Interdisciplinary Symposium
July 22, 2008
An interdisciplinary symposium entitled "The evolution of developmental systems required for intelligent behavior" will be held August 12-15th at the Chicago Marriott - Medical District. The symposium brings together evolutionary biologists, developmental biologists, neuroscientists, psychologisits and bio-philosophers to work on the problem of integrating evolution-development with the latest findings in neuroscience and psychology. For more information and registration please go to http://www.uic.edu/depts/bios/evolutionmtg/.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Environmental Changes
May 19, 2008
A new interdisciplinary course will be taught by Biological Sciences Professor, Hormoz BassiriRad, and Krishna R. Reddy, Professor of Civil and Materials Engineering. It will run one week, from May 19 to May 23, and the seminars are open to others on our campus to attend. From the official description:
Planet earth has been experiencing increasing environmental assault from adverse human activities. This course provides an overview of current components of global environmental change including their causes and consequences. The course focuses on the sources and impacts of deterioriating air quality, water resources and quality, soil quality, greenhouse gasses, and global warming in native and urban ecosystems. The need for interdisciplinary knowledge to assess, manage and restore environmental quality is emphasized. Emerging strategies to prevent pollution through the development of recycling, green materials, emission reduction and clean manufacturing methods based on life cycle approaches are also presented and discussed. In addition to regular lectures, presentations also will be given by experts from industry, government agencies and other institutions involved in global environmental change.
General information on the course can be found here. You can download a full schedule of speakers and topics here.
Molumby and Featherstone Receive Silver Circle Award
April 1, 2008
Biological Sciences faculty members Alan Molumby and Dave Featherstone were both recipients of the 2008 Silver Circle Award for undergraduate teaching. Winners were chosen by graduating seniors. The Department of Biological Sciences received 2 of the 11 awards given this year.
Congratulations to Alan and Dave!
Article on Oliver Pergams' research in the Chicago Sun-Times
March 31, 2008
An article focusing on research by Oliver Pergams, visiting research assistant professor of biological sciences, appeared in the March 30th issue of the Chicago Sun-Times. Pergams and his colleague Patricia Zaradic have written several scholarly articles about the link between the decline in camping, fishing, trips to national parks and other nature or outdoors-related activities over the past generation with the rise in in sedentary, at-home video-related activities. The newspaper article, headlined "Great Lakes gives natural relief," also suggests nearby places Pergams and Sun-Times reporter Andrew Herrmann recommend to "get back to nature" with relative ease.
You can view the article here.
Joel Brown quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times
March 18, 2008
Joel Brown, Professor of Biological Sciences, is quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times about small wild animals seeking refuge in, and doing damage to automobiles during this cold and snowy winter. Read the article here.
Brian Kay's Thoughts on Mentoring on Science Careers Article
February 8, 2008
Brian Kay, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, was recently interviewed by Science. His thoughts on the importance of mentoring to those pursuing science careers in academia can be found in the article, Global Feature: Mentoring.
Oliver Pergams' Research Carried by Reuters and AP
February 6, 2008
Research by Oliver Pergams, visiting research assistant professor of biological sciences, and colleague Patricia Zaradic which highlights the correlation between a reduction of outdoor and nature-related activities and a rise in more sedentary video and computer-oriented activities has received attention from several news outlets, including wire services Reuters and the Associated Press. (Click for each story.)
Their research article appears in the February 5th issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The story has also appeared in outlets such as WebMD, The Canadian Press, and Britain's Guardian newspaper.
Naked Mole-Rats Bear Chili Pepper Heat
February 4, 2008
A press release on research by Thomas Park, associate professor of biological sciences, related to pain responses in naked mole-rats and possible applications for managing pain is available on UIC's website. You can read the article here.
Thomas Park's Research Highlighted in Nature
January 30, 2008
Research led by Thomas Park, associate professor of biological sciences, about the unique pain responses shown in naked mole-rats has been highlighted this week in the journal Nature. You can read the article here.
David Featherstone and John Wilk in the Chicago Flame
January 24, 2008
Associate Professor Dave Featherstone is on the front page of the Chicago Flame for his research on a gene that can turn on and off homosexual behavior in fruit flies.
John Wilk, a BioS Ph.D. candidate, is interviewed on page four. He is the winner of the Provost Award for outstanding graduate
research.
David Featherstone's Research on The Tonight Show and NPR
January 10, 2008
Two recent entertainment shows made reference to research by David Featherstone, associate professor of biological science, where mutant male fruit flies had their sexual orientation manipulated both genetically and by using drugs.
The story was mentioned in the "headlines" feature on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" this past Monday evening. You can watch the segment here and clicking on the Monday, Jan. 07 episode. Select "Chapter 2 - Headlines" or drag the scroll bar below the video window to the second marked segment.
Featherstone's research was also referenced on the National Public Radio comedy quiz show "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" on Dec. 22. You can hear that segment here and clicking on "listen now."
David Featherstone Interviewed by CBC Radio 1
December 11, 2007
David Featherstone, associate professor of Biological Sciences, was interviewed yesterday by the CBC Radio 1 program "As It Happens" regarding his recently published research about mutant fruit flies which had sexual behavior changed using gene manipulation and/or drugs. A podcast of the interview is available for download.
The story also was carried by Fox News and several other online publications.
David Featherstone's Research Appears in the Chicago Sun-Times and The Times of London
December 10, 2007
Research findings reported by David Featherstone, associate professor of biological sciences, and his laboratory staff that show the ability to quickly turn on or off homosexual behavior in mutant fruit flies, using either gene manipulation or drugs, is the subject of stories appearing today in the Chicago Sun-Times and The Times of London.
LAS accepting applications for Bodmer Award
December 5, 2007
Arnold Bodmer, an emeritus professor of physics, and his wife Doris established this award in 2007 to permit students to travel abroad as part of their education in science. It will provide upper-level undergraduate and first- or second- year graduate students(those who have not yet passed the Qualifying Exam) resources to travel abroad for science-related study, seminars or workshops. Awardees must provide a post-travel report to the College describing their work. For full consideration, application should be received by LAS by January 1, 2008.
Application: Candidates are nominated by supervising faculty member. Applications go to LAS by January 1. The department requests all applications in by December 21, 2007. Download an application form.
John Wilk receives Provost's Award for Graduate Research
November 27, 2007
John Wilk was selected to receive the Provost's Award for Graduate Research for his project, "Using ecophenotypic responses in Baja California Isognomon Solander 1786 (Bivalvia: Isognomonidae) to expose evolutionary processes". The award is intended to recognize oustanding researchers amoung UIC graduate students, to enhance the quality of their research, and to assist in progress toward completion of their advanced degree.
Congratulations, John!
Biology Colloquium wins UIC College Bowl
October 31, 2007
The Biology Colloquium won the UIC College Bowl held on October 24th. Congratulations!
Miquel Gonzalez-Meler's research published
October 26, 2007
Dr. Miquel Gonzalez-Meler and his laboratory have studied the response of invasive plants to global change and found that plants exhibit metabolic flexibility in response to climate change. The September issue of Plant Physiology highlights the homeostatic nature of the respiratory activity per unit of mitochondria in photosynthetic tissues of the invasive CAM Opuntia ficus-indica as a function of age or in response to changes in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide. Respiratory performance of plants in response to global change is then achieved by altering the number of metabolically active mitochondria.
Barbara Schaal recognized at UIC Awards Dinner
October 24, 2007
A story about findings by Oliver Pergams, Visiting Research Assistant Professor, on the fast change in genetic makeup and morphology of a field mouse common to the Volo Bog state natural area in the northwest suburbs, is carried today by United Press International.
Barbara Schaal recognized at UIC Awards Dinner
October 16, 2007
UIC Biological Sciences alumnus Barbara Schaal received the University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award at the UIC Awards dinner on October 12th. The award recognizes outstanding success and national or international distinction in one’s business, profession or life’s work.
Peter Okkema Receives the Excellence in Teaching Award
October 10, 2007
Peter Okkema received the Excellence in Teaching Award at the UIC Faculty Awards Recognition Dinner on October 9th, 2007.
Joel Brown on Chicago Tonight
Aug 21, 2007
Joel Brown, professor of biological sciences, will be featured this evening in a story about urban wildlife on WTTW Channel 11's "Chicago Tonight." The segment is scheduled to run between 7:30 - 8 p.m.
Oliver Pergams' Research Highlighted
May 15, 2007
Findings by Oliver Pergams, visiting research assistant professor of biological sciences, linking an increase in use of electronic media with a decline in visits to national parks is highlighted in a column appearing in Sunday's Deseret Morning News of Salt Lake City. See columnist Jay Evensen's piece headlined "We'd rather surf Net than explore parks" and read it online by following this link.
5 Graduate Fellowships Awarded by LEAP Program
April 25, 2007
The Landscape Ecological and Anthropogenic Processes program (LEAP), an interdisciplinary doctoral training program with a focus on the ecology, management and restoration of human/natural landscapes, awarded fellowships to 5 incoming graduate students. The fellowships provide stipends for two years of study plus travel and research funds for 4 years.
Students receiving awards represent the multidisciplinary nature of the program. They are: Nicholas Brumm, Earth and Environmental Sciences; Charles Flower, Biological Sciences; Elaine Grehl, Public Administration; Basil Iannone, Biological Sciences; Michael Iverson, Urban Planning.
Dr. Mary Ashley heads the LEAP program which is funded by a $3 million NSF-IGERT grant. Fellowships will be awarded to 25 PhD candidates over a five-year period. See www.leap.uic.edu for more information.
New Course Offering for Graduate Students
April 25, 2007
In Fall, 2007, LEAP will offer BioS 540, "Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Integrated Human/Natural Landscapes" for the first time. A unique feature of the course is its focus on a specific Chicagoland challenge: creation of a comprehensive plan for developing and managing the newly established Openlands Lakefront Preserve at Ft. Sheridan. Any student interested in a broad, interdisciplinary approach to environmental management who is seeking a highly interactive course is encouraged to enroll. See the LEAP website or contact David Wise at dhwise@uic.edu for more information.
Thomas Lagen Receives INSPIRE Award
April 17, 2007
On April 10th, Thomas Lagen, Director of Finances for Biological Sciences, was awarded with the University's INSPIRE Award, which is given to individuals who embody UIC's Core Values:
Integrity: Respecting the dignity and worth of everyone by maintaining the highest degree of ethical and moral conduct.
Nurture: Supporting an environment that fosters individual and community growth.
Service: Responding courteously to the needs of the people we serve and striving to exceed their expectations.
Pride: Taking pride in ourselves and in the work we do.
Intellect: Supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Respect: Treating every individual with respect as we would like to be treated ourselves. We are committed to diversity.
Excellence: Striving for excellence in all that we do.
Three WISEST Postdocs to Join Department
April 2, 2007
Beginning in August of 2007, Biological Sciences will host three female minority postdoctoral fellows. Support for the two-year postdoctoral fellowships comes from an NSF ADVANCE grant awarded to UIC in 2006 to promote and support women and minority faculty members in STEM fields. The recipients will work with faculty members in Ecology and Evolution.
Mary Ashley Uses Oak DNA for Murder Investigation
April 2, 2007
In a recent paper in Forensic Science International (2007, Vol 165:64-67), Mary Ashley reports on using DNA from plant leaves at crime scenes to place suspects at the scene. In the study, oak leaves from a murder suspect’s car were compared to those from trees at the site where the victim was buried in central Florida. Ashley co-authored this paper with former UIC doctoral student Kathleen Craft and Sheriff Jeffrey Owens from the Marion County Sheriffs Office.
Peter Okkema Receives CETL Award
April 2, 2007
Professor Pete Okkema has been selected as a CETL award winner this year. Congratulations, Pete! To learn more about CETL (Council for Excellence in Teaching and Learning) and its programs, check out its website.
Oliver Pergams in the Sun-Times
February 19, 2007
An opinion piece coauthored by Oliver Pergams, visiting research assistant professor of Biological Sciences, appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times. See the article headlined "Microscopes vs. video games -- For the sake of our nation, schools must teach more science." Read it online here.
Joel Brown's Squirrel Research in the Chronicle of Higher Education
February 5, 2007
This week's Chronicle of Higher Education includes a profile of biological sciences professor Joel Brown and his research on squirrels. See article headlined "Chicago's Nutty Professor," which can be read on-line, for free, if accessed via a UIC computer.
Constance Jeffrey Receives SBS Award
January 30, 2007
Constance Jeffrey has been awarded the Society for Biomolecular Sciences' (SBS) 2007 Small Grants Award for her project, "Novel Method of Transmembrane Protein Expression at High Levels Suitable for Drug Screening."
Jeffrey has proposed a novel approach to addressing the expression of membrane-bound proteins such as G-protein-coupled receptors, in large quantities. The goal of the project is to use Escherichia coli's ability, under certain growth conditions, to produce intracytoplasmic membranes that might accommodate high levels of transmembrane proteins in a folded and functional manner. "The successful outcome of this research has the potential to relieve a major bottleneck in studies of many transmembrane proteins with a relatively straightforward and low-cost method, enabling many more important protein targets to be brought into the drug discovery and development pipeline," Jeffrey wrote in her grant application.
Her lab focuses on the structures and molecular mechanisms of cell surface receptors, multidrug resistance transporters, and other transmembrane proteins. Jeffrey receives an $18,750 grant and will present her research during SBS's 13th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Montreal in April.
Paul Malchow Appointed Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
January 29, 2007
In his new role, Dr. Malchow will be responsible for developing and implementing University-wide programs of teaching and learning with a focus on faculty development. This new position will include overseeing a number of teaching-related programs that operate out of the Office of Faculty Affairs, among them the Teaching and Learning Center, the College Teaching Preparatory Program, the International TA Program, and the Students for the Improvement of Teaching (SITS) program. He will also work closely with the Council for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and help to strengthen current faculty development programs such as mentoring, orientation for new faculty and administrators, and Opportunities for Civic Engagement.
Brian Kay Participates in 5-Year Study on Degenerative Retinal Diseases
January 29, 2007
Department Head Brian Kay is one member in a group of researchers exploring the use of nanotechnology to restore vision to damaged retinal cells. You can view the article here.
Ron Dubreuil's Ghost Protein Research - Podcast Available
January 25, 2007
Ron Dubreuil's research was recently profiled on Science Daily. Click here to view the article. In addition, a podcast is available at https://blackboard.uic.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/web/news/podcasts/OPApodcasts.xml.
Please note: you will need to use iTunes to access this podcast.
Sue Liebman's Alzheimer Findings Receive Further Praise
January 25, 2007
After being published by BMC biology, Dr. Liebman's paper became the most-viewed article of all time. In addition, the UPI piece has been picked by many small papers and online papers worldwide.
This work was completed with Sviatoslav Bagriantsev, a post doc in Dr. Liebman's lab. You can find the UIC press release here.
David Featherstone's findings reported in the Journal of Neuroscience
January 4, 2007
Through research funded by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, David Featherstone and his research team have discovered that fruit flies' ability to discern one sex from another may depend on the number of receptors on the surface of nerve cells. These findings were reported in the Dec. 27 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience. You can read it by following this link.
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