Biology Newsletter 1st Edition 2020-2021 | High Point University

1st Edition 2020 - 2021

Enjoy our first edition of the HPU Biology Newsletter!

Table of Contents

2020-2021 Issue

While 2020 was a year of unexpected difficulties, our Biology community found ways to continue to be vibrant and share our love for science with the city of High Point and beyond. As a way to celebrate our Biology community--alumni, students, staff, and faculty--we present you with the inaugural issue of our HPU Biology Newsletter! We hope that this yearly publication will come to be a fun and effective way to highlight the interconnectedness of our achievements.

Our faculty published scientific articles alongside students, alumni, and collaborators both inside and

3

Alumni Spotlight

5

Student Spotlight

8

Student Club Corner

9

Publications/Grants

outside of HPU. We hosted a number of remote scientific and mentoring talks with alumni and outside speakers. Our BioClub used the Mobile Lab program as a jumping off point from which to implement a remote outreach program that engaged children from High Point to Wilkes County in the North Carolina mountains. All of these achievements and more are chronicled in the pages that follow.

Thank you for being part of what makes our HPU Biology community special! Can’t wait to see what 2021 holds for us!

Looking forward to an extraordinary new year alongside all of you,

VerĂłnica A. Segarra, Ph.D. Interim Chair and Assistant Professor of Biology

11

Sarah Gardner Rachel Thiets

Alex Kapolis Chad Deroy Nick Zanghi

Biology Club Written by Alec Garfield

List of New Publications New Collaborative Grant

Guest Editorial Dr. Brett Woods, Interim Dean Wanek School of Natural Sci ences

13

Student Editorial

15

Faculty Spotlight

16

Staff Spotlight

17

Photo Journal

Meaghan Robinson The Incredible Suppor t of the Professors During the Pandemic

Dr. Heather Ahrens Assistant Professor of Biology

Luke Dixon Biology Lab Manager

Picture Collage of Activities, Fall 2020

Sarah Gardner

Rachel Thiets

“Sarah Gardner, like many freshman biology students, was considering a career in healthcare

“During my time at HPU, I earned a BS in Biology as well as minors in Chemistry and Spanish. I

and started at HPU with a pre-med track. She began working in the biology department doing

tutored biology and chemistry, and conducted research with the HPU Human Biomechanics Lab and

prep-work in the labs after hours as a way to make a little extra money and to connect with the biology faculty outside of the classroom. Not long after, she met Dr. Patrick Vigueira who invited her to conduct research in his lab. Since Sarah was considering a medical career in

the Greensboro Science Center. Outside of academics, I was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. I volunteered at local institutions including the High Point YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, and was a patient assistant at the High Point Regional Hospital. I was also fortunate to travel internationally

dermatology at the time, she and Dr. Vigueira worked together to develop a research project

on spring and fall breaks to work in places like Mexico and Honduras. All of these experiences helped

testing the capabilities of commonly prescribed topical antibiotics combined with methylgly-

me realize I wanted a career that allowed me to work closely with people. They also highlighted the

oxal (a compound found in Manuka honey) against the bacterium Bacillus oleronius, which is thought to play a role in the skin condition rosacea.

It didn’t take long for Sarah to fall in love with research and she began to consider a career path in biology outside of the medical field. After obtaining her B.S. in Biology in December

universal need for healthcare and the effects that socioeconomic status can have on a person or population’s overall health.

After graduating from HPU, I earned my MD at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. While medical school itself was very difficult, the process of applying and being accepted to a medical school first is

2017, she moved to Nashville, TN where she was hired at ICON Clinical Research, a Con-

its own beast. I truly believe that I would not have gotten into medical school without the close mentor-

tract Research Organization (CRO) which runs clinical trials for the investigational drugs or

ships I had from several HPU faculty, who not only helped me gain the knowledge and grades I needed

vaccines being developed by pharmaceutical companies. Currently, Sarah works in the Study

to become a good applicant, but also helped with the smaller but important things like finding a school

Start-up department at ICON. There she assists dozens of physicians and their medical staff

that was right for me and minimizing interview jitters.

each year with the extensive regulatory paperwork and review board approvals required by the FDA in order for a physician to begin enrolling patients in a clinical trial. She has worked

I am now a resident physician in my second year of training in General Surgery at Albany Medical Cen-

on drug trials for treatments targeting asthma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, eczema, and

ter in Albany, New York. After completing residency, I hope to bring surgical care to underserved areas

chronic kidney disease, among others.”

3

Alumni spotlight

in the US and abroad.“.

Alumni spotlight

4

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING FOR THE

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING FOR THE

DEPARTMENT AS A L AB ASSISTANT AND WHAT DOES

DEPARTMENT AS A L AB ASSISTANT AND WHAT DOES

YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?

YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?

“I have been working as an undergraduate biology lab assistant

“I started working for the Biology Department the first semester of

since my freshman year. Working as a lab assistant entails the

my junior year. I worked as a lab assistant on Thursday afternoons.

setup and breakdown of the various labs for undergraduate biology

On those days, I would do whatever tasks were assigned by Robin

courses. Skills include preparation of solutions, lab equipment like

Hipps, which was mainly cleanup or setup for some of the lab sec-

pipettes or vials of Drosophila flies, and electrophoresis gel plates.”

tions that were taking place that day. During this semester, I, along

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT THAT YOU COULD APPLY TO BE A L AB ASSISTANT FOR THE BIO DEPT? “I found out that I could apply to be a lab assistant for the Biology department on the Workday Student Employment portal before I began my freshman year at HPU. I applied over the summer after I

Alex Kapolis

received my class schedule at orientation!”

with two other lab assistants, handled everything involving the BIO 1100 laboratory. We were responsible for the setup of each weekly lab and the following cleanup of that lab. The tasks associated included autoclaving solutions for agar plates, aliquoting different solutions, and placing all the required materials on the lab benches.

The tasks involved for each laboratory ranged greatly. To cleanup these lab sections, we put everything away and wiped down all of

Chad Deroy

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT SOME OF THE

the lab benches with ethanol.”

BENEFITS OF YOUR L AB ASSISTANT POSITION IN THE

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT THAT YOU COULD APPLY TO

DEPARTMENT?

BE A L AB ASSISTANT FOR THE BIO DEPT?

“The benefits of working as a lab assistant include aiding various

“During the summer prior to my junior year, Dr. Brett Woods sent

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?

professors in the biology department and learning vital skills in

a few emails about the lab assistant position to the Biology Depart-

and around a laboratory to preparefor future work. I worked as an

ment. I believe they were very short on lab assistants at this time,

“I’m from a relatively small town in southeastern Connecticut called Griswold.”

WHAT YEAR ARE YOU AND HOW DID

assistant for my own Advanced Genetics Biology lab for Dr. Sparks

so after a few emails, I decided to apply for the position.”

YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN

this past semester in preparation of PCR electrophoresis plates and

ATTENDING HPU?

solutions. This behind-the-scenes work helped me further under-

“I am a junior at HPU. I became interested in applying to and attending HPU after touring the the campus. I knew that the school would only grow in opportunity, and it did just that with the production of the new Wanek School of Natural Sciences. I also was drawn to the blossoming Neuroscience department that HPU has.”

stand the procedures and lessons of my own lab.”

BENEFITS OF YOUR L AB ASSISTANT POSITION IN THE

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PL ACE ON CAMPUS?

“As a result of my position, I have been able to work alongside many

“My favorite places on campus are the booths on the 3rd floor of

students with similar passions as me. I am glad I have been given

Wanek Sciences and the Butterfly Café!”

the chance to work with the staff members that make it all possible.

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM? “I am originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts.”

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS? “My goal is to attend graduate school after finishing my Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience and a Spanish major. Eventually to obtain my Doctorate in Neuroscience or Neuropharmacology while working in research laboratories related to cell therapy or experimental and behavioral pharmacology in my home city of Boston. I also hope to be able to travel around Spain and work on my fluency in Spanish one day!”

5

Student spotlight

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT SOME OF THE DEPARTMENT?

I had the opportunity to meet a number of faculty members, and WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART

learned to do many things, such as how to use the autoclave, as a

OF THE HPU COMMUNITY? “My favorite part about the HPU community is how individualized my support system and education is. At HPU, I am not just another Neuroscience, undergraduate student. My professors care about my success and are there to support me whether it be in class or career advising, providing letters of recommendation, and extra review outside of the classroom. They helped me in perfecting some of the skills I was less familiar with in my Behavioral Pharmacology research so that I felt fully comfortable and prepared going into the lab. Professors and advisors at HPU provide the support a student needs in order to reach their ultimate goals.”

result of this position.”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PL ACE ON CAMPUS? “My favorite place to eat this semester was the Great Day Bakery.

The turkey club always hit the spot..”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF THE HPU COMMUNITY? “The part I have enjoyed most about being part of the HPU community is all the times I have spent with my friends, in and out of the classroom. Friends have been very important to me during my time at HPU.”

WHAT YEAR ARE YOU AND HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN ATTENDING HPU? “I’m a senior at HPU who will graduate in the spring. I decided to tour it with my family in the summer. It was such a beautiful campus and it seemed like they were developing the school in so many ways. After being here for nearly three and a half years, I don’t regret my decisions at all.”

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS? “My long term goals have shifted quite a bit since I’ve been at school. For much of my career at HPU I wanted to become a surgeon, or at least a doctor of some kind. However a few things have come up that have made me delay that goal a little bit. After my graduation in the spring, I hope to find a job in the healthcare field, whether it be an assistant or technician of some kind, or maybe something involved with clinical research.”

Student spotlight

6

Club Corner Written by Alec Garfield

Nick Zanghi DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PL ACE ON WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?

CAMPUS?

“I am originally from Jackson, New Jersey.”

“My favorite place on campus is Cottrell hall and its surrounding courtyard and amphitheater. I love

WHAT YEAR ARE YOU AND HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN

visiting Cottrell to study, grab Starbucks, and relax in its beautiful interior or exterior.”

ATTENDING HPU? “I am a part of the graduating class of

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT

2022 and currently a Junior at High Point

BEING PART OF THE HPU COMMUNITY?

University. I became interested in High

“Being a part of the HPU community is amazing

Point University because out of the many

because of its family-like feel and the faculty and

institutions I considered, I felt that I had the

students who are inspirational and supportive.”

most opportunity to successfully achieve my dreams at HPU.”

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM

SHARE WITH US?

GOALS?

“First, I would like to thank the department of

“My long-term goals include attending

biology for selecting me for this newsletter. Also, I

medical school, residency, and becoming a

would like to thank the department of biology and

board-certified physician.”

all departments in the Wanek School of Natural Sciences for their great mentorship and education.

I look forward to the remainder of my time at HPU and I am grateful for the experiences, opportunities, and successes it has brought me thus far.”

7

Student spotlight

club. Each experiment kit contained a DIY Lava Lamp that a young scientist could complete in the comfort of their home. This outreach would have not been a success without our many dedicated members, other organizations on campus, and three wonderful professors, Dr. Sapp, Dr. Segarra, and Dr. Vigueira. We even received many thank you notes from the students out in Wilkes County, which were uplifting to read during finals. These notes Biology Club is an academic club allowed us to see how much these students geared to connect students with appreciated our service and science outreach. resources in the field of Biology. This It is important to realize that local schools semester it was challenging for all might not always have the resources they need clubs to be able to maintain exciting to supplement their science curriculum with events, while still being conscious of hands-on laboratory learning experiences for the global pandemic we are now in. their students. As undergraduate scientists, Despite this major challenge, we still we can engage in thoughtful science outreach had a successful semester in which to help our community and teachers provide we offered an Experiment Extravaoutstanding learning opportunities to their ganza, hosted an Alumni Panel and students. What a wonderful opportunity!

Spotlight, as well as several other Thinking back to our Alumni Panel and events.

Spotlight events, it was great to meet and For our Experiment Extravaganza, hear from the HPU Biology alumni we hosted. we were able to build and deliver During these talks, not only did they share with over 1,300 experiment kits to over us about their HPU undergraduate experi30 schools and 40 individual homes ence, but they discussed how they used these in the state of North Carolina. This experiences to be successful in their chosen type of outreach was a challenge to professions. One of the best pieces of advice put together during the pandemic, they gave us as a group included not to worry yet was still a huge success for our too much about our present circumstances, as long as we are flexible, diligent, and driven, everything will work out at the end. It was reassuring to know that HPU alumni, who once were where we are now, are thriving after having left HPU.

virtual conversation, he provided us with ways to stay active and productive despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Hinton shared thoughtful strategies on how to regularly network, build our academic careers, and stay positive. What was interesting about Dr. Hinton’s conversation was learning about simple ways in which students can better themselves as scientists, from being an active scientist on social media, to reading books on how to maintain a “healthy level of pettiness” that won’t put a strain on relationships. This conversation uplifted us into knowing that just because we are in a pandemic, the world does not stop, so neither should we.

This semester was far from what any of us had expected. Despite the challenges we faced as individuals, as a club, and as a community, in the end, it still felt like a normal semester where things were still somewhat the same. Being able to hold classes in person was a huge part of this success, and being around other hardworking and intelligent classmates made it all the better. Biology Club looks forward to the spring 2021 semester, with the mindset to overcome and conquer any challenges that may arise.

One of the other events we hosted was a conversation with Dr. AJ Hinton from the University of Iowa who is currently transitioning into a faculty position at Vanderbilt University. In this Student Club Corner

8

New Publications •

Hankey W, Zanghi N, Crow MM, Dow WH, Kratz A, Robinson AM, Robinson MR, Segarra VA. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas as an Inquiry Tool in the Undergrad-

•

•

Hughes NM, Connors MK, Grace MH, Lila MA, Willans BN, Wommack AJ. The

the grant include the ADVANCE Implementation Mentors

Mentors (AIM) Network, consults with the INCLUDES

same anthocyanins served four different ways: insights into anthocyanin struc-

(AIM) Network; the INCLUDES Aspire Alliance: National

Aspire Alliance, serves as co-PI of the American Society

ture-function relationships from the wintergreen orchid, Tipularia discolor. Plant

Change Initiative; the Association for Women in Science’s

for Engineering Education (ASEE’s) NSF ADVANCE-funded

Science. 2020 Dec 10:110793.

(AWIS’s) ADVANCE Resource and Coordination (ARC)

Engineering Deans Gender Equity (EDGE) Initiative, and

Network; and the Alliance to Catalyze Change for Equity

has been PI/Co-PI and Project Director on six NSF DEI-re-

in STEM Success (ACCESS). Together leaders from these

lated grants.

groups seek to amplify and extend the STEM profession-

“As the nation’s first network dedicated to advancing

al societies engaged in the Alliance to Catalyze Change

cultures of inclusion and diversity in engineering higher

for Equity in STEM Success (ACCESS+). The ACCESS+ Ini-

education and workplaces, and having been engaged in

tiative is one of four 2020 ADVANCE Partnership awards

multiple NSF funded endeavors over the past 30 years,

funded by the NSF.

WEPAN is especially well positioned to lead this project,”

“We are pleased to receive funding from the NSF to help

adds LeeAnn Cochran, WEPAN Executive Director.

advance a national priority of fostering diverse, equitable

ACCESS+ Co-PI’s include Linda Katehi, Ph.D. (Engineering),

Vigueira CC, Vigueira PA, Olsen KM, Wagner CR, Chittick ZB. Weedy rice from

and inclusive STEM cultures, especially in light of the na-

WEPAN’s past president, prior UC Davis Chancellor, and

South Korea arose from two distinct de-domestication events. Frontiers in Agrono-

tion’s dual pandemics of COVID19 and anti-black racism,”

current distinguished TEES Chair at Texas A & M Univer-

my. 2020 Dec ;2:18.

said Dr. Leibnitz (ACCESS+ PI). “Given the influential role

sity; Heather Metcalf, Ph.D. (Higher Education, Computer

Grissom JH, Segarra VA, Chi RJ. New Perspectives on SNARE Function in the

that STEM professional societies play in defining disci-

Science and Math) Association for Women in Science

Yeast Minimal Endomembrane System. Genes. 2020 Aug;11(8):899.

pline-specific cultures, we believe these organizations

(AWIS’s) Chief Research Officer, and PI on numerous

are key to promoting and fostering change to support

grants including a NSF-funded ADVANCE Resource & Coor-

diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By creating oppor-

dination (ARC) Network; Don Gillian-Daniel, Ph.D. (Cell and

tunity for selected cohorts of STEM professional society

Molecular Biology), INCLUDES Aspire Alliance Co-PI and

DEI champions to become informed about, and support-

National Change Team co-lead, and Director of Diversity

ed in, the adoption of evidence-based DEI strategies, we

Programming at UW Madison; and Veronica Segarra, Ph.D.

expect to amplify awareness and adoption of inclusive

(Biology), Co-PI of the ACCESS project, and Interim Biology

practices so that more diverse talent will be involved in

Dept. Chair at High Point University.

Vogt RG, Sparks JT, Fandino RA, Ashourian KT. Reflections on antennal proteins:

Rose KD, Holbrook LT, Kumar K, Rana RS, Ahrens HE, Dunn RH, Folie A, Jones KE,

Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 2019 Aug 28;39(sup1):1-47.

Cabrera E, Welch LC, Robinson MR, Sturgeon CM, Crow MM, Segarra VA. Cryopreservation and the Freeze–Thaw Stress Response in Yeast. Genes. 2020 Aug;11(8):835.

Segarra VA, Primus C, Unguez GA, Edwards A, Etson C, Flores SC, Fry C, Guillory AN, Ingram SL, Lawson M, McGee R. Scientific societies fostering inclusivity through speaker diversity in annual meeting programming: a call to action. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 2020 Nov 1;31(23):2495-501.

•

Knippenberg MT, Leak A, Disseler S, Segarra VA. Establishing Partnerships for

Dr. Veronica Segarra commented,

Science Outreach Inside and Outside the Undergraduate Classroom. Journal of

“It is exciting that our original ACCESS project has the opportunity to amplify its reach under the auspices of this new ADVANCE grant. We look forward to collaborating with our new partners to find ways to benefit the national STEM diversity, equity, and inclusion landscape.”

Microbiology & Biology Education. 2020 Aug; 21(2).

9

the near future.” the Founding Director of the ADVANCE Implementation

Perissodactylamorpha, Anthracobunia) from the lower Eocene of western India.

•

August 21, 2020 the award of a three-year, $1,314,999 Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN). Partners on

Smith T. Anatomy, Relationships, and Paleobiology of Cambaytherium (Mammalia,

•

solving the complicated STEM issues we face now and in Leibnitz is WEPAN’s Research and Grants Consultant, is

Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (pp. 675-707). Academic Press.

•

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced on NSF ADVANCE Partnership grant led by the Women in

enzymes; and the distribution and behavioral roles of SNMPs. 2020. In: Insect

•

WEPAN Leads $1,314,999 NSF ADVANCE Partnership Grant: Amplifying the Alliance to Catalyze Change for Equity in STEM Success (ACCESS+)

uate Classroom. Frontiers in Genetics. 2020 Dec; 11: 1626.

The evolution of pheromone binding proteins; diversity of pheromone degrading

•

New Grant Collaboration

Publications / Grants

Publications / Grants

10

Learning to Fly

By Dr. Brett Woods

extremely important, it might surprise you that what also was important was my knowledge of biology. My father was going through an illness that was medically complicated. The complications caused an increase stress in my family. I was able to provide my family comfort by explaining my father’s condition in a way they could understand. My academic knowledge became extremely relevant and comforting to my family.

I believe we live in times in which our knowledge of biology can be both relevant and comforting. We are currently living in a global crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. It is difficult to view it as a strength with the loss of so many lives and so many of our friends and family struggling with illness, depression, loneliness, job insecurity, and general uneasiness of a world that is simply not normal. But like so many things in life, we can also turn this into a strength. As a matter of fact, as an HPU biology student, you already have turned this crisis into a strength. Imagine all that you have overcome this year.

You are experiencing one of the greatest crisis this world has

O

seen in a century and you are adapting, you’re problem solvne of my favorite movies is Disney’s Dumbo.

ing and you are achieving. Think about all of the obstacles

If you are not familiar with the movie, it’s a

you had to overcome and how you succeeded in spite of them.

story of a young elephant that is ridiculed for

These are difficult times, but they should be remembered not

having very large ears. In the end, Dumbo becomes

just as times of adversity, but of times that taught you valu-

the hero of the story because with those big ears, he

able lessons. You have learned how to accomplish your goals

learns to fly. To be honest, I love any movie where

when times are rough. You have learned to problem solve.

the main character is disregarded because of a per-

And one day, I hope you too will provide family and friends

ceived deficiency. I just love the idea of overcoming

with the comfort of your biological knowledge. The impor-

adversity and showing the world that what appears

tance of biology is now. Our ability to communicate to those

to everyone as a handicap, really is a strength. It can

that don’t understand science is even more important.

be difficult to see good in bad situations.

We have learned so much during these difficult times. We

Several years ago, my father died. My father was

have learned how to communicate via Webex and Zoom. We

a pastor. One of the things that my father taught

have been creative on how to interact with our friends and

me was that everything was going to be alright.

family in a way that decreases virus transmission. We have

His faith, and now my faith has taught me to not be

even learned how to conduct in-person classes during a

afraid and that we can get through all things. This

pandemic, but in a safe way so that we can increase learning

concept shook me to my core when he was in the

opportunities. Students have created projects, presentations,

hospital and it was clear that he would not leave

and have studied during a time when many universities have

that building. Although the faith my family has was

remained off campus. You should be proud to be an HPU biology student.

11

Guest Editorial

12

THE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT OF THE PROFESSORS DURING THE

PANDEMIC

By Meaghan Robinson

enough praise about Dr. Ackerman’s kindness.

sure we weren’t too overwhelmed, and to see if there

Sam Dunn, a biology student on the Pre-Veterinarian

was anything, she could help each of us with. And, when

track, felt a bit overwhelmed with the new conditions

our Association of Southeastern Biologists research

surrounding the health and safety to prevent the

conference was cancelled, Dr. Joanne Altman with the

spread of COVID-19. One of these accommodations

Undergraduate Research and Creative Works office,

was the removal of a fall break and the end of classes

transformed the High-PURCS event completely virtual to

falling before Thanksgiving Break. In previous years,

allow for many labs like the Segarra Lab to attend and

HPU students experienced a week off in the middle

present any posters or presentations they had prepared.

of October for the fall break and classes concluded in

the first few days of December. This schedule seem-

students, but the professors at HPU made sure to go

ingly felt accelerated and forced students to persevere

above and beyond to not only teach their students, but to

through the middle semester burn-out. Dunn wishes

also make sure each one felt cared for. Which is one of

to commend Dr. Heather Miller for her compassion

the many reasons I chose and continue to enjoy

and understanding of student’s wavering motiva-

attending High Point University.

COVID-19 took away many excitements from

tion. Dr. Miller tried to boost morale with constant encouragement and flexibility within the class and coursework. Dr. Miller even gave students a “free” day a couple of times, that allowed students to rest and study for upcoming exams. Although Dr. Miller could not give students their full week in replacement of fall break, she made concessions that many students

13

While High Point University (HPU) made accommoda-

Dr. Neil Coffield who reassured her that she can still

tions to allow students to safely return to campus for

continue on her path without delay. Dr. Coffield found

in-person classes, the stress of the COVID-19 pandem-

virtual shadowing hours for Abel, who now feels con-

ic still weighed heavily on many students within the

fident in her studies and future plans. Sydney Salone,

biology department of the Wanek School of Natural

another biology major on the Pre-PA track, plans on

Sciences. While many students experienced setbacks

graduating in May of 2021, a year early. Salone states

that threatened their future plans, there was comfort

that Dr. Kristin Ackerman has always been a mentor

and support found in the biology professors. Ellie Abel,

to her, but Dr. Ackerman flooded her with even more

a biology major on the Pre-Physician’s Assistant (PA)

support during these trying times. Salone felt com-

track had planned to complete her mandatory shad-

fortable going to Dr. Ackerman in their free time to

owing hours to apply for PA school. When the pandem-

talk and discuss her academic goals. This year, Dr.

ic spread to North Carolina, she was unable to shadow

Ackerman helped prepare Salone for PA school and

medical personnel. Considering Abel is currently in

her interviews. So far, Salone has been accepted into

her junior year here at HPU, the pressure of dwindling

Radford and Marywood University. While Salone’s last

time added an extra stress. Abel was able to turn to

year experience isn’t what she expected, she can’t give

Student Editorial

took advantage of to study and repose. As for myself, I am a biology student on the Pre-medicine track, but my worries lied within my health and anxieties within the pandemic. At HPU, I learned to confide in and trust my professors with some of my issues. The amount of outpour I received from many of my professors was outstanding. When the pandemic first hit the United States and students were sent home for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, I received many emails from professors checking in to make sure I was okay. Dr. Niky Hughes who I didn’t even have as a professor during the Spring semester emailed me to make sure I was staying happy and healthy. Dr. Segarra, my research professor, would always check in with my lab mates and I on video calls to make

Student Editorial

14

Luke Dixon

T

LIG

Dr. Heather Ahrens

S TA F F S P O

HT

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM? “I was born in Chattanooga, TN, but I spent most of my life in Kernersville, NC.”

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?

WHERE DID YOU TR AIN TO BECOME A SCIENTIST?

“I am originally from Virginia. I spent time growing

“ I studied biology and psychology at UNC Greensboro, where I pursued an

up all around the state and went to high school in

interest in neuroscience. During that time, I participated in three separate NSF

Virginia Beach.”

Research Experiences for Undergraduates as a member of Dr. Olav Rueppell’s

WHAT INSPIR ED YOU TO BECOME A

Social Insect Lab. My research on aging and longevity in honey bees was pre-

SCIENTIST?

sented at a variety of local and national scientific conferences and ultimately led

“My parents frequently took me camping when I was

to three peer-reviewed publications.”

young; I loved being outside and exploring Shenandoah National Park. When we lived outside of Wash-

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT HPU AND WHAT DOES

ington, D.C., I made my parents take me to the natural

YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?

history museum every other weekend. I have always been fascinated with the idea of discovery and adventure, and of being one of the scientists on a National Geographic documentary. An opportunity to volunteer in the dinosaur fossil collections at National Museum of Natural History one summer during college set me

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PL ACE ON CAMPUS?

on a path to study vertebrate paleontology.”

“My favorite place on campus is the new Caine Conservatory.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT HPU AND

Even the short time it’s been open, it has been fun to watch

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT

“I joined the Biology Department at HPU in September 2015 as Lab

BEING PART OF THE HPU COMMUNITY?

Manager and Safety Officer. The majority of my time and effort is spent

“The most enjoyable aspect of working at HPU is wit-

supporting our foundation laboratory courses and managing the laboratory

nessing and being a part of such positive and extraordi-

spaces in which these courses take place. As Lab Manager I am respon-

nary growth. While this certainly applies to the Univer-

sible for the preparation, set-up and clean-up of laboratory exercises, the

sity as a whole, I’m specifically referring to the Wanek

ordering and restocking of laboratory supplies, and the maintenance of

School of Natural Sciences. Students are already benefit-

laboratory equipment. In addition, I am also responsible for ensuring that

ing from the new Wanek Sciences building, teaching and

safe conditions are maintained for all of our instructional and research

research laboratories, the Culp Planetarium, collabora-

laboratories. As Safety Officer I oversee the laboratory safety training of

tive learning spaces, you name it. In the not too distant

Biology students, the management of laboratory safety equipment, and the

future, students will also benefit from the opportunity to

handling and disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste. I also serve as

pursue majors in neuroscience, nursing, and other ex-

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN

the changes happening in the plant collections.”

JOINING THE HPU COMMUNITY?

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING

“I have been at HPU since the fall of 2015. With the

PART OF THE HPU COMMUNITY?

growth of the health sciences and development of the

“I most enjoy working with the other faculty in the Biology

the employee supervisor for the Student Employment Program and have

citing degree programs. I realize that other institutions,

Health Science track in Biology, I had the opportunity

department. We have such a range of faculty with different

been responsible for recruiting and supervising all of the student Labora-

or even other workplaces, don’t get to enjoy this kind

to come to HPU and teach human and comparative

research interests and backgrounds. I learn so much from

tory Assistants who work for the Biology Department. Our Laboratory As-

of positive growth. I am certainly glad I joined the HPU

anatomy. I was excited to bring more opportunities in

them everyday.”

sistants support the Department and faculty by preparing, setting-up and

community back in 2015 and am looking forward to all of

WHAT IS YOUR RESEARCH ABOUT?

cleaning-up many of our laboratory exercises. This employment opportuni-

the exciting changes to come.”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT

“As a broadly trained anatomist, I have a research program

ty allows for Biology students to utilize knowledge and techniques they’ve

HOW CAN HPU BIO STUDENTS APPLY TO

YOUR POSITION IN THE DEPARTMENT?

that examines broad-scale patterns of anatomical variation,

learned as a part of their laboratory curriculum. In addition, it also allows

WORK FOR THE DEPARTMENT?

“I really enjoy working with students and providing

the relationship between anatomy and ecology and behavior,

for students to develop novel skill sets related to working independently

“The Biology Department typically recruits new Laborato-

opportunities to explore the world around them. Along

and evolutionary processes. My work combines paleontolo-

in a laboratory. As the Laboratory Assistant supervisor, I am uniquely

ry Assistants each summer, to serve during the upcom-

with Dr. George, we have taken students to Wyoming

gy, dissection, and digital modeling to better understand the

positioned to provide one-on-one instruction and mentorship to Biology

ing academic year. Available positions are advertised

for paleontological fieldwork and developed a May-

biology of extinct organisms based on their skeletons. Ulti-

students outside of the traditional classroom setting. This is especially

by the Student Employment Program office in Workday.

mester travel course that explores biodiversity in

mately, my research is driven by the desire to understand

the case for students interested in enrolling in professional or research

Biology majors, regardless of class standing, are encour-

Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. I also love

the major turnover in faunas during the last 50 million years

programs after graduating from HPU.”

aged to apply. Departmental faculty often recommend

working with students early in their careers, to help

by comparing the initial radiation of placental mammals to

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PL ACE ON CAMPUS?

exemplary students to assist with their upper-level

them find their passion and work towards their goals.”

those in the modern fauna.”

“Excluding the Wanek School of Natural Science, my favorite place on

elective courses. Interested students can discuss these

campus is the fountain / pond behind Slane Student Center. Whenever I

opportunities directly with their faculty instructors.”

the anatomical sciences to our Biology students.”

walk across the bridge to or from Slane, I’m always looking in and around

15

Faculty Spotlight

the water for turtles or other critters.”

Staff Spotlight

16

17

Photo Journal

BIOLOGY NEWSLETTER High Point University High Point, NC 27268 First Edition 2020 - 2021 http://www.highpoint.edu/Biology Visuals @ Katherine Minchala