Graduate Program : Graduate Faculty Research Interests

Dan Beck Areas of Expertise: terrestrial ecology; ecophysiology; reptiles My research focuses on physiological ecology and behavior of vertebrates, especially reptiles and amphibians. If you look at my publications, you'll see I have a particular interest in Gila Monsters and rattlesnakes. My current projects involve conservation biology of Gila Monsters in the southwestern U.S. and the ecology of the Northern pacific rattlesnake in central Washington. My graduate students have worked on a variety of topics in vertebrate ecology with species ranging from amphibians and reptiles to mammals and birds.

Although I certainly welcome graduate students who are interested in my own research (reptile physiological ecology), I do not necessarily expect my graduate students to work within my study system (e.g. Northern Pacific rattlesnakes). In advising graduate students, I tend to encourage independent thinking and independent projects. I encourage each student to develop his or her own individual thesis research that will likely be successful and meaningful for the student and, most importantly, in which they have the greatest interest and motivation.

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Amanda Stegen -- Nest-site characteristics of Red-naped sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) in Central Washington
• Daphne Sewing -- The effects of forest fires on northern spotted owls in Washington's Eastern Cascade Mountains
• Erik Stenehjem -- Seasonal body temperature fluctuations in the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris)
• Heather Simmons -- A field study of the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) in the potholes reservoir area, Washington
• Casey Newman -- Forest thinning in Central Washington: effects on deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and yellow pine chipmunk (Tamias amoenus) abundance and microhabitat use
• Megan Lahti -- Seasonal variation of habitat use and movement by the pygmy short horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasi)
• Patrick Emblidge -- Habitat modeling and educational outreach as strategies to retain Gila monster populations in Utah
• Aja Woodrow -- Effects of salvage logging on cavity nesting birds in forests of the Cascade Mountains
• Ray Geroso -- Relocation, Population Structure, and Growth Rates of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes in Washington's Methow Valley
• Adam Hanuksela -- tentative: Bird communities in Pitayal forests of southern Sonora Mexico
• James Meidell -- To be determined
• Melissa Reitz -- To be determined

My research involves using the free-living soil nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans to study neural pathways involved in controlling behavior. In particular, I am studying the pathways controlled by the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are important for modulating behavior in animals from invertebrates to humans. I have performed genetic screens to identify mutants defective in response to dopamine and serotonin using well characterized behaviors modulated by these neurotransmitters such as rates of locomotion and egg laying. One current project involves genetic screening for mutants defective in their response to long-term exposure to serotonin on egg laying and characterizing these mutants by identifying the genes responsible for these altered responses to serotonin.

Top of Page

My current work involves characterization of vegetation community changes that occur after fire. I hope to link these changes to factors such as fire intensity, frequency, and season of disturbance. In addition to my own research topics I will consider working with students interested in diverse topics from rare plant communities to community dynamics of weed species.

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Scott Downes -- Reproductive ecology of sage thrasher in a disturbed landscape. Graduated 2004
• Kelly Evans --Grazing impacts on meadow vegetation in the eastern Cascades. Currently enrolled
• Diedra Sash --Pollination biology of a rare endemic plant Erigeron basalticus. Currently enrolled

Grad students from other departments for whom I am committee member:

• Katy Reagan -- Assessment of old growth ponderosa pine habitats in Naneum Creek watershed, Washington. Graduated 2003.
• Demaris Garceau --Habitat connectivity across a major interstate highway: methods to ameliorate impacts. Currently enrolled.
• Mike Tari: Modeling northern spotted owl habitat in eastern Cascade forests. Currently enrolled.

Top of Page

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses: Lucy Gray (Bottcher), 1992. Larval Growth and Age at Completion of Metamorphosis of the Tailed Frog, Ascaphus truei Richard Lukose, 2000 - Ontogenetic Changes in the Foraging Ecology of the Wandering Garter Snake Colin Leingang, 2001 - Distribution, Relative Density, and Age Structure of Ascaphus truei Tadpoles Along a Longitudinal Stream Gradient" Robert Weaver, 2006 - Ecology of the Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) in the Pacific Northwest

Top of Page

My research interests encompass many aspects of population and community ecology, particularly focusing on plant-herbivore interactions. My current research involves ecological connectivity of pika (Ochotona princeps) populations across Interstate 90 in the Washington Cascade Range. Although I am most interested in graduate students who want to work on projects related to my ongoing research, I have sponsored graduate students with diverse interests in population and community ecology.

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Dorothy E. Knecht, M.S., 1996. The reproductive and population ecology of Cypripedium fasciculatum (Orchidaceae) throughout the Cascade Range.
• Robert J. Stagg, M.S. 1997. Summer home range size of the eastern Cascade mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa rainieri) in relation to availability of preferred food.
• MaryEllen Horner, M.S. 2000. Effects of stand-replacement fire and salvage logging on a cavity nesting bird community in Eastern Cascades, Washington
• Erik L. Stenehjem, M.S. 2003. A field study of the thermal biology of hibernating yellow- bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) in central Washington
• Paula K. Young, M.S. (in progress, 2009). Impacts of Herbivory and Stream Impoundment by Beavers (Castor canadensis) on Riparian Plant Communities in Central Washington
• Paul Houghtaling, M.S. (in progress, 2009). Immigration from DNA and spatial data in a lightly-hunted mountain lion population in the eastern Cascade Range.

Top of Page

My research interests focus on cold tolerance, especially insects and amphibians that freeze solid to survive the winter. Potential graduate projects range from field studies of the geographic distribution and the microenvironmental conditions experienced by ectotherms during the winter to detailed physiological laboratory studies of metabolic and other responses to freezing and thawing. I am currently engaged in field monitoring of local freeze-tolerant amphibians and also a major ecophysiological project (with laboratory and field components) with the goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis, Family Tephritidae) funded through the National Science Foundation. Although I often have a list of potential research projects, I am open to new research ideas generated by students. If you might be interested in working with me, please give me a call (509.963.2884) or send me an email: irwinj@cwu.edu and we can discuss the possibilities.

Top of Page

Paul James Areas of Expertise: aquatic ecology; fish biology My research interests include stream ecology and fish biology. I have ongoing projects involving studies of the population dynamics and spawning behavior of trout and salmon. I am also interested in having students work with me on field studies that involve the habitat preference and home range size of stream fishes. In addition to projects on fishes, I am interested in the ecology of aquatic invertebrates such as insects and zooplankton that inhabit local streams and lakes.

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Hilda M. Sexauer, 1996. Life history aspects of bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, in the eastern Cascades, Washington
• Andrew R. Murdoch, 1995. The effects of the spawning activities of bridgelip suckers, Catostomus columbianus, on the reproductive success of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in Umtanum Creek, Washington.
• Marcus J. Divens, 1996. An evaluation of methodologies used for sampling warmwater fish populations in central Washington.
• Keely G. Titus, 1997. Food habits and habitat of juvenile chiselmouth, Acrocheilus alutaceus, in the Yakima River, Washington.
• James A. Shannon, 1997. Salmonid utilization and the efficacy of a man-made side- channel of the Cle Elum River, Washington.
• Scott D. Craig, 1997. Habitat conditions affecting bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, spawning areas within the Yakima River Basin, Washington.
• Jon M. Hansen, 1997. Outnigration ecology of sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, from Lake Osoyoos, Washington.
• Matt C. Polacek, 1998. The early life history of young-of-year abd juvenile bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, in Indian Creek, Washington.
• David D. Harper, 1999. The food habits and microhabitat use of wild and hatchery-reared Oncorhynchus mykiss in the Teanaway River, Washington.
• William R. Meyer, 2002. The effects of seasonal stream de-watering on three age classes of bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus.
• Michael R. Schmuck, 2003. The effect of wetland enhancement projects and Russian Olive on waterfowl nesting success in central Washington.
• K. Yuki Reiss, 2003. Genetic variability within bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, populations in the Yakima River Basin.
• Dave S. Burgess, 2003. Feeding behavior of Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, in the North Fork of the Teanaway River, Washington.
• Scott T. Kline, 2004. Hyporheic conditions and microhabitat effects on chinook salmon embryos and spawning site selection in the Cle Elum River, Washington.

Top of Page

My research interests include the systematics, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, and ecology of the mushrooms. My main focus has been using DNA sequences to understand the evolutionary relationships between species of fungi and then using the phylogenies to answer basic questions about the evolution characteristics or the ecology of the organisms. Current areas of interest include:

1. the evolution of self-fertilization among the inky-cap mushrooms
2. the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi along precipitation gradients
3. the diversity and ecology of fungi associated with various mammalian herbivores
4. the molecular systematics of the mushroom forming fungi (Order Agaricales)
5. monographic research on Xeromphalina and Heimiomyces

Top of Page

My research focuses on microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. Currently, I am involved in a project that examines the diversity and activities of microorganisms in Soap Lake, a lake that is both saline and alkaline. Because the lake supports no life forms larger than zooplankton, it is an ideal setting in which to examine a closed, microbially dominated ecosystem. Graduate projects might include development of new techniques for culturing and characterization of unusual microorganisms, identification and characterization of previously undescribed species, phylogenetic studies of new prokaryotic groups, or elucidation of novel metabolic and physiological adaptations.

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Clarissa Jae-Eem Chung (2002) Effects of Soap Lake water on three pathogens which cause common skin infections
• Zane Adrian Kraft (2002) Seasonal variations in microbial genetic diversity and sulfide concentrations of anaerobic sediments from haloalkaline Soap Lake
• Melissa Sakaley (2004) An estimate of the contribution of anaerobic bacteria to secondary production in haloalkaline Soap Lake, (WA)
• Curtis Moon (in progress 2009) Bioremediation of arsenic using genes found in Soap Lake bacteria
• Antonia Derosa -- To be determine

Top of Page

The major goal of research in my laboratory is to elucidate the mechanisms that plants use to alter their photosynthetic machinery in response to environmental stress. I am particularly interested in the study of photosynthesis. I welcome students who are interested in plant physiology at the whole plant or subcellular-level and will mentor students wishing to work in the laboratory or the field. Examples of research questions that students may pose in my laboratory are: how do conifers respond to drought in conjunction with high light? Or, how do plants alter their photosynthetic reactions when exposed to ultraviolet-B radiation?

My past graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Andrew McNeil, M.S. 2008, Photoinhibition, Recovery and Pigment Composition of Pacific Northwest Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana)
• Rob Van Treese, M.S. 2004, Investigation of Ultraviolet-B Effects on Stress Tolerance for Arabidopsis Using Serial Analysis of Gene Expression
• Julie Konvalinka, M.S. 2001, Effect of UV-B on Stress Tolerance for Douglasfir Seedlings Used in Reforestation Efforts in Idaho

Top of Page

My primary research investigates factors that produce measureable, verifiable changes in student critical thinking. The goal of this research is to scientfically evaluate diverse instructional methods for their effect on CT performance . Students that participate in this research will learn to: 1) assess critical thinking using a variety of approaches, 2) evaluate the significance of research findings using statistics and other methods, and 3) apply these findings to instructional practice to promote the development of CT and scientific literacy. An important part of this research is curricular reform and professional development that results in superior science education at all levels.

Top of Page

In my lab, we use molecular techniques to address a variety of questions in plant evolutionary biology. Graduate students can participate in ongoing research in conifer phylogenetics and chloroplast genomics. Alternatively, they may also investigate phylogeography, genetic structure or other evolutionary issues in local plant species.

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Sallie J. Herman 2002 Genetic Diversity of a Rare Buttercup (Ranunculus reconditus)
• Rhiannon Peery 2005 Postglacial recolonization of Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Top of Page

The vertebrate brain is a complex biological system of cellular interactions. The developmental mechanisms controlling the formation of correct synaptic connections in the brain are a further level of complex cell biology. With the relatively simple system of the avian visual system, these developmental processes can be studied in vivo at the cellular level. I use molecular biological tools to identify gene products that might control the development of the chick brain. I also use molecular biological methods in vivo to specifically test whether a particular gene product has a developmental function. Typically the expression of a gene is altered, and brains are later assayed for correct axon outgrowth and synapse formation. Student project involvement can range from: 1) DNA-database (gene) searches and analyses on the computer; to 2) anatomical analyses of brains; to 3) synthesis of molecular biological reagents in a DNA lab. The cell biological mechanisms identified by these methods should be relevant to brain development in a wide range of vertebrates.

Top of Page

Dr. Sun is extremely omnivorous in academic endeavor. However, as he knows his time is not as generous as his interest is, his current emphases in research are in the following three areas:

1. Ecology and evolution of communication systems, especially chemical communication in amphibians and mammals. Current projects involve the beaver and the tailed frog.
2. Behavioral ecology. One ongoing project is on the behavior and conservation of the giant panda in China (through collaboration with the Institute of Ecology, Beijing Normal University). The field study site is in the famous Wolong Panda Breeding Center in Sichuan province, China. Another project is about social organization relating to population dynamics in rodents (with the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of the Sciences)
3. Social and cultural evolution. Current projects are focused on testing behavioral hypotheses using human historical data.

Dr. Sun especially welcomes interdisciplinary, innovative approaches between biology and anthropology, psychology, or sociology. Lixing Sun

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses:

• Matt Asay: Chemical communication in adult tailed frogs, Ascaphus truei
• Ann Marie Schipper: Species and subspecies recognition in the North American beaver
• Cory Straub: Environmental color tracking in the Pacific treefrog
• Marlene Farrell: Influence of nutrition on the development of polymorphism in male Chinook salmon
• Arthur Buchan: Physiological ecology of color polymorphism in the Pacific treefrog

Top of Page

My laboratory integrates both field and laboratory work to address regional and international conservation issues. We employ genetic techniques, demographic, toxicological, and behavioral studies to address ecological and conservation questions. Graduate students have the opportunity to apply for an NSF GK-12 Fellowship through the Yakima WATERs project. Prospective students can develop their own project or one that fits a current topic of interest:

• Chytridiomycosis and demography of Pacific Northwest Amphibians
• Disease and pollutant interactions in amphibians
• Long-term population dynamics of Chinese hynobids and ranids in the Yellow Mountains of China
• Road ecology of Snoqualmie Pass amphibians
• Primate behavior, social interactions, and population viability: including Tibetan macaques and Orangutans
• Biodiversity and population dynamics of Kalimantan (Indonesia) amphibians and reptiles

My past and current CWU graduate students and titles of MS theses: Jennifer Ripplinger (2003), Phylogeography of Pacific Tree Frogs Hyla regilla. Jeff King, Adaptive genetic variation and response of Columbia Basin Amphibians to chemical stressors. Lyn Dehen, Comparison of heat shock protein response in Torrent Salamanders: implications for conservation. Luke Peterson (current), Phylogeography of stubby squid. Kori Ault (current), Genetic diversity of water molds associated with amphibian embryos. Brandon Fessler (current), Pacific Giant salamander movement within the Snoqualmie Pass Interstate-90 corridor. Michelle Lester (current), Road ecology and movement hotspots of Snoqualmie Pass amphibians.

Top of Page