory research on species in diverse animal phyla and allow us to gain insights into the fundamental processing of sensory information in the brain. Chemosensory cues, such as odor and taste stimuli, play pivotal roles for insects in selecting food sources, mates, and oviposition sites. One main line of research in my lab is directed towards exploring the importance of gustatory cues in the selection of food sources by carrying out feeding behavioral and electrophysiological studies on larval insects (Order Lepidoptera). In addition, the structural organization of these gustatory organs is being examined using transmission electron- and scanning electron microscopy. One potential outcome of this research is to find novel biocontrol techniques against insect pests. Another avenue of research is being directed toward understanding the sensory mechanisms by which insects detect plant-associated volatiles and how this information is processed by the olfactory system of the insect.
My overall research aim is to increase our understanding of how and what chemosensory information is processed in the insect brain and to contribute to the knowledge of how nervous systems analyze, recognize, and respond to complex sensory stimuli. |
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Dr. Colleen Sinclair-Winters |
| My laboratory is involved in the study of genetic diversity in populations of invertebrates and vertebrates. Current projects include the evaluation of population diversity in non-biting midges (Cricotopus sp.) from Baltimore streams (collaboration with Dr. Susan Gresens), the development of microsatellite libraries for and the analysis of the genetic structure of terrestrial snails, Ventridens ligera and Succinea sp. and an analysis of genetic influence on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) success (collaboration with Dr. Jay Nelson). | |
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Dr. Michelle Snyder |
| Research in my laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which cells of the innate immune system identify disease-causing pathogens. Evidence in recent years suggests that innate immune cells can recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on bacterial and fungal cell walls and in bacterial and viral nucleic acids. The processes by which mammalian innate immune cells recognize these PAMPs appear conserved in a variety of organisms including plants, worms and fruitflies. Our research involves an even simpler organism, the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, and our preliminary results suggest that Dictyostelium recognize and respond to PAMPs through similar mechanisms as do mammalian innate immune cells. We are hoping that given the ease with which genetic pathways can be manipulated in Dictyostelium cells, our study of Dictyostelium responses to PAMPs will allow for identification and characterization of novel pathways that are also involved in innate immune responses in mammals. | |
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Dr. Larry Wimmers Director, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics Program |
| My laboratory employs a combination of molecular genetic and classical physiological tools to address three aspects of plant function. I have long-term interests in the response of plants to salt stress and the mechanisms of phloem translocation. Our approach to the salt stress response has been to identify genes induced by sub-lethal levels of salt stress, and to test their role in salt-stress resistance by altering their expression in transgenic plants. Our studies of phloem translocation have concentrated on the mechanism of phloem loading, and the control of that process. Our goal is to produce plants with increased tolerance to saline soil conditions. | |
| Department of Chemistry | |
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Dr. Richard Preisler |
| My research interests concern the energetics and dynamics of nucleic acid structure. He has done physical studies on conformation transitions such as the B-to-Z transition in DNA. Presently I am collaborating with Dr. Ryzhkov in an investigation of doubly spin-labeled DNA oligonucleotides. The paramagnetic probes will be sensitive to the local conformation and dynamics of the molecule, as detected by EPR spectroscopy. | |
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Dr. David Rawn |
| I have been involved in application of high-power computing in research and teaching since the late 1970s. In my research into protein folding phenomena, I pioneered the application of homology based modeling to develop structures for proteins with similar sequences based upon the known x-ray crystallographic structure of only one of them. This technique later came to be called "inverse topological threading".
I have written programs to study de novo simulations of protein folding, and run hundreds of computational experiments to simulate protein folding using massively parallel computing. During a sabbatical leave 10 years ago in the laboratory of the late Christian B. Anfinsen, I studied proteins produced by the extreme thermophile Pyrococcus Furiosis. In collaboration with Dr. R. J. Feldmann, then at NIH, I created more than a hundred different "stereoviews" for his first biochemistry textbook, the first textbook author to do so. My research projects also include analysis of protein data bank using Mole program, development of capillary electrophoresis protocols for protein separation (with Professor Topping), and analysis of critical phenomena and phase diagrams of protein folding (with Professor Ryzhkov). |
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Dr. Lev Ryzhkov |
| Professor Lev Ryzhkov has accumulated close to 14 years of graduate, post-doctoral and faculty experience in teaching physical, general, and organic chemistry and instrumental analysis. He conducts his research in the areas of protein folding and homology-based design, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The latter includes EPR studies of conformations and dynamics of spin-labeled oligonucleotides. He also uses NMR spectroscopy of reacting radical systems (CIDNP) for quantitative and qualitative studies of alkyl and acyloxy radicals and their radical pairs, and investigates stereochemical effects on proton chemical shifts in flexible polycyclic molecules. In the past five years he has supervised sixteen undergraduate students, most of those supported by external grants, including a Pfizer Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship, multiple Raspert Fellowships, and external support from Kraft Foods, LANL, and NSF-CCLI and REU programs. To date he has published five papers with undergraduate students as co-authors. | |
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Dr. Clare Muhoro |
| Organometallic chemistry research on the synthesis, characterization and reactivity of phosphanyl(organyl)boranes This project explores the chemistry of phosphanyl(organyl) boranes, a group of compounds with potential applications in transition metal and polymer chemistries. As a result of their dual donor and acceptor nature, phosphanyl(organyl)boranes can be used to craft highly desirable metal complexes that can be employed to selectively attenuate metal complex properties. Our goal is to develop reliable and general synthetic methodology to these compounds and to apply their bifunctional properties in innovative ways. Environmental chemistry research on the chemical fate of carbamate pesticides. Our primary interest lies in investigating the chemical fate of carbamate pesticides in aquatic systems. Carbamates are derivatives of carbamic acid and find diverse applications in global agriculture. Ligand-like carbamates and inorganic materials in soils may undergo interesting coordination chemistry under environmental conditions. Our goal is to describe selected chemical processes of this type. |
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Dr. Ana-Marie Soto |
| Dr. Soto’s current research interests are on the stability and ligand binding properties of nucleic acid structures. She is especially interested in studying the effect of electrostatics in drug binding and inhibition and in the development of small inhibitor molecules. | |
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Dr. Cynthia Zeller |
| Use of cell/molecular biological methods applied to problems in forensic science, including development of methodologies that can be readily automated in the forensic laboratory setting. Development of specific cell staining techniques which will aid in the unequivocal identification of sperm cells in mixed stain samples; development of procedures that will allow for utilization of degraded DNA as is seen in mass disater situations; and devlopment of protocols which will allow for the rapid extraction of DNA from sperm cells, thereby purifying this fraction for downstream DNA analysis procedures. | |
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Dr. Timothy Brunker Smith Hall 514F, 410-704-3118 Assistant Professor Ph.D., Oxford University |
| Dr. Brunker is interested in the synthesis and properties of new types of chiral transition metal complexes for uses in two types of applications - molecular switches and as chiral catalysts for organic reactions. Molecular switches are molecules that can exist in at least two different forms that can be reversibly interconverted upon application of an external stimulus, such as light, heat or some other type of environmental factors such as pH, and where the state of the switch can be easily detected. They may be useful as information storage devices and in molecular electronics. Dr. Brunker is working on switches in which the two interconvertible forms are chiral, and may therefore be probed by their interactions with plane polarized light. In a second project he is working on developing chiral ligands based on an azaferrocene core for various metal-catalyzed reactions of interest in organic chemistry. | |
| Department of Computer and Information Sciences | |
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Dr. Nadim Alkharouf |
| My research interests include the design and development of databases for high throughput biological experiments. My main focus has been on DNA sequencing data, gene expression and proteomics experiments. I am also very interested in data mining and OLAP (online analytical processing), a method for large database mining. In the past I worked on soybean genomics, building databases and analyzing gene expression data from experiments dealing with the identification of resistance genes in soybean against a devastating parasite known as the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Recently I have been working on developing a database analysis system for blue berry genomics and analyzing gene expression data related to blue berry cold hardiness. I am also working on a new algorithm that builds a better peptide database for Mascot (proteomics) searches, one that results in more significant hits. | |
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Dr. Sungchul Hong |
| Intelligent agents, auction mechanisms and data classification (machine learning approach). | |
| Department of Mathematics | |
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Dr. Elizabeth Goode |
| DNA splicing systems, DNA computing and DNA implementations of genetic algorithms | |
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Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, & Bioinformatics
Towson University
8000 York Road
Smith 360
Towson, MD 21252
phone- 410-704-3491
email- Jsaunders@towson.edu
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000