2006-07 Biological Sciences News

03/2007: Biology department growing strong - Biology applications for 2007 up 50% from last year!

Thanks to a revised curriculum that gives students more options for specialized educational experiences, increased research opportunities and scientific outreach programs aimed at middle and high school students in the region, the Department of Biological Sciences is preparing for a cycle of rapid growth. Applicants designating a biology major for fall of 2007 are up over 50% from last year and the word is getting out that Tech is a great place to receive a solid education in the biological sciences, from ecology to microbiology and preparation for professional health programs.

03/2007: Dr. Pedulla Awarded Two New Grants

Dr. Marisa Pedulla, Assistant Professor of Biology was awarded two competive grants this month. A COBRE grant focused on zoonotic diseases will be aimed at detailing the bacterial host ranges for more than two dozen recently isolated mycobacteriophages in Dr. Pedulla's lab. The second, a GEAR-Up mini-grant will provide funding for a 2007 summer science camp for disadvantaged middle school students in the region.

03/2007: Congratulations to 2006-07 Biology Graduates!

Abbey Leary graduated in December of 2006 and is getting ready to pursue her graduate education at Texas Tech in Mammology. She has been a standout student in the department and spent much of her time involved in Hanta Virus research with Dr's Amy Kuenzi and Rick Douglass. We wish her the best as she continues to advance her knowledge and contribute to the field.

Alex Grendelmeier will graduate in May of this year and will return to his home country of Switzerland to complete his military service obligation. Alex has been active in undergraduate research focused on bat activity in reclaimed, riparian areas and is interested in further study of predatory species, their behavior and their ecology and physiology, and is considering returning to the States upon completion of his service to pursue graduate school in ecology.

Kirk Caddell will also graduate in May and plans to attend medical school beginning in the fall. Kirk is also pursuing an Interdisciplinary Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences, which he will complete this summer. Originally from Oklahoma, Kirk moved to Montana with his wife Kim and their son, "Ozzie" to be near family and pursue his dream of becoming a physician.

09/2006: 5 Montana Tech Biology Students Present Research Findings at  the Northern Rocky Mountain Conference on Infectious Disease and Environmental Health, sponsored by MT INBRE and the Montana State University COBRE, September 20-23, 2006 at Big Sky, Montana.


Kirk Caddell, Andrew Ramstead, Christine Hash, Abby Leary and Jason Park presented their research at a scientific conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.  All 5 are participants in Undergraduate Research Program at Montana Tech and sponsored by faculty of the Biology department. 

Faculty of the Biology Department at Montana Tech also gave presentations of their research.  Dr. Rick Douglass discussed Sin Nombre Virus Infection of Deer Mice in Montana: Characteristices of Newly Infected Mice, Incidence, and Temporal Pattern of Infection, Dr. Amy Kuenzi discussed Dynamics of Hantavirus RNA and Antibody in Deer Mice in Montana, and Dr. Marisa Pedulla spoke about Isolation and Characterization of Mycobacteriophages as an Tool for Science Education and Scientific Discovery.

09/2006: Dr. Rick Douglass' Intro to Ecology and Biodiversity Trip to Yellowstone:

From September 16-18, more than 40 students taking Ecology with Dr. Douglass had an overnight trip to Yellowstone National Park where they studied and saw first-hand the effects of fire, artificial boundaries, predation and population size of browsing animals on the dynamic ecosystem. For more information about the trip contact Dr. Douglass.