BES Newsletter

Message from the Chair

Celebrating a Year of Achievement

Dear Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff,

As another academic year has ended, we take a moment to reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of our students and faculty over the past year. The 2023-2024 school year has been one for the record book at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, filled with successes.

Our students continue to impress with their dedication to academic excellence. Most of this year's graduating class has either accepted jobs or plans to enroll in graduate studies Our students conducted diverse cutting-edge research that led to 18 conference presentations. Thanks to students ' contributions to faculty research, our members have had 40 presentations at esteemed conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals

The brilliance of our faculty was on full display as well. The majority of BES professors were granted external funding for research and outreach. Our faculty continues to manage over $1 million of funding from the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Agriculture, and many other private foundations.

As we bid farewell to the Class of 2024, we look forward to the amazing potential of the incoming class this fall This newsletter highlights the achievements of a select group of current students and alumni, offers congratulations to all of our graduates, and welcomes our new exceptional faculty members who will join the team in the fall.

I want to thank every member of our biology family Your commitment, enthusiasm, and contributions have determined our department's success.

Dr. Mustafa Morsy - Chair, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Maurine Kimbrel

Biology with Anthropology Minor

Next Step: She will figure it out

I really enjoyed the interaction with the faculty. I went to UAB for a short time, and when you're in a class with 2-3 hundred people, it's hard to have that interaction with your professors. That’s been a really great experience here, and I think that's one of the things that I like best about UWA. Maurine Kimbrel

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Kelsey Allen

Major: Marine Biology

Next Step: Graduate School at UWA

I feel like the professors that I had at UWA made my experience better. Many of the professors pushed me to always do better even when I did not think I could. They also helped me to realize that if I wanted to make a change in the world, I had the ability to. Kelsey Allen

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Sydney Burchfield

Major: Conservation and Field Biology

Next Step: Environmental Scientist at Alabama Department of Environmental Management

Going out and seeing and experiencing what we're taught in the class is fantastic. I've been able to go to Ecuador and Florida Everglades and visit many other places. Sydney Burchfield

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

I definitely think my choice to join UWA was good. In contrast to other colleges I attended, at UWA I had the opportunity to develop a closer and more personal relationship with my professors. That makes all the difference. Sterling Spears

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Major: General Science Education

Next Step: will do great things!

He is too precious to show or even quote

Aris Barret

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Brock Bennett

Major: Environmental Science

Next Step: will do great things!

I enjoyed being a part of a tight-knit community. The professors I had have been very open to helping me academically and developing relationships that are more than just professor and student. Brock Bennett

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Major: Marine Biology

Next Step: Graduate School at USA

I enjoyed the atmosphere at UWA. The small campus gave me so many opportunities. The professors are very helpful and if I ever had a question or need, I always felt welcome to walk in and ask and have a casual conversation. Camille Thompson

Camille Thompson

Congratulations to our Spring 2024 graduates

Major: Biology Education

Next Step: Career in Teaching

I feel prepared for the next step just because of the hands-on experience I had at BES. When I start my teaching career, I want to ensure that I do that for my students. Cristina Sewell

Cristina Sewell

Congratulations to Students for their Summer Internships 2024

Congratulations to Students for their Summer Internships 2024

Leah Stewart University at Buffalo Sage Waite Botanical Gardens, MO

Ryan Williams

REU Program at Auburn University

Congratulations to Students for their Summer Internships 2024

Ellie McAfee

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Neon

Congratulations to Students for their Summer Internships 2024

Julie Payne

Hudson Alpha Biotrain

Gus Arnold

Tuscaloosa Rural Premed

Augustina Narvaez-Paz

Biological & Environmental Sciences Student Conference Presentations

Many BES students presented their research during the 12th annual University Research Symposium (URS) Many others have presented research in regional and national conferences

2024 University Scholars in Biological & Environmental Sciences

The University Scholar in Biology Education- Cristina Sewell

The University Scholar in Cell & Molecular Biology - Sterling Spears II

The University Scholar in Conservation & Field Biology - Sydney Burchfield

The University Scholar in Environmental Science - Brooke Turberville

The University Scholar in General Science Education- Brandon Hollis

The University Scholar in Marine Biology - Camille Thompson

Biological & Environmental Sciences Outreach

BES faculty hosted students from several high schools. Students actively engaged in a lab and field activities.

This highlights the BES’ commitment to foster scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills, to college and high students.

For eight weeks, two University Charter school students, CharlesAnna Ryland and Anna Morse, were housed by the department to work as research assistants with BES faculty members.

"This has been an incredible opportunity and a unique glimpse into methods of study not usually touched until college. I was tasked with cleaning, sorting, and identifying specimens collected at Gosport Sands. It was a detail-heavy task that was very interesting and I have learned a lot, both about the relevant material and the research methods involved"

CharlesAnna Ryland

Alumni Spotlight and Testimony

Aries Larkin - BES’ Class of 2015

Reflecting on my time at the University of West Alabama, the experiences and education I gained in the Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES) department were instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal growth. The rigorous coursework provided a solid foundation in scientific principles, while the hands-on fieldwork and research opportunities allowed me to apply that knowledge in realworld settings.

I loved doing the research, collecting data, and learning the science behind it, but I hated presenting and talking about the research at different symposiums. This discomfort forced me to grow significantly, as I learned to overcome my fear of public speaking. Utilizing the skills and confidence I developed at UWA, I now travel globally to establish and validate labs, and train laboratory personnel The faculty's mentorship and encouragement to engage in independent projects fostered a sense of curiosity and determination that has driven my career forward.

The collaborative environment within the department not only honed my teamwork skills but also created lasting relationships with peers and professors that continue to support me today. I am truly thankful for having Dr. Morsy as an outstanding mentor and friend, who believed in me and guided me throughout my journey.

UWA's commitment to nurturing a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues prepared me to tackle complex challenges in my career, and its emphasis on community engagement instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices. My journey through BES at UWA was a transformative experience that laid the groundwork for a fulfilling career as a Field Operations Specialist. Additionally, UWA led to meeting my beautiful wife, making my time there even more meaningful and memorable.

Alumni Spotlight

Desiree Washington - BES’ Class of 2018

Desiree Washington is an accomplished educator and administrator with a robust background in higher education She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of West Alabama, where she was a distinguished BOSS Scholar. She furthered her education at the same institution, obtaining a master’s degree in Higher Education: Student Affairs.

Currently, Desiree serves as the Dean of Culture and Inclusion and a member of the Senior Staff at Hampden-Sydney College Her career trajectory in higher education has been marked by a series of impactful roles, including Coordinator of Recruitment at Wallace Community College Selma, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment at Spring Hill College, Executive Director of the Warrior Center for Student Success, Equity, and Inclusion at Texas A&M-Central Texas, and Assistant Dean of Students at Maryville College.

Desiree’s passion lies in mentorship and the development of students pursuing higher education. She attributes her career path to the mentors at the University of West Alabama who guided her steps and encouraged her to take risks. Initially aspiring to be a high school science teacher, she found her true calling in higher education through their support and guidance.

In addition to her administrative duties, Desiree is a PhD student researching the effects of higher education on the Black community from the Civil War to the present. She also teaches courses in the Race & Ethnicity Studies minor, bringing her academic insights directly into the classroom

Desiree also leads a mentorship group called Brother4Brother, which specializes in the mentorship and holistic development of young men who are Black, Brown, international, low socioeconomic, or firstgeneration students. This group focuses on supporting students who may be seen as “at risk” and aims to empower them through tailored guidance and support.

Outside of her professional life, Desiree enjoys coaching cheerleading and tumbling A proud native of Mobile, Alabama, she cherishes her identity as a dedicated UWA alum.

Graduate Student Spotlight

Aubree Plymale

My name is Aubree Plymale, and I am a Graduate Research Assistant studying Conservation Biology. I am originally from Boston, Georgia, a small town within the historic Red Hills region of South Georgia and North Florida. My research is focused on examining the impact of feral swine disturbance on firedependent plant communities in West Alabama. During this project, I have presented it at conferences, such as the 2023 Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference in Tyler, Texas.

I have also had the opportunity to present data on my assistantship with PAIS (Partners for Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability) at the 2023 and 2024 Association of Southeastern Biologists Conferences and the 2024 University Research Symposium at UWA

While attending UWA, I have had the opportunity to mentor undergraduates through PAIS internships and student organizations, such as the Outdoor Recreation Conservation Alliance (ORCA) and Beta Phi, UWA’s chapter of the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society. I have also had opportunities to participate in various community outreach events This includes working with UWA’s Cahaba Biodiversity Center, the Sumter County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Central Alabama Prescribed Burn Association, the Alabama Prescribed Fire Council, and the Alabama Invasive Plant Council.

After defending my thesis, I will remain nearby and enter the workforce. I have accepted a job opportunity in Carrollton, Alabama, as a Wildlife Biologist II with Quail Forever, a non-profit conservation organization. I would like to eventually become an adjunct professor teaching biology, environmental science, or GIS-related courses.

My time at UWA has been grand! Not only have I made connections here, but lifelong friends as well. The professors here care about your success and interests in research and a career. I look forward to opportunities to collaborate with BES in the near future.

Facility Spotlight

Cahaba Biodiversity Center (CBC)

The University of West Alabama's Cahaba Biodiversity Center (CBC) offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Situated on over 2,100 acres along the Cahaba River in Bibb County, Alabama, the Center provides a world-class outdoor classroom and research facility. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of this region, home to rare and endemic species of plants, fish, mussels, and snails found nowhere else on Earth The Center serves as a destination for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike, offering hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts With plans for an education building, lodging facilities, and a stewardship endowment, the Cahaba Biodiversity Center aims to become a premier hub for biodiversity education and research in Alabama Whether you're a student, scientist, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, the Center invites you to explore this remarkable ecosystem and witness its incredible biodiversity firsthand. If you never seen the CBC, come and visit.

Dr. Mahmoud Gargouri

Mahmoud Gargouri is Assistant professor of Biology in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of West Alabama (UWA). Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Plant Systems Biology at the Centre of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria (CBBC) in Tunisia. He leads several national and international research projects aimed at enhancing the growth and stress tolerance of economically important crops.

Welcome New Faculty

His work utilizes multi-omics big data analysis and agroecological approaches based on plant-soil-microbe interactions to promote sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Gargouri's interest in plant biochemistry and biotechnology began during his Master's project at CBBC, where he developed transgenic grapevines tolerant to abiotic stress. He then joined the Center of Chimie et Biologie des Membranes et Nano-objets (CBMN) at the University of Bordeaux, France, to earn his PhD in Bioengineering in 2010.

There, he crystallized and determined the structure of several enzymes, established activity assays, and investigated the enzymatic properties of flavan-3-ols from grapevine

For his postdoctoral training, Dr. Gargouri joined the Institute of Biological Chemistry (IBC) at Washington State University, USA. He developed analytical and computational tools to engineer new metabolic networks for biofuel production from microalgae, gaining significant expertise in systems biology Currently, Mahmoud has returned to IBC as a senior visiting scientist, working on his own project after receiving the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant from the European Commission.

Mrs. Sidney Collins Freeman

Welcome New Faculty

Si

Livingston, Alabama. She is a two-time alumna of UWA with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Natural Resources (’14) and a Master of Education in Biology (’22). She also received a Master of Science in Forestry from Mississippi State University (’23) and is a candidate for and Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.

Sidney also holds an associate wildlife biologist designation from The Wildlife Society. While a secondary science teacher at University Charter School, Sidney was dedicated to conservation education and was recognized as the 2022 Alabama Conservation Educator of the Year Her teaching approach emphasized real-world applications of classroom learning, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship among her students through a place-based model of instruction She taught Environmental Science and Intro to Conservation Biology as dual-enrollment courses at UCS.

In addition to her teaching career, Sidney has experience in economic and workforce development within the forestry sector, having worked for local chambers of commerce. She also has experience managing several diverse tracts for recreation and timber production

Sidney will join the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences in the fall as a forestry instructor

In her free time, Sidney enjoys caring for her many chickens, working in the garden, or tackling a home renovation project. She and her husband Jake have two children, James Lake (5), and Liv (3).

Awarded Grants

Tracy Keener, UWA-Teach, Alabama STEM Council, $3,000,000.

Mustafa Morsy, Lee Stanton and Jeffery Merida: Biology Opportunities and Scholarships for Success II (BOSS II). The National Science Foundation, $1,500,000.

McCall and Lee Stanton, Partners for Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability (PAIS2), U S Department of Agriculture, $745,000.

Lee Stanton: Partners in Agribusiness and Conservation Enterprises (PACE), U S Department of Agriculture, $275,000.

Brian Keener and Joan Rundles, Infrastructure improvement of the UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center, Holle Family Foundation, $142,000.

Joan Rundles, VOLUNTEER Project, NRCS/USDA, $50,000.

Sharon Valverde: Mammal Research and Education at UWA's Cahaba Biodiversity Center.

Alabama Research Conservation and Development in Tombigbee, $10,000.

Lee Stanton, Black Land Prairie Restoration project, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, $10,000.