Student Publications & Presentations

The Biology Department at Muhlenberg College recognizes that a research experience is an extremely important aspect of an undergraduate curriculum. We encourage our students to become actively engaged in research. Students may work on projects with faculty sponsors on campus during the academic year or summer, as well as participate in research at an off-campus site or external program during the summer months. The Honors Program provides an opportunity for outstanding senior biology majors to work on a project for an entire year, culminating in a public seminar and written thesis.

In addition, some of these student research experiences result in publication or presentation at a regional or national conference. Recent examples include:

Wightman, B., N. Carmean (’98), B. Ebert (’99), K. Weber, and S. Clever (2005) The C. elegans nuclear receptor gene fax-1 and homeobox gene unc-42 coordinate interneuron identity by regulating the expression of glutamate receptor subunits and other neuron-specific genes. Developmental Biology 287: 74-85.

Edwards MJ, Faivre AE, Crist R, Sitvarin M and Zyla J (2005) Spatial distribution of 2005 Brood-X 17 year periodical cicadas in Pennsylvania. Entomological News, in press.

Klem, D., Jr., D. C. Keck, K. L. Marty, A. J. Miller Ball, E. E. Niciu, and C. T. Platt (2004) Effects of window angling, feeder placement, and scavengers on avian mortality at plate glass. The Wilson Bulletin 116(1): 69-73.

Bharucha, D.X., B. Morling, and R.A. Niesenbaum (2003) Use and Definition Herbal Medicines Differ by Ethnicity? The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 37:1409-1413.

Much, J. W., D. J. Slade, K. Klampert, G. Garriga and B. Wightman (2000) The fax-1 nuclear hormone receptor regulates axon pathfinding and neurotransmitter expression. Development 127: 703-712.

Niesenbaum, R.A., M.D. Patselis, and S.D. Wiener (1998) Does flower color change in Aster vimineus cue pollinators? American Midland Naturalist 141:59-68.

Sitvarin, M, R. C. Crist, and M. J. Edwards (2004) Geographic Distribution of 17-Year Periodical Cicadas on Pennsylvania. Annual Meeting of the American Entomological Society. Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, Stroud Water Center, PA. October 21.

Kluger, E. and R. A. Niesenbaum (2004) When measuring the effects of light on herbivory should one consider temperature. 89th Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Portland, OR.

Kennedy, R. (’04), Reinert, K. (’02), Albert, G. (’03), Gissendanner, C., Sluder, A., and B.Wightman (2004) nhr-67 and nhr-111, two NR2E nuclear receptors that may function in nervous system development, presentation (RK) at the 2004 East Coast C. elegans Meeting, Yale University, New Haven, CT, June 11 – 13.

DeMeo, S. (’04), Lombel, R. (’03), Snowflack, D. (’03), Wagner, A. (’05), Smith, E. (’02), Clever, S., and B. Wightman (2004) Degenerate binding sites for the FAX-1 nuclear receptor predict potential downstream target genes, presentation (SD) at the 2004 East Coast C. elegans Meeting, Yale University, New Haven, CT, June 11 – 13.

Lombel, R. (’03), R. Haviland (’03), E. Smith (’02), and B. Wightman (2003) Nuclear hormone receptor fax-1 functions in determination of neuron identity in C. elegans, presentation (RL and RH) at the AAAS Annual Meeting (National Conference), Denver, CO, February 13-18.

Niesenbaum, Richard A. and Emily C. Kluger (2003) Where is spicebush the spiciest? - Variation in leaf quality, chemistry and herbivory in Lindera benzoin. 88th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Savannah, GA.

Kluger, Emily and Richard A. Niesenbaum (2003) The ecological impact of host plant variation on the geometrid herbivore, Epimeces hortaria. 88th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Savannah, GA.

Niesenbaum, R.A. and E. Kluger (2002) Variation in rates of herbivory in Lindera benzoin: the role of light, chemistry, and other factors. Botany 2002, Madison, WI.

Bharucha, D.X., B. Morling, and R.A. Niesenbaum (2002) Plants as Drugs: How do Latinos and Non-Hispanic White Communities Use and Define Herbal Medicines? Botany 2002, Madison, WI.

Haynes. L., M. Ongchin, C. Russel, and R. Niesenbaum (2000) When chemistry determines ecology: The relationship between leaf chemistry and herbivory in Lindera benzoin. Botany 2000, Portland, OR.

Steets, J. and R. Niesenbaum (1999) Does Lythrum salicaria affect native plant diversity and under what conditions does it thrive? Delaware Valley Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology, Rowan University, NJ.

Herz, M, R. Koch, J. Gavencak, and R. Niesenbaum (1998) Does the proximity of developing selfed and outcrossed fruits influence selective abortion and inbreeding depression in Mirabilis jalapa? Ecological Society of America and the American Institute of Biological Sciences, Baltimore, MD.