Biology Archives - The College of Idhao

By Henry Miller

Sarah Wicher

BIO Originally, from Idaho Falls, Idaho. Dr. Wicher was excited to return to Idaho and join the Biology Department as an Assistant Professor at the College of Idaho. Dr. Wicher has been at the college since 2021, regularly teaching Introductory Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Pathobiology, and the non-majors course Human Biology of Disease. The goal of Dr. Wicher’s current research is to understand the cellular mechanisms that underly lung airway smooth muscle cell aging. She is interested in understanding how chronic low-grade inflammation leads to changes in airway smooth muscle cell structure and function. Dr. Wicher regularly works with students on collaborative research projects. She has received funding to support this work from National Institutes of Health through Idaho INBRE, and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Students in the Wicher lab use a number of techniques including cell culture, fluorescent microscopy, live cell imaging, molecular biology (PCR, Western blot, ELISA), and computer analysis of biological data. Dr. Wicher’s goal as a professor and mentor is that her students become successful professionals in biology and healthcare. Dr. Wicher is proud of the accomplishments of many College of Idaho graduates who have gained acceptance to professional schools in medicine, nursing, veterinary, biology, dentistry, and physician assistant graduate programs. Dr. Wicher’s favorite part about working at the College of Idaho is the students. When she is not in the classroom Dr. Wicher enjoys hiking, cross country skiing, traveling, and visiting art museums. EDUCATION Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Mayo Clinic Rochester, 2021 Ph.D. Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, 2017 B.S Microbiology, University of Idaho, 2008 SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Drake LY, Wicher SA, Roos BB, Khalfaoui L, Nesbitt L, Fang YH, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS. Functional role of glial-derived neurotrophic factor in a mixed allergen murine model of asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2024 Jan 1;326(1):L19-L28. Bhallamudi S, Roos BB, Teske JJ, Wicher SA, McConico A, M Pabelick C, Sathish V, Prakash YS. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor in human airway smooth muscle. J Cell Physiol. 2021 Dec;23 6(12):8184-8196. doi: 10.1002/jcp.30489. PMID: 34170009; PMCID: PMC8671171 Wicher SA, Roos BB, Teske JJ, Fang YH, Pabelick C, Prakash YS. Aging increases senescence, calcium signaling, and extracellular matrix deposition in human airway smooth muscle. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 29;16(7):e0254710. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254710. PMID: 34324543; PMCID: PMC8321097 Banerjee P, Balraj P, Ambhore NS, Wicher SA, Britt RD Jr, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS, Sathish V. Network and co-expression analysis of airway smooth muscle cell transcriptome delineates potential gene signatures in asthma. Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 13;11(1):14386. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-93845-x. PMID: 34257337; PMCID: PMC8277837. Kai You, Pavan Parikh, Karl Khandalavala, Sarah A Wicher, Logan Manlove, Binxia Yang, Annie Roesler, Ben B Roos, Jacob J Teske, Rodney D. Britt, Christin M Pabelick, YS Prakash (2019) Moderate hyperoxia induces senescence in developing human lung fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. Pavan Parikh, Rodney Britt, Logan J Manlove, Sarah A Wicher, Annie Roesler, Jovanka Ravix, Jacob Teske, Mike Thompson, Gary Sieck, James L. Kirkland, Nathan LeBrasseur, Dan Tschumperlin, Christina M Pabelick, YS Prakash. Hyperoxia-induced cellular senescence in fetal airway smooth muscle cells (2019). Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol Sarah A. Wicher, Prakash YS, Pabelick CM. (2019) Caveolae, Caveolin-1 and lung diseases of aging. Expert Rev Respir Med Pavan Parikh*, Sarah A. Wicher* Khandalavala K, Pabelick CM, Britt RD Jr., Prakash YS. (2019) Cellular Senescence in the Lung Across the Age Spectrum. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. *Author’s Contributed Equally Sarah A. Wicher*, Anne M. Roesler*, Jovanka Ravix, Rodney D. Britt Jr., Logan Manlove, Michael A. Thompson, Carol Farver, Peter MacFarlane, Christina M. Pabelick, and YS Prakash (2019) Calcium Sensing Receptor in Developing Human Airway Smooth Muscle. Journal of cell physiology. *Author’s Contributed Equally Parikh P, Britt RD Jr, Manlove LJ, Wicher SA, Roesler A, Ravix J, Teske J, Thompson MA, Sieck GC, Kirkland JL, LeBrasseur N, Tschumperlin DJ, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS., (2018) Hyperoxia Induced Cellular Senescence in Fetal Airway Smooth Muscle. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Before coming to the College of Idaho, Dr. Wicher completed a B.S. in Microbiology at the University of Idaho (2008), and a Ph.D. in Physiology and Pharmacology at Oregon Health & Science University. After completion of her Ph.D. Dr. Wicher traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to complete a postdoctoral fellowship. During her fellowship she fell in love with teaching undergraduates.

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By Henry Miller

Chris Walser

BIO Professor Walser has been at The College of Idaho since 2000. He teaches Stream Ecology; Ecology, Evolution and Diversity; Ichthyology; Introduction to GIS; Coastal Marine Ecology in south Florida; and Field Biology in Belize or Australia. Dr. Walser also teaches the biology senior capstone course which examines, in part, how scientists can become more proficient at communicating the results of their research to the general public. The focus of his student-based research program is to better understand the impacts of human disturbances (land-use change, invasive fishes) on native stream fish assemblages. Since 2013, he and his students have been investigating the genetics and movement of redband trout in Dry Creek, a small tributary of the Boise River near Boise, Idaho. Recently, Professor Walser and students joined organizers and researchers from The City of Boise, Boise State University, and The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley to assess stream conditions at dozens of trail crossings within the Dry Creek watershed. In 2015, Professor Walser’s student, Sarah Walsh, received a $1,500 grant from the Northwest Scientific Association to study the population genetics of Dry Creek redband trout. Professor Walser and former student, Camrin Braun, published a paper on the distribution and diet of invasive largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the lower Boise River. Their research appeared in a 2011 edition of Western North American Naturalist Dr. Walser is very active in leading off-campus courses in field biology. To date, Professor Walser has taken College of Idaho students to south Florida (2009, 2011, 2015) and Australia (2002, 2006, 2010, 2013), with future courses planned for Belize (Winter Term 2016) and central Idaho (Summer 2016). He is a very strong advocate of experiential learning and emphasizes this teaching approach in all of his courses. What Professor Walser enjoys the most about teaching at The College of Idaho is getting students excited about field biology. He also appreciates the small-class sizes which allow him to provide unique learning opportunities (e.g., conducting original field biology research in tropical locales; wildlife film-making) for his students. EDUCATION Ph.D. Biology, Tulane University, 1996 M. S. Fisheries, Auburn University, 1991 B.S. Biology, Emory University, 1989 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE The College of Idaho, Professor of Biology (2000-present) Rocky Mountain College, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology (1999-2000) Salt Lake Community College, Adjunct Instructor of Biology (1996-1999) Utah State University, Adjunct Instructor of Fisheries and Wildlife Biology (1997) Brigham Young University, Postdoctoral Research Associate (1997-1999) SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Presenter, April 2015. Northwest Scientific Association Conference. Pasco, WA. Genetics and movement of Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, in Dry Creek, Idaho. With undergraduate student co-authors: Shelby Richins and Sarah Walsh. Co-Presenter, March 2015. Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Boise, ID. Population genetics of Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, in Dry Creek, Idaho. With undergraduate student co-author: Sarah Walsh. Presenter, November 2014. A Story of Survival: The redband trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri) of Dry Creek. Idaho Master Naturalist’s Program. MK Nature Center, Boise, Idaho. Co-author on Conference Presentation, October 2014. Geological Society of America Meeting, Vancouver B.C. High-resolution geophysical investigation of a sea turtle nest complex, Cayo Costa State Park, Florida: potential for identification of ancient nest structures. With co-authors from Florida Gulf Coast University and Temple University. Co-Presenter, August 2014. Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Conference. Chattanooga, TN. Genetics and summer movement of Columbia River redband trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri) in an intermittent southern Idaho stream. Presenter, April 2013. Ecology of Columbia River redband trout in high desert streams. Seminar. Idaho Section of the American Water Resources Association, Boise, Idaho. Attendee, October 2011. From Vision to Reality: Enhancing the lower Boise River. Community Workshop. Boise, Idaho. Presenter, July 2011. Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Minneapolis, MN. Distribution and diet of largemouth bass in the lower Boise River, Idaho.

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By Henry Miller

Thomas Pirtle

BIO Dr. Thomas Pirtle has been with The College of Idaho since 2014. As an Assistant Professor of Biology at The College of Idaho, he regularly teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Pathobiology, Developmental Biology, and Health Science Seminar. Dr. Pirtle also teaches Regional Anatomy and Histology as part of the Physician Assistant Program in partnership with Idaho State University. Dr. Pirtle’s diverse research program at The College of Idaho focuses on comparative physiology, developmental biology, and neuroethology. His most current research, in collaboration with Dr. Heggland’s lab, uses the developing chick embryo as a model to identify the possible harmful effects of electronic cigarette chemical flavorings on bone development. Other research interests include comparative cardiac physiology using the freshwater crustacean, Daphnia magna and control of locomotor behavior in the marine mollusk, Clione limancina. The most recently published work on Daphnia magna in 2018 involved three College of Idaho undergraduate students who co-authored the paper. Dr. Pirtle’s goal as a professor and mentor of College of Idaho students is to his students to become successful professionals in healthcare and biology. Dr. Pirtle is proud of the accomplishments of many College of Idaho students who have gained acceptance to professional schools in medical, physician assistant, dental, physical therapy, and biology graduate programs. In the classroom, Dr. Pirtle’s problems-based approach to curriculum fosters critical thinking and cultivates collaboration among students to help them become proficient, skilled, and compassionate healthcare providers. Dr. Pirtle enjoys teaching at The College of Idaho where both faculty and students work together as a community of learners. Dr. Pirtle is proud to be a Yote! EDUCATION Ph.D. Biology, Arizona State University, 2003 M.S. Biology, Abilene Christian University, 1992 B.S. Biology, Abilene Christian University, 1990 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Dr. Pirtle taught at Grand Canyon University and Abilene Christian University before coming to The College of Idaho. He has fifteen years of professional teaching experience teaching a variety of classes that include anatomy and physiology, general biology for both biology majors and non-majors, pathobiology, general and medical physiology, histology, developmental biology, microbiology, seminars in biology and health science. SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Pirtle, T.J., Carr, T.L., Khurana, T., and Meeker, G. ZD7288 and mibefradil inhibit the myogenic heartbeat in Daphnia magna indicating its dependency on HCN and T-type calcium ion channels. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2018. 222: 36-42. Pirtle, T.J., Willingham, K. and Satterlie, R.A. A hyperpolarization-activated inward current alters swim frequency of the pteropod mollusk Clione limacina. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2010. 157(4): 319-27. Pirtle, T.J. and Satterlie, R.A. The role of postinhibitory rebound in the locomotor central-pattern generator of Clione limacina. Integr. Comp. Biol. 2007. 47: 451-456. Pirtle, T.J. and Satterlie, R.A. The contribution of the pleural type 12 interneuron to swim acceleration in Clione limacina. Invert. Neurosci. 2006. 6: 161-168. Pirtle, T. J. and Satterlie, R.A. Cellular mechanisms underlying swim acceleration in the pteropod mollusk Clione limacina. Integr. Comp. Biol. 2004. 44: 37-46. Satterlie, R.A., Norekian, T.P., and Pirtle, T.J. Serotonin-induced spike narrowing in a locomotor pattern generator permits increases in cycle frequency during accelerations. J. Neurophysiology. 2000. 83(4): 2163-2170. Moroz, L.L., Norekian, T.P., Pirtle, T.J., Robertson, K.J., and Satterlie, R.A. Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase reactivity and effects of nitric oxide on feeding and locomotory circuitry in the pteropod mollusc, Clione limacina. J. Comparative Neurology. 2000. 427: 274-284.

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By Henry Miller

Melissa Pickett

BIO Dr. Melissa Pickett has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the College of Idaho since 2024. She teaches Molecules to Cells (BIOL-2201), Cell Biology (BIOL-3330), Genetics (BIOL-3316), and a special topics course in Microscopy during Winter term. Dr. Pickett’s research program seeks to understand how the epithelial cells that form the linings of all animal organs achieve the correct shapes and organization to create functional tissues. Dr. Pickett’s lab studies the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, and uses microscopy, CRISPR editing, tissue specific protein depletion, genetic mutants, RNAi, and chemical approaches to understand how intestinal cells establish, remodel, and maintain the polarized localization of conserved proteins to specific parts of cells. Dr. Pickett enjoys getting students excited about biology and loves working with the incredibly motivated students at the College of Idaho. Dr. Pickett is a 5th generation Idahoan and alumna of the College of Idaho. Dr. Pickett enjoys hiking and camping with her family in her spare time. EDUCATION Ph.D., North Carolina State University, 2016 (Major: Toxicology, Minor: Molecular Biotechnology) B.S., The College of Idaho, 2011 (Major: Biology, Summa Cum Laude) SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Naturale, V.F., Pickett, M.A., Feldman, J.L., (2023). Persistent cell contacts enable E-cadherin/HMR-1- and PAR-3-based symmetry breaking within a developing C. elegans epithelium. Developmental Cell. 2023 Oct 9; 58(19):830-1846.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.008. Naturale, V.F, Pickett, M.A., Feldman, J.L., (2023) Context matters: Lessons in Epithelial polarity from the Caenorhabditis elegans intestine and other tissues. Current Topics in Developmental Biology; 2023:154:37-71.doi: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.02.007. *Pickett, M.A., Sallee, M.D., Cote, L., Naturale, V.F., Akpinaroglu, D.,Lee, J., Shen, K., Feldman, J.L., (2022). Separable mechanisms drive local and global polarity establishment in the Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal epithelium. Development; 2022, 149(22): dev200325. Salle, M.D., Pickett, M.A., Feldman, J.L. (2021). Apical PAR complex proteins protect against programmed epithelial assaults to create a continuous and functional intestinal lumen. eLife 2021; 10:e64437 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.64437 Sanchez, A.D., Branon, T., Cote, L., Papagiannakis, X.L., Pickett, M., Shen, K., Jacobs-Wagner, C., Ting, A., Feldman, J.L. (2021) Proximity labeling reveals non-centrosomal microtubule-organizing centers required for microtubule growth and localization. Current Biology. 2021 Aug 23; 31 (16):3586-3600.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.021. Pickett, M.A., Naturale, V.F., Feldman, J.L. (2019) A polarizing issue: diversity in the mechanisms underlying apico-basolateral polarization in vivo. Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, 35: 285-308. Pickett, M.A., Dush, M.K., Nascone-Yoder, N.M. (2017) Acetylcholinesterase plays a non-neuronal, non-esterase role in organogenesis. Development, 144 (15): 2764-2770. Gunderson, M.P., Pickett, M.A., Martin, J.T., Hulse, E.J., Smith, S.S., Smith, L.A., Campbell, R.M., Lowers, R.H., Boggs, A.S.P. Guillette, L.J. Jr. (2016) Variations in hepatic biomarkers in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from three sites in Florida, USA. Chemosphere, 155: 180-187. Womble, M.A., Pickett, M.A., Nascone-Yoder, N.M. (2016). Frogs as integrative models for understanding digestive organ development and evolution. Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, 51: 92-105. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE The College of Idaho, Assistant Professor of Biology (2024-) San José State University, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (2022-2024) San José State University, Visiting Instructor in Genetics (Fall 2019, Fall 2021) Stanford University, Postdoctoral Researcher (2017-2022) NIH-Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Postdoctoral Fellow (F32) North Carolina State University GAANN Fellow (2012-2014) Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellow and completion of Certificate of Accomplishment in Teaching The College of Idaho INBRE Student (Summer 2010) NIH – IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Research Student (Summer 2009) NSF-Research Experience for the Undergraduate (REU)

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By Henry Miller

Anna Himler

BIO Dr. Anna Himler’s research appointments are as follows: Her teaching appointments are as follows: EDUCATION 2007 Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin, Section of Integrative Biology Dissertation: Evolutionary Ecology and Natural History 1995 B.A. Oberlin College, Double major: Biology and Environmental Studies SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Mehdiabadi, N.J., U.G. Mueller, S.G. Brady, A.G. Himler, and T. R. Schultz. 2012. Symbiont fidelity and the origin of species in fungus-growing ants. Nature Communications 3:840; DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1844. Heer K., C.A. Machado, A.G. Himler, E.A. Herre, E.K. Kalko, and C.W Dick. 2012. Anonymous and EST-based microsatellite DNA markers that transfer broadly across the fig tree genus (Ficus, Moraceae). Am. J. Bot. 99 (8):e330-333. Himler, A. G., T. Adachi-Hagimori, J. Bergen*, A. Kozuch*, S. Kelly, E. Chiel, V. Duckworth*, T. Dennehy, E. Zchori-Fein, and M.S. Hunter. 2011. Rapid spread of a bacterial symbiont in an invasive whitefly is driven by fitness benefits and female bias. Science 332 (6026): 254-256. Commentary by Jiggins, F.M. and G.D.D. Hurst. Rapid insect evolution by symbiont transfer. 2011. Science 332 (6026): 185-186. Himler, A.G., and C. Machado. 2009. Host specificity, phenotype matching and the evolution of reproductive isolation in a coevolved plant-pollinator mutualism. Molecular Ecology 18 (24): 4988-4990. Himler, A.G., E. Caldera*, B. Baer, H. Fernández-Marín, and U.G. Mueller. 2009. No sex in fungus-farming ants or their crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 276 (1667): 2611- 2616. Curriculum vitae for Anna Himler, p. 3 Wetterer, J.K., A.G. Himler, and M.M. Yospin*. 2002. Forager size, load size, and resource use in an omnivorous ant, Aphaenogaster albesitosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 39 (2): 335-343. Wetterer, J.K., A.G. Himler, and M.M. Yospin*. 2000. Foraging ecology of the desert leaf-cutting ant, Acromyrmex versicolor, in Arizona (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 37 (3B): 633-649. J.K. Wetterer, S.E. Miller, D.E. Wheeler, C.A. Olsen, D.A. Polhemus, M.Pitts, I.W. Ashton, A.G. Himler, M.M. Yospin, K.R. Helms, E.L. Harkin, J. Gallaher, C.E. Dunning, M. Nelson, J. Litsinger, A. Southern, and T. Burgess. 1999. Ecological dominance by Paratrechina longicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), an invasive tramp ant, in Biosphere 2. Florida Entomologist 82 (3): 381-388. E.P. Glenn, D. Moore, M. Akutagawa, A.G. Himler, T. Walsh, and S. Nelson. 1999. Correlation between Gracilaria parvispora (Rhodophyta) biomass production and water quality factors on a tropical reef in Hawaii. Aquaculture 178: 323-331.

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By Henry Miller

Wendy Harvey

BIO My teaching philosophy is shaped by the exceptional teachers I’ve been fortunate to learn from, both as a student and as a professional. These mentors share several core qualities that I strive to embody and use as the foundation of my own approach to teaching. The key tenets that guide my practice are passion, critical thinking, hands-on learning, self-exploration, and effective communication. Together, these principles foster an engaging, thoughtful, and dynamic learning environment. EDUCATION M.S., Boise State University, 2014 B.S., Biology, College of Idaho, 2003 SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Otero, Claire E.; Noeker Jacob A.; Brown Mary M.; Wavreil Florence D.M.; Harvey Wendy A.; Mitchel Kristen A.; Heggland, Sara J. 2019. Electronic cigarette liquid exposure induces flavor-dependent osteotoxicity and increases expression of a key bone marker, collagen type I. J Appl Toxicol.; 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.3777 Harvey W.A., Jurgensen K., Pu X., Lamb C.L., Cornell K.A., Clark R.J*., Klocke C*., Mitchell K.A. 2016. Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) increases human hepatic stellate cell activation. Toxicology 344-346: 26-33. Arbon K.S*., Christensen C.M*., Harvey W.A., Heggland S.J. 2012. Cadmium exposure activates theERK signaling pathway leading to altered osteoblast gene expression and apoptotic death in Saos-2 cells. Food Chem Toxicol 50(2):198-205. Smith S.S*., Rodriguez Reyes J*, Arbon K.S., Harvey W.A., Hunt L.M., Heggland S.J. 2009. Cadmium induced decrease in RUNX2 mRNA expression and recovery by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the human osteoblast-like cell line, Saos-2. Toxicol in Vitro 23:60-66. Harvey W.A., Frost S.T*., Machynia K.T*., Gerdes M*., Heggland S.J. 2008. Differential cell sensitivity to cadmium exposure in RTgill-W1, RTG-2, and RTL-W1 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cell lines: An in vitro cell line model to study cadmium-induced cytotoxicity. J Idaho Acad Sci 44:19-29. Zhukalin M., Blanksma M.K.*, Silva T.D., Syehira S.W., Harvey W.A., Heggland S.J., Craig P.R. 2007. Characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of ethanolamine-derived cadmium chelating agents. Biometals 20:61-72. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Mentor for College of Idaho Scholars Program that provides students a taste of research through a three-week research immersion experience. Current Projects: Utilizing CRISPR Cas system as a tool to investigate the role of matrix metallothionein protein 9 (MMP-9) in extracellular matrix deposition and contractility in an aging lung model. Investigating microplastics effects on extracellular matrix deposition and mitochondrial disfunction in airway smooth muscle cells.

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By Henry Miller

Mark Gunderson

BIO Professor Gunderson has worked at The College of Idaho since 2007. He teaches Animal Physiology, Biology of Reproduction, Organismal Biology, Zoology, and Biology Capstone, and leads off-campus trips associated with his classes and research throughout southwestern Idaho and the Pacific Northwest (Newport, Oregon). Dr. Gunderson’s research program focuses on investigating the pathways involved in protecting organisms against environmental stressors using principles based in physiology, pharmacology, ecology, wildlife biology, biochemistry, and other related fields. He is currently studying the regulation of detoxification and antioxidant pathways by trace environmental contaminants in signal crayfish (Pacifasticus leniusculus) collected from populations throughout southwestern Idaho. Dr. Gunderson has authored/co-authored 29 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 1 book chapter, 18 published abstracts, and 92 presentations at undergraduate, regional, or national conferences. He has received funding from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and NIH Idaho INBRE grants. What Dr. Gunderson appreciates most about life at The College of Idaho is the sense of community, opportunities to explore new ideas, and working with enthusiastic students in the classroom, lab and field. EDUCATION Ph.D., University of Florida, Department of Zoology (2005, Phi Kappa Phi) – Gainesville FL. BA, St. Olaf College (1995, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) – Northfield, MN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Mclaughlin, Q.R. and Gunderson, M.P. 2022. Effects of selenium treatment on endogenous antioxidant capacity in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C 256: 109324. Gunderson, M.P., Boyd, H.M., Kelly, C.I., Lete, I.R. and McLaughlin, Q.R. Modulation of endogenous antioxidants by zinc and copper in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Chemosphere. Volume 275, July 2021, 129982. Gunderson, M.P., Nguyen, B.T., Cervantes Reyes, J.C., Holden, L.L., French, J.M.T., Smith, B.D., Lineberger, C. 2018. Response of phase I and II detoxification enzymes, glutathione, metallothionein and acetylcholine esterase to mercury and dimethoate in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Chemosphere 208: 749-756. Rand M.S., Baldwin KS, Bangma J., Barbeau T., Bermudez D.S., Bernhard M., Botha H., Bowden J.A., Brock, J.W., Cantu T., Crain D.A., Davis E., Doheny B., Edwards T.M., Girling J., Gunderson M.P., Hamlin H.J., Kohno S., Larkin I.V., Martinot A., Masson G.R., Matter J., McCoy K.A., McNabb N.A., Milnes M.R. , Moore B.C. , Nilsen F.M. , Orlando E.F., Palmer B., Parrott B.B., Rainwater T.R. , Roark A.M., Rooney A.A., Tubbs, C.W., Wenzel A.G., Williams C.E. In memory of Professor Louis J. Guillette, Jr. In Memoriam. 2016 General and Comparative Endocrinology 238: 1-3. Gunderson, M.P., Pickett, M.A., Martin, J.T., Hulse, E.J., Smith, S.S., Smith, L.A., Campbell, R.M., Lowers, R.H., Boggs, A.S.P., Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2016. Variations in hepatic biomarkers in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from three sites in Florida, USA. Chemosphere 155: 180-187. Gunderson M.P., Veldhoen N., Skirrow, R.C., Macnab, M.K., Ding, W., vanAggelen, G., Helbing, C.C. 2011. Effect of low dose exposure to the herbicide atrazine and its metabolite on cytochrome P450 aromatase and steroidogenic factor-1 mRNA levels in the brain of premetamorphic bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana) Aquatic Toxicology 102: 31-38. Helbing, C. C., Maher, S. K., Han, J., Gunderson, M.P., Borchers, C. 2010. Peering into molecular mechanisms of action with frogSCOPE. General and Comparative Endocrinology 168(2):190-8. Helbing C.C., Bailey C.M., Ji L., Gunderson M.P., Zhang F., Veldhoen N., Skirrow R.C., Mu R., Lesperance M., Holcombe G.W., Kosian P.A., Tietge J., Korte J.J., Degitz S.J. 2007. Identification of gene expression indicators for thyroid axis disruption in a Xenopus laevis metamorphosis screening assay. Part 1. Effects on the brain. Aquatic Toxicology 82 (4): 227-241. Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R.C., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D.J., Gunderson, M.P., van Aggelen, G., and Helbing, C.C. 2006. The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development. Aquatic Toxicology 80: 217-227. Gunderson, M.P., Kohno, S., Blumberg, B., Iguchi, T., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2006. Up-regulation of the alligator CYP3A77 gene by toxaphene and dexamethasone and its short term effect on plasma testosterone concentrations. Aquatic Toxicology 78: 272-283. Milnes, M.R., Bermudez, D.S., Bryan T.A., Edwards, T.M., Gunderson, M.P., Larkin, I. L.V., Moore, B.C., and Louis J. Guilette Jr. 2005. Contaminant-induced feminization and demasculinization of nonmammalian vertebrate males in aquatic environments. Environmental Research 100: 3-17. Milnes, M.R., Bryan, T.A., Medina Gates, J., Gunderson, M.P., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2005. Developmental alterations as a result of in ovo exposure to the pesticide metabolite p,p’-DDE in Alligator mississippiensis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 144: 257-263. Milnes, M. R., Bermudez D.S., Bryan, T.A., Gunderson, M.P., and Guilette, L.J. Jr. 2005. Altered neonatal development and endocrine function in Alligator mississippiensis associated with a contaminated environment. Biology of Reproduction 73: 1004-1010. Bermudez, Dieldrich S., Milnes, M.R., Bryan, T.A., Gunderson, M.P., Tubbs, C., Woodward, A.R., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2005. Seasonal variation in plasma thyroxine concentrations in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from three Florida lakes. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology part A 141: 8-14. Gunderson,M.P., Oberdörster, E., and Guillette. L.J. Jr. 2004. EROD, MROD, and GST activities in juvenile alligators collected from 3 sites in the Kissimmee-Everglades drainage, Florida (USA). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C 139: 39-46. Katsu, Y, Bermudez, D.S., Braun, E., Helbing, C., Miyagawa, S., Gunderson, M.P., Kohno, S., Bryan, T.A., Guillette, L.J. Jr., and Iguchi,T. 2004. Molecular cloning of the estrogen and progesterone receptors of the American alligator. General and Comparative Endocrinology 136:122-133. Gunderson, M.P.,Bermudez, D.S.,Bryan, T.A., Degala, S.,Edwards, T.M.,Kools,S.A.E., Milnes, M.R., Woodward, A.R., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2004. Variation in sex steroids and phallus size in juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) collected from 3 sites within the Kissimmee-Everglades drainage in Florida (USA). Chemosphere 56: 335-345. Edwards, T. M., Gunderson M.P., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2003. Gonadotropin-induced testosterone response in peripubertal male alligators. General and Comparative Endocrinology 135(3): 372-380. Gunderson, M.P., Kools, S. A. E., Milnes, M. R. and Guillette, L. J. Jr. 2003. Effect of acute stress on plasma b-corticosterone, estradiol-17b, and testosterone concentrations in juvenile American alligators collected from 3 sites within the Kissimmee-Everglades Drainage. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C, 135(3): 365-374. Gunderson, M.P., Breza, T.S. Jr., and Guillette, L.J. Jr.2003. Screening for xenoestrogen-induced vitellogenin in juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Environmental Science 10: 193-204. Hewitt, E.A., Crain, D.A., Gunderson, M.P., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2002. A histological analysis of thyroid glands in

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By Henry Miller

Luke Daniels

BIO Luke Daniels has been at The College of Idaho since 2009, regularly teaching Introductory Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Bioinformatics and a study abroad course in Ecuador. The goal of Professor Daniels’ current research is to understand cellular signaling in brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme. Professor Daniels regularly works with students in collaborative research projects, and has received funding to support this work from the National Institutes of Health, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and the Mountain State Tumor Institute. Students in the Daniels lab use a number of techniques in their research, including cell culture, molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, live cell calcium imaging, and computer analyses of biological data (bioinformatics). Professor Daniels believes that hands-on experiences are an important aspect of science education. He has led projects that have competitively awarded College of Idaho membership into two national teaching consortiums, the Howard Hughes Medical Research Institute Science Education Alliance and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory RNA-Seq for the Next Generation project. These projects allow students to participate in authentic research experiences in the classroom, and have resulted in students identifying new microorganisms and receiving co-authorship credit in peer-reviewed scientific articles. Professor Daniels enjoys the close-knit, collaborative atmosphere among faculty and students at the College of Idaho. He lives with his wife and two young sons, and in his free time enjoys mountain biking and skiing. Professor Daniels completed a B.S. in Biology at Seattle Pacific University (2001) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Southern California (2009). An assortment of other experiences have contributed to his personal and professional development, including selection as a Fulbright Senior Scholar and moving with his family to Indonesia during 2016-2017, working in the biotechnology industry, travelling in Central and South America, and summer jobs in construction while in high school and college. EDUCATION Ph.D. Neuroscience, University of Southern California, 2009 B.S. Biology, Seattle Pacific University, 2001 SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH Heggland, S.J., Hovde, C.J., Minnich, S.A., Liou, L.E., and R.L. Daniels. Building a biomedical pipeline: The impact of the Idaho IDeA INBRE summer research experience at a primarily undergraduate institution. Advances in Physiology Education. September 16, 2021. DOI: 10.1152/advan.00232.2020. Tavener, A.M., Phelps, M.C., and R.L. Daniels. Anthracycline-induced cytotoxicity in the GL261 glioma model system. Molecular Biology Reports, January 2, 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06109-8. Strong, A.D., Indart, M.C., Hill, N., and R.L. Daniels. GL261 glioma tumor cells respond to ATP with an intracellular calcium rise and glutamate release. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, January 9, 2018. DOI: 10.1007/s11010-018-3272-5. Strong, A.D. and R.L. Daniels. Live-cell calcium imaging of adherent and non-adherent GL261 cells reveals phenotype-dependent differences in drug responses. BMC Cancer, August 2, 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3507-y. Hanauer DI, Graham MJ; SEA-PHAGES, Betancur L, Bobrownicki A, Cresawn SG, Garlena RA, Jacobs-Sera D, Kaufmann N, Pope WH, Russell DA, Jacobs WR Jr, Sivanathan V, Asai DJ, Hatfull GF. An inclusive Research Education Community (iREC): Impact of the SEA-PHAGES program on research outcomes and student learning. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, December 5, 2017. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718188115 *This paper, a collaborative effort among various member institutions of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education Alliance, lists the following College of Idaho faculty as co-authors: Koga, AK and Daniels, R.L. *Cresawn, Steven G., Welkin Pope, Deborah Jacobs-Sera, Charles Bowman, Daniel Russell, Rebekah M. Dedrick, Tamarah Adair, Kirk R. Anders, Sarah Ball, Dave Bollivar, Caroline Breitenberger, Sandra H. Burnett, Kristen Butela, Deanna Byrnes, Kathleen A. Cornely, Richard L. Daniels, David Dunbar, Ann M. Findley, Chris R. Gissendanner, Urszula P. Golebiewska, Grant A. Hartzog, J. J. Robert Hatherill, Lee E. Hughes, Chernoh S. Jalloh, Sphindile L Khambule, Rodney King, Christina King Smith, Karen Klyczek, Greg P. Krukonis, Christian Laing, Jonathan S Lapin, A. Javier Lopez, Sipho M. Mkhwanazi, Sally Molloy, Vanisha Munsamy, Eddie Pacey, Kimenthrie Pillay, Ruth Plymale, Marianne Poxleitner, Nathan Reyna, Joel Schildbach, Joseph Stukey, Sarah B. Taylor, Vassie C. Ware, Amanda L Wellmann, Daniel Westholm, Thabiso S. Zikalala, Roger W. Hendrix, Graham F. Hatfull. Comparative Genomics of Cluster O mycobacteriophages. PLOS ONE, March 5, 2015. 10(3): e0118725. *Pope, W.H., Bowman, C.A., Russell, D.A, Jacobs-Sera, D., Asai, D.J., Cresawn, S.G., Jacobs Jr., W.R., Hendrix, R.W., Lawrence, J.G., Hatfull, G.F., Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science*, Phage Hunters Integrating Research and Education, Mycobacterial Genetics Course. Whole genome comparison of a large collection of mycobacteriophages reveals a continuum of phage genetic diversity. e Life, April 28, 2015. 107554/eLife.06416. (This paper, as a collaborative effort among various member institutions of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education Alliance, lists College of Idaho students and faculty as co-authors: Cervantes, J.C., Chase, A.M., Goodwin, M.L., Hampton, M.K., Kinder, M.N., Lambright, J.R., Mendez, E., Montgomery, G.D., Schultz, K.N., Wilson, T.L., Auces, A.M., Dockstader, P.A., Hoang, H.L., Kolich, L.R., Stevens, M.M., Tachick, S.J., Koga, A.P., and Daniels, R.L.) *Knowlton, W.M.*, Daniels, R.L.*, Palkar, R.*, McCoy DD, and D.D. McKemy, Pharmacological Blockade of TRPM8 Ion Channels Alters Cold and Cold Pain Responses in Mice. PLOS ONE, September 30, 2011. 6(9): e25894. (These authors contributed equally to this work.) *Daniels, R.L. and D.D. McKemy, Design and Construction of a Two-temperature Preference Assay for Undergraduate Neuroscience Laboratories. The Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education (JUNE), Fall 2010. 9(1):A51-A56. *Daniels, R.L., Takashima, Y., and D.D. McKemy, The activity of the neuronal cold sensor TRPM8 is regulated by phospholipase C via the phospholipid phosphoinositol-4,5-bisphosphate. Journal of Biological Chemistry, November 18, 2008. 284(3):1570-1582. *Daniels, R.L. and D.D. McKemy, Mice left out in the cold: commentary on the phenotype of TRPM8-nulls. Review. Molecular Pain, 2007. 3(23). *Takashima, Y., Daniels, R.L., Knowlton, W., Teng, J., Liman, E.R., and D.D. McKemy, Diversity in the Neural Circuitry of Cold Sensing Revealed by Genetic Axonal Labeling of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 Neurons. Journal of Neuroscience, December 19, 2007. 27(51):14147-14157.

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