Dr. Bollinger's research interests are in avian ecology, population and community ecology, behavioral ecology, and conservation biology. His special interests currently include the conservation biology and behavioral ecology of grassland birds. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and several ornithological societies. 217-581-6653; ekbollinger@eiu.edu

GARY A. BULLA - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1988)

Dr. Bulla's research focuses on mechanisms controlling mammalian gene expression and development. Three areas of interest include 1) Activation and silencing of hepatic gene expression, 2) The link between hepatic gene expression and cellular response to signaling molecules (including NF-kB), and 3) The role of hepatic transcription factor mutations in the development of diabetes. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health. 217-581-3499; gabulla@eiu.edu

BARBARA CARLSWARD - Assistant Professor (Ph.D., University of Florida, 2004)

Dr. Carlsward’s research interests incorporate techniques of plant anatomy and molecular phylogenetics to study plant evolution. The primary goal of her research is to generate reliable hypotheses of evolution and then use these phylogenies as a foundation for studying character evolution of plant structure. Most of Dr. Carlsward’s research has focused on orchids. She has worked extensively with the large, economically important Vanda tribe, which includes species like the ghost orchid. bscarlsward@eiu.edu

Dr. Coons' interests include plant physiology and horticulture, specifically the mechanisms which plants use to tolerate environmental stress. She has worked with several vegetable crops and several environmental stresses (low/high temperature, salt, wind, air pollution). Much of her work is in seed physiology. Dr. Coons teaches courses in plant physiology and horticulture. 217-581-6609; jcoons@eiu.edu

CHARLES J. COSTA - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of Maryland, 1982)

Dr. Costa's interests include cellular and comparative physiology. He is interested in the solute and water balance of aquatic animals, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Dr. Costa's current research deals with structure-function relationships of the sodium pump and the biophysics of active transport. 217-581-2520; cjcosta@eiu.edu

Dr. Daniel's specialty areas are anaerobic microbiology, microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial ecology. His general research interests include the ecological and metabolic roles that microorganisms, especially anaerobic bacteria, play in the turnover of matter and energy in various environmental systems such as the human/animal guts, soils, and sediments. In particular, he is interested in the degradation of toxic dietary compounds (plant-derived) by gastrointestinal bacteria and its influence on the health of the host animal; the impact of soil microorganisms on the growth and survival of native prairie plants; and the physiology and enzymology of microbial soybean pathogens. 217-581-7840; sldaniel@eiu.edu

Dr. Fritz primarily examines one form of sexual selection, "cryptic female choice", which concerns the dynamics of sperm storage and use in female insects insofar as their possible effects on paternity outcomes. Consequently, her research includes studies on copulatory behavior, and reproductive system development and morphology. Insects are ideal study subjects since there is often a temporal separation between insemination and fertilization allowing greater potential for female manipulation of sperm. To understand the mechanisms which may influence sperm storage and use, Dr. Fritz uses DNA fingerprinting techniques to determine paternity outcomes and sperm identity, performs behavioral studies of copulatory behaviors, as well as uses histological and immunological techniques to understand reproductive tract functional morphology and innervation. Graduate students may design projects using a variety of techniques and approaches including: behavioral, molecular, microscopical, immunological and field studies to examine mating system dynamics. 217-581-6907; ahfritz@eiu.edu

I have broad research interests and have published papers in ecology, taxonomy, medical entomology, and genetics, including such taxa as frogs, bats, crickets, mosquitoes and mites. Currently, my research and that of my students has focused primarily on the population dynamics, genetics, and evolutionary biology of insects that affect the health of humans and other animals. I am currently investigating the genetic differentiation and ecology of malaria mosquitoes in Bolivia under a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Another aspect of my research program examines sociobiological questions in yellowjackets and fire ants. For example, my students and I recently completed two studies that examine genetic relatedness and reproduction in yellowjacket nests with single or multiple queens. 217-581-2514; gnfritz@eiu.edu

KAREN F. GAINES – Assistant Professor (Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2003)

Dr. Gaines’ research interests primarily focus on wildlife toxicology at the landscape level. Most of her work involves developing spatial models that predict how different wildlife species may be exposed to contaminants such as radionuclides, metals and organics and how that may impact environmental health. Her work also focuses on spatially explicit biokinetic models for a variety of wildlife species. To accomplish this, she uses stable isotopes (primarily ¹⁵N/¹⁴N and ¹³C/¹²C) to study energy flow within different environmental systems. Dr. Gaines applies her research by developing tools within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to aid in ecological risk assessments. She works closely with and has been funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), as well as other national and international organizations. Graduate students who are interested in working with Dr. Gaines should have a general background in wildlife ecology and interests in learning GIS techniques to explore questions regarding environmental health. 217-581-6235; kfgaines@eiu.edu

Microbial Ecology/Plant-Microbe Interactions. Ecology of extremophiles and plant-growth promoting microbes. 217-581-2500; bhung@eiu.edu

JEFFREY A. LAURSEN - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1993)

Dr. Laursen's research interests are in parasitology, wildlife diseases, and immunology. His current interests include the transmission dynamics of parasites in natural systems, the influence of parasitism on free ranging wildlife populations (especially during periods of stress); snail/trematode interactions; and the use of molecular or immunologic techniques for parasite identification and surveillance in host populations. Dr. Laursen is the coordinator of the Biological Sciences Graduate Program. 217-581-6390; jrlaursen@eiu.edu

ZHIWEI LIU - Assistant Professor (Ph.D., Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 1998)

MARINA MARJANOVIC - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of Belgrade, 1991)

Dr. Marjanovic's interests are in comparative and adaptational physiology. She studies the effect of low temperature on ion transport mechanisms as well as other temperature related changes at the cellular level. Her goal is to relate temperature changes at the cellular level to temperature sensitivity of the whole organism, and define differences between cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive species. 217-581-6386; mmarjanovic@eiu.edu

KIP L. McGILLIARD - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1978)

Dr. McGilliard is interested in the physiology and pharmacology of the respiratory system, particularly as it relates to breathing disorders in the newborn infant. His research projects include the effects of respiratory stimulant drugs on the control of breathing and on the contractility of respiratory muscles in newborn rats. Under his supervision, students have written theses on the effects of xanthine analogs on respiratory control, diaphragmatic contractility, and sperm motility. He has received funding for his research from the National Institutes of Health and the American Lung Association. Other interests include endocrinology and computer simulations. 217-581-6384; klmcgilliard@eiu.edu

Dr. Meiners’ research interests are in plant community ecology, plant-animal interactions and the impacts of exotic plant invasions. He is currently leading a long-term (44 yr) study of old field succession based in the piedmont region of New Jersey. This data is being used to explore factors that affect community dynamics within successional systems, specifically species invasions and the impacts of severe droughts. Many research opportunities are available utilizing this landmark study. His research has been funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 217-581-3425; sjmeiners@eiu.edu; http://ux1.cts.eiu.edu/~cfsjm2/

Andrew Methven is a mycologist and lichenologist with interests in the systematics, ecology, and phylogeny of fleshy fungi and lichens. He teaches courses in mycology, lichens, and field mycology and maintains the Cryptogamic Herbarium (with more than 10,000 collections of fungi and lichens). Included among his research interests are the identification and ecology of fleshy fungi, mycogeography, the effects of forest alteration on fleshy fungi, the application of compatibility studies and molecular techniques to fungal systematics, and the identification and distribution of lichens in the Midwest. His current research program is examining the distribution of the mushroom genus Lactarius in the Western Hemisphere, the utilization of biological species concepts in systematics studies of fleshy fungi, and the application of molecular techniques to population studies and mycogeography in the mushroom genus Flammulina. Recent research projects involving undergraduate and graduate students have specifically examined 1) the effects of sugar maple removal from endemic oak-hickory forests on the occurrence and distribution of fleshy fungi, 2) the occurrence and distribution of mycorrhizae with the roots of endemic and exotic plants, 3) the distribution of rare and endangered lichens in fragmented forest ecosystems, and 4) the utilization of compatibility studies, RFLP analyses, and DNA sequence data to define biological and phylogenetic species in fleshy fungi. 217-581-6241; asmethven@eiu.edu

BRYAN G. MILLER - Associate Professor (Ph.D., Indiana University School of Medicine, 1984)

Dr. Miller has used the scanning electron microscope to examine both the vascular smooth muscle cells on the exterior of vessels as well as the endothelial cells lining them. He serves as a reviewer for Scanning Microscopy, Inc. From a general interest in anatomy and histology he currently is helping research and develop orthopedic rehabilitation and repair devices. He has four papers dealing with various aspects of his work in the circulatory system, three abstracts and one paper from orthopedic work, and two rehabilitation devices in clinical use. 217-581-6383; bgmiller@eiu.edu

Dr. Nathan's research centers around neuroscience, with special interest in neurological diseases. His current research is aimed at understanding the pathological pathways that lead to death of brain cells in aging humans, and predisposes them to dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. A wide range of molecular, biochemical, and cellular techniques are used in his laboratory. He has received funding for his research from the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute of Health, and has published in several journals including Science. 217-581-6891; bpnathan@eiu.edu

Dr. Novak’s primary research interests are in the field of ecological genetics. He uses primarily wildlife species as his focal organisms for study. Since ecological genetics involves the interaction of organisms with their environment he also utilizes the effects of anthropogenic stressors to look at genotoxic effects on wildlife populations. Currently he is working on the evolution of organismal form (size, shape and symmetry) and the use of form components as tools for the management of wildlife populations and as effects biomarkers in ecotoxicological studies. Students wishing to work with doctor Novak should either have, or have a desire to develop, skills in statistical analysis and population or quantitative genetics and the desire to learn the application of genetic techniques, such as DNA strand breakage assays, to problems in ecotoxicology. 217-581-6385; jmnovak@eiu.edu

HENRY R. OWEN - Professor (Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 1987)

Dr. Owen's research experiences and interests are in the use of cell, tissue, and organ culture techniques for plant propagation, regeneration, and genetic improvement and in seed and seedling physiology of endangered or threatened Illinois species. He and Dr. Coons coordinate the EIU Threatened and Endangered Plant Species Research Program, involving undergraduate and graduate students in both field and laboratory research projects. For more information on projects and species, use the link: http://www.eiu.edu/~teplants 217-581-6238; hrowen@eiu.edu

CHARLES L. PEDERSON - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of North Dakota, 1989)

While Dr. Pederson's primary teaching and research interests are in algal ecology and physiology, he also has considerable expertise in the areas of water quality and ecotoxicology. His research is in the field of aquatic ecology with emphasis on lake restoration and the use of algae as biological monitors of pollution. 217-581-6239;clpederson@eiu.edu

PAUL V. SWITZER - Associate Professor (Ph.D., University of California-Davis, 1995)

Dr. Switzer's interests are in animal behavior and behavioral ecology. He is particularly interested in determining how and why an individual chooses a particular location to live (habitat selection) and how they defend this location from other individuals (territoriality). He investigates these topics by using computer models and empirical studies on insects. 217-581-6951; pvswitzer@eiu.edu

A vascular plant systematist, Dr. Tucker is a specialist on the grass and sedge families, especially tropical members of the genus Cyperus. He serves as curator of the Stover-Ebinger Herbarium, a reference collection of over 60,000 plant specimens. He teaches graduate level courses in Plant Taxonomy, Aquatic Macrophytes, Bryology, and Ethnobotany. Research projects involving students focus on floristic inventory of natural areas and prairie restorations. 217-581-6240; gctucker@eiu.edu