We thank all of the committee members and chairs for their herculean effort to review 132 applications! 16 fellowships were awarded for a total of $25,700.

On this page:
• Eloise Gerry Fellowships
• Nell I. Mondy Fellowship
• SDE Fellowships
• Vessa Notchev Fellowships
• Eli Lilly Travel Award

Eloise Gerry Fellowships
Chair: Kate Kelly, PhD, Ohio University
Committee members include:
Melina Hale, University of Chicago
Jennifer Ingram, National Institute of Environmental Sciences
Amanda Simcox, Ohio State University

56 applicants, 3 awards for a total of $6500.

Sara Jane Oppenheim - $3000 3rd Yr. Doctoral Student
N. Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
sara_oppenheim@ncsu.edu

Genetic and ecological bases of hostplant specialization.

Ecologically important traits can affect both basic biological phenomena (e.g., speciation) and higher level interactions between species (e.g., the impact of insect pests on agricultural production). The genetic basis of such traits is particularly fascinating when closely related species differ in adaptation to their environment. Heliothis sub- fl exa and Heliothis virescens are one such pair: recently evolved from a shared ancestor, they are 99% genetically similar, yet differ radically in the number and diversity of hostplants fed upon. My goal is to determine whether use of Physalis plants by the generalist H. virescens is controlled by the same chromosomes as in H. subfl exa, and whether selection for use of Physalis contributes to macroevolutionary divergence.

Carrie Wu - $500
University of California-Irvine
carriewu@uci.edu

Ecophysiological variation among hybrid genotypes may affect the outcome of natural hybridization: evidence from an Ipomopsis hybrid system

Natural hybridization is an important process in the evolution of many plant species. Successful hybrid lineages often occur in habitats that are distinct from the parental habitats, but the mechanisms that promote this niche divergence have not been studied in detail. This research examines if variation in ecophysiology affects the fi tness of hybrid genotypes across environmental conditions found in a hybrid zone. In this study I evaluate water-use effi ciency in natural and experimental hybrids between Ipomopsis aggregata and I. tenuituba to determine if ecophysiological variation among advanced generation hybrids contributes to the success of particular genotypes in this hybrid zone.

Dawn Ford - $3000
4th Yr. Doctoral Student
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
df362190@ohio.edu

The sublethal physiological effects of multiple stressors on the energy acquisition and allocation patterns of the diamondback terrapin in Mulaclernys terrapin.

Stress is an environmental condition or external constraint that restricts the rate of resource acquisition and energy allocation that may ultimately reduce survivorship or fecundity. An organism incurs an energetic cost, such as an increase in metabolic rate, when exposed to a stressor. Due to its estuarine natural history. diamondback terrapins are exposed to a wide range of salinities and multiple chemical stressors. The two stressors used in this experiment are an anthropogenie contaminant, PCB 126 and a natural stressor, salinity. I am measuring the energy allocation parameters of growth, standard metabolic rate and lipid storage in unstressed, singly stressed and multiply stressed terrapins.

Nell I. Mondy Fellowship
Chair: Robin Woo, PhD, MBA (Omicron)

3 applicants, 1 award for a total of $3000.

Claudia Romero
(Colombia) - $3000
Department of Botany, University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-8526
cromero@botany.uft.edu

Ecophysiology of bark

The objective of my research is to determine how trees repair damage to bark. Damage can be the result of fi re, wind, animals, or be caused by humans harvesting bark for multiple uses.
Trees show great variability in bark structure and physiology. I do not intend to explain why bark characteristics are the way they are, but rather why tree stems with particular bark types and stem characteristics respond to damage the way they do. I plan to identify the morphological characteristics, physiological mechanisms, and general patterns of response underlying the different strategies presented by trees to deal with damage.

SDE Fellowships
Chair: Judy Bischoff, PhD, US National
Park Service (Omega)
Committee Members include:
Tina Trnka, PhD
Kathy Zahs, PhD, University of Minnesota

48 applicants, 3 awards for a total of $10,400.

Adele Lewis Grant Fellowship
Ann Cleveland, PhD - $3400
Assistant Professor of Marine Biology
Coming School of Ocean Studies
Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, ME
acleveland@mma.edu

Investigating The Physiological Basis For The Clownfi sh-Host Anemone Symbiosis: Do Resident Fish Provide Their Host With Nitrogen?

Nitrogen is a limiting resource in the marine environment and marine organisms have evolved diverse mechanisms by which to increase nitrogen effi ciency. This project examines the key role of clownfl sh in the nitrogen budget of its host anemone in both laboratory and natural fi eld conditions in the Philippines. I will quantify nitrogen fl ow from the reef environment, via feeding activity of the clownfi sh, to the host anemone and ultimately the anemone’s intracellular algal symbionts. Pilot studies (May-June 2002) using an artifi cial diet labeled with a stable nitrogen isotope (15N) indicate that this marker is effective in detecting nitrogen fl ow between the clownfi sh and anemone host, and between the anemone and its intracellular algae.

Hartley Fellowship winner
Michelle Powell - $3500
2nd Yr. Masters Student
Dept. of Neurology
University of Michigan, East Lansing, MI
powellmi@msu.edu

HIV-Associated Dementia as seen at Kalingalinga Hospice in Lusaka, Zambia

HIV-associated dementia (HIV-D) is a devastating complication of HIV infection that is associated with poor medication adherence, reduced quality of life and survival, and increased caregiver burden in HIV/ AIDS patients. Instruments sensitive to the sub-cortical defi cits seen in HIV-D are not available to the primary healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa, where most AIDS patients reside. This study investigates the usefulness of a brief screening instrument for HIV-D in a group of hospice patients in Kalingalinga, Lusaka, Zambia. Information gained from this study will improve HIV/AIDS care and provide baseline HIVAIDS prevalence information in Zambia.

Laurie J. Dizney - $3500
2nd Yr Doctoral Student
Dept. of Biology
Portland State University
Dizney1@pdx.edu

The Link Between Diversity and Disease

As our natural areas become more fragmented and disturbed due to pressure from increasing human population, confl icting interests compete for use of these natural areas. Usually, monetarily profi table uses win out over conservation, particularly since there exists very little scientifi c research supporting the direct human benefi ts of healthy, diverse ecosystems. Ultimately, conservation depends on the pragmatic benefi ts to humans. My research will investigate the potential inverse relationship between natural biodiversity and the risk of human disease. Specifi cally, I hypothesize that as biodiversity decreases, the risk of 1-lantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), caused by naturally occurring hantaviruses in rodent populations, will increase.

Vessa Notchev Fellowships
Chair: Nan Arens, PhD,
Hobart & William Smith Colleges (Delta)
Committee Members include:
Sara Patterson, PhD
Patricia Glas, PhD

17 applicants, 4 awards for a total of $2800.

Paola Carrizo - $700
3rd year doctoral student
Magister Scientiae
Agricultural Zoology Cathedra
Agronomy College, Buenos Aires University
pcarrizo@mail.agro.uba.ar
Graduated Assistant Teacher

Analysis of volunteer vegetation as thrips vectors reservoirs within La Plata horticultural belt.

Insects named thrips deliver the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, a disease that causes severe losses in greenhouse crops. There is an agreement about these insects fi nd physical refuge and breeding sites on weed fl owers, outdoors. However, comprehensive studies of this herbivore-plant relationship have been not attempted. I propose a fi eld research, to seek a pattern on their preference for weed fl owers. I expect this will contribute to arise hypothesis in order to explain their behavior. Moreover, I expect it encourages seeking for alternative and environmentally friendly systems to manage weed reservoirs of thrips.

Tiffany Elyce Crane - $700
University of New Orleans
Coastal Plant Sciences Laboratory

Controlling variables of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) stand development in Southeastern Louisiana

In southeastern Louisiana, baldcypress trees (Taxodium distichum) have exhibited limited natural regeneration. This study will examine controlling factors of stand establishment under fi eld conditions. Stands in the Manchac Swamp will be characterized using edaphic variables, physical parameters, and vegetative composition. Germination and survival rates; light intensity; and salinity, surface water depth, pH, and redox measures will be taken monthly in three distinct vegetative zones in and near stands. Soil samples will be analyzed for bulk density, organic matter content, sulfi de levels, and micronutrient composition. These data will be analyzed to determine if stands are expanding into neighboring marsh ecosystems.

Laura Monti - $700
Arlington, VA
lmmonti@hotmail.com

An Evaluation of the Genetic Effects of a New Captive Breeding Strategy

Currently, captive breeding plans for endangered species strive to achieve a high level of panmixis as a strategy for maintaining genetic diversity. However, a newly proposed breeding regime advocates creating isolated subunits within the captive populations. In theory, this would both increase the amount of genetic diversity retained and reduce adaptation to captivity. For my work, I have created a synthetic captive population using drosophilid fl ies to examine the effi cacy of the new strategy when applied to a typical zoo population. I am also examining the breeding records of several real species to determine whether subdivision would be feasible.

Virginia R. Shervette - $700
Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
shervette@tamu.edu

Assessment of Essential Fish Habitats in Grand Bay, MS, as nurseries for economically important fishes: tools for management and conservation

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) is identifi ed as waters and substrates for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growing to maturity and includes marshes, seagrasses, oyster reefs, and soft bottom to name a few. Without these habitats, fi shery species would be unable to maintain the productivity essential in sustaining a fi shery. A paucity of information exists concerning the nursery value of EFHs for juvenile fi shes. My study evaluates the potential of EFHs in Grand Bay NERR to serve as nurseries by quantifying density, biomass, growth, and survival of juvenile fi shes in the aforementioned habitats.

Eli Lilly Travel Award
Chair: Robin Woo, PhD, MBA (Omicron)
Omicron committee members include:
Monique Braude
Zembework Fesseha
Mahin Khatami
Paddy Wiesenfeld
Liz von Kaenel

8 applicants, 4 awards for a total of $3000

Rachel Squires Bulinski - $635
Dept. of Chemistry
University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN
rquires@d.umn.edu

Natural Antioxidants and Nitrative Stress and the Effect of Antioxidants on Protein Nitration.

Presented at the Gordon Conference on Nitric Oxide

Recent studies have shown that nitrated proteins have been characterized in patients with atherosclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A marker of nitrated proteins is the nitrotyrosine(s) amino acid of mitochondrial proteins which is nitrated by an unknown nitrating agent. Polyphenolic compounds, such as fl avones, are considered antioxidants and are normally found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine. Our hypothesis is that polyphenolic compounds may act as competitors for a nitrating agent, which would spare the nitration of the protein and prevent protein inactivation which may play a role in the aforementioned diseases.

Xiao-Fei Zhou - $800
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Pharmacy
University at Buffalo
State University of New York
Amherst, NY 14260

Newly Synthesized Calcium Channel Blockers as Chemosensitizers in Breast Cancer Chemotherapy.

Presented at American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Annual Meeting

Drug resistance is a major obstacle of successful chemotherapy in clinical cancer treatment. Resistance to anticancer drugs has been associated with overexpression of Pglycoprotein (P-gp) and MRPI two effl ux pumps in tumor tissues. Many chemotherapy drugs are expelled by P-gp and MRP1 before they can do their job of damaging tumor cells. My research is focusing on identifying a potent compound that can reverse the functions of P-gp and MRP1 and thus restore the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapcutic treatment. After screening from a series of compounds, the promising agent is being investigated in animal models.

Sara K. Quinney, PharmD - $565
School of Pharmacy & Pharmacal Sciences
Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN
squinney@iupui.edu

Determinants of CPT-11 and SN-38 Cytotoxicity in Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines

Presented paper at American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting

Irinotecan (CPT-11), used to treat metastatic colon cancer, is converted by carboxylesterases to the more active topoisomerase inhibitor SN-38. We examined the activity of human carboxylesterases (CES1, CES2) and topoisomerase I (TOPOI), and the cytotoxicity of CPT-11 and SN-38 in human colon carcinoma cell lines (DLD-1, HCT- 15, and HT-29). All cell lines exhibited low level of CES1 activity. IC50’s showed the cells to be 100 to 500 times more sensitive to SN-38 than to CPT-11. Cell lines with greater TOPOI activity and lower carboxylesterase activity are more resistant to CPT- 11. SN-38 exhibits greater cytotoxicity in cells with lower TOPOI activity.

Lucy Perrone - $1000
Department of Pathology
University of Texas-Galveston
laperron@utmb.edu

Localization of NF-kB Decoy Aptamer in Macrophages: Implication for Arenavirus Infection and Treatment.

Presented at the International Negative Stranded Virus Meeting