LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT BIO LOG June …

all the winners dating back

to 2005, the beginning of

the first Earth Day comple-

tion at La Sierra University.

This plaque remains in the

Biology department for

everyone to see which de-

partment is the most eco-

friendly and be inspired to

continue reducing our eco-

logical footprint day by

day.

Environmental Awareness

This year, La Sierra University

broke all the rules by holding

our annual Earth Day celebra-

tion at the Founder’s Green in

the midst of nature. For the

first time in the University's

history, students, faculty, and

staff were able to enjoy Earth

Day as it was truly intended,

surrounded by Mother Nature.

Like each year since 2005, the

Biology Department sponsors

the annual Environmental

Awareness Campaign. Six en-

thusiastic judges: Thomas

Hutchinson, Wayne Andrew,

Erica Farr, Rick Fochtman, Iris

Landa and Ron Bowes, envi-

ronmentalists at heart, volun-

teered their time to evaluate

each department on randomly

assigned dates. For three con-

secutive months, judges as-

sessed everything from energy

efficiency, water conservation,

recycling, and general impres-

sions on environmental

awareness. When it was all

said and done three depart-

ments were declared victori-

ous. Third place went to the

Social Work Department,

second place went to the

Psychology Department and

first place went to the World

Languages Department.

Each department received a

plaque and their names were

also placed on the honorary

perpetual plaque that holds

E a r t h D a y

R e d u c e - R e u s e - R e v i t a l i z e

B y C a i t l i n H u t c h i n s o n

T A B L E O F

C O N T E N T S

Earth Day

Environmental Major

1

1,6

Dr. Diaz’s Lab

Dr. Trueblood’s Lab 2

Dr. Wilson - Science at the

Cutting Edge

Dr. Perumal’s Lab

3

Tri-Beta Campout

Environmental Club

campout & activities

4

Tri-Beta Induction

Ceremony

Pre-med activities

5

Completion of GB

Environmental Science

Major

New Published book by

Dr. Perumal

6

Dean’s Award

Biology Department Awards 7

Message from the Chair 8

BIO LOG

Dr. Lourdes Morales-Gudmundsson receiving 1st place plaque from

Provost Dr. Steve Pawluk

LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT BIO LOG June 2014

Continued on page 6

T he Diaz Lab has hit the ground running in 2013/2014.

The basis of the lab is studying various aspects of em-

bryonic development (specifically in reptiles) and to do

such work we need embryonic reptiles! Currently, we

have ~40 species of reptiles and over 120 individuals in the animal

facility at La sierra University. This makes it one of the most di-

verse collections of (living) reptiles for research anywhere.

The Diaz Lab (PSC#205) is also up and running for doing embryol-

ogy research. In parallel, we also pushed through a molecular lab

for doing work on PCR/Cloning, Histology and soon more advance

Microscopy/Imaging. There

have been (and continue to

be) undergraduate students

in the lab doing projects

ranging from cloning genes

in chameleons to look at

gene expression patterns,

studying a species complex

of giant/dwarf python, con-

genital malformations in

lizards and snakes, and a

novel defense behavior in

the Asian frog with several

new projects in the works.

In November 2013, Dr.

Diaz traveled to Taiwan

where he was an invited

speaker for the International

Biomimetics Symposium

where he met with scien-

tists from around the world

to look at how we can learn

from nature and develop

new technologies for human

use. He was also able to

travel through some nearby

areas to look at the reptiles

and amphibians of Taiwan in

hopes for a collaboration for

field work at this location

with local Taiwanese scien-

tists.

There is a lot of work left to

do and a lot more questions

to be asked about reptiles

and amphibians in collabora-

tions with Dr. Lee Grismer,

Dr. Nate Sutter and also

working on cephalopod de-

velopment with Dr. Lloyd

Trueblood in biology.

There continues to be a lot

of growth in the department,

with the primary drive being

toward novel research by

faculty and undergraduates. The Diaz

Lab was also represented by 5 post-

ers during this year’s Research Em-

phasis Week.

D r . D i a z ’ s L a b

This year has been an exciting and busy year in the

Trueblood Lab. With our new sea water table system we

have been able to house a broad array of marine critters and

take on some exciting research. We have had critters from

most of the major

marine phyla.

One of the most

exciting additions

to the lab was the

~500 baby octo-

pus that were

deposited and

hatched in our

lab. From these

hatchlings we

were able to rec-

ord metabolic

rates and match

them with de-

velopmental

stages.

We also teamed up with the Diaz lab and preformed a de-

tailed photograph study of development from deposition

through hatching.

This summer we will be heading up to the Rosario Beach

Marine Lab to join up with Dr. Kirt Onthank and several of

his students to do some

comparative studies on

octopus physiology. In

the latter part of the sum-

mer, members from our

lab will be doing local

mid-water trawls to col-

lect pelagic tunicates for

ocean acidification stud-

ies.

Overall, it has been and

will continue to be an ex-

citing year for marine sci-

ence at La Sierra Universi-

ty Biology Department.

D r . T r u e b l o o d ’ s L a b

Figure 2.The Veiled Chameleon, Chamaeleo

calyptratus, is so bizarre in its body that it

allows us to ask a lot of questions about its

development.

Figure 1. Here Dr. Diaz is with Chandra Shipp

(undergraduate; just accepted to LLU Nursing!)

“walking” a large female Reticulated Python named Kalé

outside of Price

Figure 1. Octopus eggs are transparent; you can see the

embryos as they develop. On the right hand side of the

eggs you can see a newly hatched octopus

Figure 2. Tropical anemones and an

“upside down” Jelly fish, part of the collec-

tion of living animals housed in the

Trueblood lab this year

Figure 3. Malayopython reticulatus, the

Reticulated Python, is one of the species

worked on in the lab. This species is the

longest living snake.


S tudents from the BIOL 410 Science at the Cutting Edge class made their

way down to San Diego to attend Experimental Biology 2014 in April.

The 20 students in this class were able to register and attend the meetings

on Sunday and Monday. Over 16,000 scientists were at the meetings

and the students from La Sierra University were able to see first-hand the presenta-

tion of new research discoveries and new equip-

ment that lead to a better understanding of life on

earth. Students also discovered that some of their

own peers were presenting as well as at least two

biology alumni, Bonnie Burns (Biology, 1994)

and Jinjutha Silpanisong (Biology, 2009). Bon-

nie is now at California State Polytech University,

Pomona, CA and Jinjutha is studying for her M.D. /

Ph.D. degree at Loma Linda University. Students

also found a poster being presented by Jon Payne

who is graduating from La Sierra this year in Bio-

chemistry and took a picture with Jon to celebrate.

Dr. Eugene Joseph and two of his students, Neil

Joshi and Kevin Kim presented a poster of their re-

search on Tuesday for the American Association of

Anatomists.

S t u d e n t s s e e s c i e n c e i n a c t i o n a t

e x p e r i m e n t a l b i o l o g y 2 0 1 4 i n s a n D i e g o

B y D r . J i m W i l s o n

Jon Payne with BIOL 410 students at EB2014

Jinjutha Silpanisong explains her research to

Dr. Jim Wilson at EB2014

Dr. Eugene Joseph with his students, Kevin Kim (left) and Neil

Joshi presenting their research at EB2014

Perumal’s Lab continued with limited research activi-

ty involving three undergraduate research students;

Hayden Davis, Deeya Kumar, and Pearl Yang return-

ing for a second year. Hayden and Deeya are Biology

majors and Pearl is a Biochemistry major. This year

saw the addition of Jae Sul a Biology senior who took

the team to its capacity of four very dedicated students

who had to do much of their research with little super-

vision. The group tried to meet on a weekly basis for

updates and progress though at times the meeting had

be rescheduled due to time conflicts.

Hayden worked on the germination and establishment

of Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), a medicinal plant

which has numerous reported medicinal values. Deeya

and Pearl worked on the effects of varying quantities

of nutrients on growth and found very interesting

results showing that industry recommended amounts

were much higher than the amounts actually needed

for optimal plant growth. They used corn (Zea mays)

as their test plants. Their work was presented as a

poster at the recent Research Emphasis Week. Jae did

a follow up study on the effects of nutrients on corn

plants and found similar results.

Report from Dr. perumal’s research lab

Left to right: Jae Sul, Pearl Yang and Deeya Kumar


Left: Pearl Yang with

possibly the

first germinated specimen of

Phaleria mac-

rocarpa (God’s Crown) in

California

Right: Hayden Davis

A bout the club… The Environmental Cub at La Sierra University was established

over a decade ago but after a period of inactivity and transfor-

mation into “Project Pueblo”, it was revived in Spring of 2014. Since

the newly invigorated club first started to meet, we have organized a

local trash clean-up, participated in a “March Against Monsanto” in

downtown Riverside, ventured a desert campout, and initiated an ongo-

ing gardening project at the Sola

House. Unlike many other clubs

on campus, the environmental

club is interdisciplinary and aims

to organize environmentally

friendly projects that are also

economically sustainable.

Our flagship project is our gar-

dening venture at the Sola House; a piece of property owned by La Sier-

ra University. Expanding on a garden that had previously been started

by Mr. Ron Bowes, who resides at the Sola House, the club has built

additional planters

and has planted

seasonal varieties

of fruits and vege-

tables. The goal of

the project is to

harvest certified

organic produce

and begin selling

the goods at local

farmer’s markets.

This would not

only provide La Sierra University with publicity but would also help

strengthen ties with the community of Riverside. The first event held by

the club in the spring of 2014 was a local area trash clean-up. Many

members joined in as we cleaned Riverwalk Parkway and other streets

close to the LSU campus. In total, eight bags (five pictured) were col-

lected and properly discarded.

E nvironmental Club

Campout:

The last event planned by the

club was a desert campout. We

decided to go to an 80-acre-

property owned by La Sierra

University located 40 miles East

of Indio. The area we camped at

is known as the Edmund Jaeger

Nature Sanctuary. Edmund Jaeger worked as a desert ecologist and he

studied the state of torpor found in a local bird; he Common Poorwill.

He donated the land to La

Sierra University but it has

sat empty for many years.

Though there were no re-

stroom facilities or running

water, we decided to make

this our campgrounds. One

reason for this was to allow

club members to see how

dependent we are on natu-

ral resources (such as wa-

ter) and why it is so important that we conserve them. The majority of

our time consisted of relaxing, hiking, cooking, exploring, and fellow-

ship with others. The campout proved to be a wonderful experience for

all and it is likely that this will become a quarterly event.

N ews…

The Environmental Club is just beginning to roll and new mem-

bers from all majors are always welcome to attend our weekly meetings.

Our new elected officers are committed to work and make a deference

in our campus, community and town. The club has already begun plan-

ning events for the upcoming year and we would love to have you join

us!

For more information, please visit our Facebook page at :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Sierra-University-Environmental-

Club/465413226892128?ref_type=bookmark

T r i - B e t a B i o l o g i c a l H o n o r s S o c i e t y

1 0 t h A n n u a l C a m p o u t

B y Z a c h a r y T r a v i s

E n v i r o n m e n t a l c l u b c a m p o u t a n d a c t i v i t i e s

B y H a y d e n D a v i s

Tri-Beta is a name of prestige and honor for those who are members of the

National Society. Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students, particularly un-

dergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological

study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 persons have been accepted into life-

time membership, and more than 670 chapters have been established throughout the

United States and Puerto Rico.

10 Years ago, La Sierra University established its own chapter. For the past

10 years, this society has enriched the lives of hundreds of students, staff and faculty

members on our campus. Our society has embraced the strong traditions that the

founding society grasped onto. One of the key traditions that our society has estab-

lished has been an annual campout. This campout includes members from the society,

faculty, staff, and non-members in biology department. This year we went to O’Neill

Regional Park. This event was held from May 2nd to May 4th, with about 25 people

present. This was a time of reflection, understanding, and appreciation for biology in

nature; the purest form. When strolling into our campground, chuckles and giggles

radiated throughout the grounds. Students could not have been happier and faculty could not have been more open and loving.

We sincerely look forward to next year’s campout with more students and more adventures. Let’s continue the proud tradition with

La Sierra University’s Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society and enrich other lives with biological sciences, have a great Summer, and we look

forward seeing all of you in the Fall of 2014!


https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Sierra-University-Environmental-Club/465413226892128?ref_type=bookmark

https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Sierra-University-Environmental-Club/465413226892128?ref_type=bookmark

T r i - B e t a I n d u c t i o n C e r e m o n y 1 0 t h A n n u a l

B y R o n N a n c e

I t was a small gathering, and although small, it had been prepared for

an important reason. The annual induction of Tri-Beta new comers

was about to be celebrated. For those who would be inducted into

this Biological Society it was an exciting moment. They would be

joining a group of people who were passionate about biology, a group of

people who were dedicated to furthering human understanding of the sci-

ences. Faculty members present were: Dr. John Perumal, Dr. Jim Wilson,

Dr. Natasha Dean

and Dr. Eugene

Joseph. These pro-

fessors witnessed

the new inductees

been accepted into

the Honors Society. The newcomers were congratulated by fellow mem-

bers of the society and the officers of the club and certificates were handed

to each of them. The next highlight was the recognition of the officers, who

received their stoles in recognition of their hard work. There was plenty of

food and photo ops to add fun to the mixture, making the event an entirely

pleasurable experience.

The 2013-14 academic year has been especially active for the Pre-

Medical Society. The year started with the election of the officers near

the end of the 2013 Spring Quarter. That Summer was spent fundrais-

ing and planning for the upcoming year’s activities; especially for the

mission trips. Fall and Winter Quarters were filled with regular general

meetings for the members where qualified speakers from the medical

field came to give hour-long talks to the Pre-Med members. The Pre-

med officers were able to contact and bring to La Sierra University

representatives from Western University, the new UCR medical

school, the United States Army and Navy, and Antigua Medical

School in California, just to name a few. Physicians and Medical stu-

dents were also brought in to talk and give their backgrounds and ex-

periences in the medical field. This year at least two community ser-

vice opportunities per quarter were provided for the Pre-med members.

Two of the more notable and recent events were the events with Kids

Rock; a Loma Linda University Program created to give kids opportu-

nities to do outdoor activities as well as arts and crafts-where the Pre-

med society aided in their Easter “Booknic” and the Cinco de Mayo

event.

The Pre-med Club had two opportunities for members to go on an

international mission trip. The first Trip was our annual medical mis-

sion trip to Guatemala. As mentioned previously, planning for the

December trip started during the Summer and went on up to the week

before to ensure maximum efficiency. About 12 individuals, a mixture

of both officers and members, went to Guatemala where they were

involved in activities such as passing out bags of food that would last a

family for a month, visiting an AIDs hospice for kids with the HIV

virus, and

building a

chicken coop to

provide a per-

petual program

of sustenance

for the commu-

nity. The sec-

ond mission

trip took place

during spring

break and was

a partnership with La Sierra’s Impact Missions Department to Esteli,

Nicaragua. The team built a wall around a school, organized vacation

bible school for elementary school kids, and gave health seminar series

to the local community where medical examinations as well as basic

over-the-counter medicine was given to those in need.

O v e r v i e w o f P r e - M e d A c t i v i t i e s 2 0 1 3 — 2 0 1 4

B y D r e w M c K i n n e y

Pre-med group in Nicaragua


T his quarter, being a GBio student has easily

been one of the greatest challenges I have faced

as a student. I spend countless hours learning,

reading, and reviewing tons of information, all

while trying to remember the information from

the night before. Never in my experience have I

ever studied so hard for a class, but I thoroughly

enjoyed it. Although this was an extremely diffi-

cult class, nothing beats the feeling of nailing all

7 life cycles after 12 hours of repeating them end-

lessly on the whiteboard in the library.

Alexis Chrispens

S a t i s f a c t i o n o n c o m p l e t i n g g e n e r a l

b i o l o g y : A s t u d e n t ’ s s i g h o f r e l i e f !

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program which in-

cludes the study of natural processes and humans impact on the

soils, atmosphere, and the aquatic systems. The program is built not

only on the foundation of the sciences but also in history, politics,

literature, communication, and ethical issues which affects the en-

vironment and encourage students and graduates to make informed

decisions.

All students also complete a series of environmental science core

courses which demonstrates the application of the basic science

principles to solving a wide range of environmental problems.

All over the world, people have become increasingly concerned

about the safety of our food, water, and the air we breathe. Recent

weather related events have further sparked an interest in under-

standing global climate change and how human activities are con-

tributing to global warming.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Government Jobs -- EPA & other Federal, State, and Municipal

2. Industry -- Local, National, and International

3. Non-Profit -- Local, National, and International

4. Teaching and Research -- Masters and/or PhD necessary for tertiary level

teaching and research

5. Communications Industry -- News and Aids Organizations

NEW BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

MAJOR!!!


Dr. Perumal, the current Chair of the Biology Department, and

co-author Dr. Joy Kurian, presently the Dean of the Faculty of

Science at the Asia-Pacific International University in Thailand,

worked together to create a user friendly manual on natural

remedies. It includes fifty illnesses, their descriptions, a plant

description and usage recommendation, along with additional

medicinal uses of the specific plant.

Dr. Perumal teaches the

course Medicinal Plants

(BIOL-385) during Fall quar-

ter where he puts in practice

several of the points made in

the book.

Nature’s Remedies made

simple has been translated

into Thai, Indonesian

(Bahasa) and Cambodian

languages, and soon into

French and Spanish. “This

book is written to help every-

one who is interested in hav-

ing a sourcebook of plants

that combats common ailments”, the authors state.

Nature’s Remedies made simple

Latest published book by

Dr. John Perumal and Dr. Joy Kurian

By Pamela Fernández

2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 T h e C A S D e a n ’ s A w a r d s

By Dr. Natasha Dean

The Biology department was pleased to nominate Ms. Caitlin Hutchinson for the CAS Dean’s award. We have ad-

mired the strength of her character which allows her to overcome harrowing odds, and have been inspired by her

ability to remain optimistic and resilient in the face of constant, daily challenges. Caitlin is visually impaired, having

completely lost her vision during her freshman year—only to regain partial sight. Due to her illness, Caitlin is some-

times confined to a wheelchair, but she is high functioning and an important contribu-

tor to La Sierra University. We feel that her intellect exceeds her grades because of

the difficulties she faces to overcome her disability. For her to achieve what she has

is truly remarkable and the faculty of the Biology department are proud to support her

nomination.

Not surprisingly, Caitlin has the requisite pedigree for advance training in science

having conducted research with Dr. Lee Greer for 2 ½ years. From January 2009-June

2012, Caitlin completed various speciation projects, using DNA analysis, and molec-

ular systematics and phylogenetics to classify or reclassify biological specimens. She

was able to learn gel electrophoresis, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA

extraction form tissue using magnetic beads, genetic analysis via bioinformatics

techniques and how to perform literature searches. Additionally, she had three posters

at scientific conferences, including “The Phylogenetic Position of a New Species of

the Pit Viper Cryptelytrops honsonensis”, “Phylogeographic analysis of the specia-

tion of Cyrtodactyylus intermedius Lizards” and “DNA Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis of the genus

Cnemaspis”. In 2009, the city of Riverside awarded Caitlin with the “Most Remarkable Teen ‘Courage to Overcome-

Spirit of Hope’” award.

Currently, Caitlin is employed in the biology department as a student secretary and she is also the president of the Phi

Omega Chapter of Beta Beta Beta (Tri-beta) which is the La Sierra University chapter of this national honor society.

Biology Department Annual BBQ/Awards 2014

The Biology department, students, staff and

faculty gathered at the verandah of Price Sci-

ence Complex on the last Friday of the quarter

prior to finals. The event included a light meal

with veggie dogs, chips , fruit, potato salad and

ice cream.

An award ceremony followed the meal. First

the CAS Dean’s awardee was recognized which

was given to Caitlin Hutchinson previously

during Awards Assembly on May. Then the

Senior of the Year Award was given to Panpan-

at Tangmuchittam. The Student Researcher of

the Year went to Michael Westcott and last but

not least the Student Employee of the Year was

given to Kennya Palacios.

The Biology Teacher of the Year Award was

presented to Dr.

Eugene Joseph. This

is a special award as

the selection of the

of the faculty is

made by the stu-

dents of the Biology

Department. At last,

a special gift of

appreciation was

given to Mr. Ryan

VanDeventer and

Mrs. Pamela Fer-

nández for their

dedicated service to

the department.

Catlin Hutchinson receiving the

CAS Dean’s Award from Dr.

Adeny Schmidt during Awards

Assembly on May, 2014

Caitlin posing with her loving

and supportive parents: Julie

and Tom Hutchinson .

Dr. Eugene Joseph receiving the

“Teacher of the Year” award

Caitlin Hutchinson receiving the

Dean’s Award.

Panpanat Tangmuchittam

receiving the “Senior of the

Year” award.

Kennya Palacios receiving the

“ Student Employee of the

Year” award.

Michael Westcott receiving

the “Student Researcher of the

Year” award.

Left. Mr. Ryan

VanDeventer

Right Mrs. Pamela

Fernández

receiving a gift of recog-

nition for

service to the Biology

Department


Biology Department

4500 Riverwalk Parkway

Riverside, CA 92505

Phone: 951-785-2105

Fax: 951-785-2111

E-mail: [email protected]

Web page: www.lasierra.edu/biology

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

M e s s a g e F r o m t h e C h a i r o f t h e

B i o l o g y D e p a r t m e n t

T he 2013-14 School Year has been exciting and eventful. We have been blessed

with a great group of students, including student workers and research students. Our

General Biology class began this year with almost 300 students. We also had the

pleasure of a new faculty member Dr. Nate Sutter who joined us after 5 years of

teaching and research at Connell University and a new administrative secretary Pame-

la Fernandez.

We also continued our search process during the year to fill 2 more vacant

faculty positions. We brought in 3 candidates for an extensive interview process and

finally managed to find one that made a “good fit” to the department. Dr. Arturo Diaz,

a Virologist and currently a Post doctoral research at the Salk Institute in San Diego

will be joining us as of July 1, 2014. Several of the faculty members has been very

active with teaching and research. We were all delighted to learn this year that Dr.

Lloyd Trueblood secured an NSF grant for his work with Octopus. Dr. Eugene Joseph

and Dr. Wilson took students to a regional conference in San Diego. Dr. Lee Grismer,

Dr. Lloyd Trueblood and Dr. Raul Diaz were in Southeast Asia during the summer

and fall for various conferences and collaborations. Dr. Nate Sutter has had done very

exciting research developing in his new lab this year.

The department also conducted our 5-year assessment this year and had the

external team visiting us involving professors from Andrews and Loma Linda Univer-

sity. The Biology department also launched the New Environmental Science Major

this year. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone; students, faculty, staff

and administrators for their continued support and dedication to the Biology department and we want to wish all our graduating

seniors our best wishes and do keep in touch.


LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT BIO LOG June …

Documents

Transcript of LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT BIO LOG June …