Winter/Spring 2025 Beginning Researcher Support Program Projects

Faculty Mentors Names:

Dr. Aymeric Goyer ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Botany and Plant Pathology

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Through the Artemis missions, NASA seeks to establish a long-term sustainable presence of the Lunar surface. An important aspect of sustainability efforts will be using materials that can be sourced at the site of Lunar stations, referred to as in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Among ISRU efforts is the idea of using the regolith which is highly available as a plant growth substrate in support of on-site food production. This project uses regolith simulants to study the effects growth in regolith may have on the growth, development, and yield of potatoes, a highly productive staple crop.

 

Project Description:

This project will characterize potato growth and development at both the phenotypic and molecular levels, using sophisticated tools to analyze plant size and pigmentation, as well as molecular tools to analyze metabolites and gene expression. This work seeks to fill a knowledge gap as potatoes have not previously, to our knowledge, been investigated in Lunar regolith simulant. By filling this knowledge gap, we improve the technology readiness level of in situ food production systems for the Lunar surface.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Students will be required to work in both laboratory and greenhouse settings, adhering to all safety protocols that they will be trained on.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Student will be required to assist with planting, monitoring growth, and harvesting plant materials, as well as assisting in the biological and chemical analyses performed on the collected materials. This includes activities such as preparing preparing pots of regolith, maintaining tissue culture stocks, and performing extractions.

 

Skills:

1. Good communicator
2. Punctual
3. Enthusiastic
4. Dependable

 

Learning Outcomes:

In this project, students will:

1. Develop skills working with plants in greenhouse and closed chamber environments
2. Develop and hone analytical chemistry skills
3. Learn how to organize and present scientific findings

 

Expected start and end date:

Start of Winter term 2024 to end of Spring term 2025

 

Anticipated hours per week:

6-8

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Mike Burns ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences

 

Research modality:

Hybrid of remote and in-person

 

Project Abstract:

The number of vertebrae in fishes varies widely and is influenced by various environmental factors. This study focuses on understanding how different environmental factors, such as swimming mode, water temperature, flow rate, and diet, influence vertebral numbers in minnow fishes. We plan to compare vertebral numbers across approximately 400 minnow species and employ statistical analyses to elucidate the evolutionary patterns of vertebral number variation. Minnows, found in diverse habitats ranging from tropical freshwaters in Asia and Africa to temperate and near Arctic waters of North America and Europe, exhibit a wide range of ecological diversity. By comparing variations in water temperatures, flow rates, and diets, our study aims to provide unprecedented insights into how multiple environmental pressures shape the evolution of observable physical traits in geographically widespread animal groups. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between environmental characteristics and vertebral number evolution in fishes.

 

Project Description:

The number of vertebrae varies widely across the diversity of fishes. Several environmental and evolutionary factors influence vertebral numbers. For instance, diverse aspects of fish ecology, such as swimming mode, water temperature and flow rate, and diet, are suggested to influence vertebral numbers. Many studies have examined how a single aspect of fish ecology, i.e., water temperature, influences vertebral number. Still, these studies often show contradictory results regarding how the different ecologies influence vertebral number evolution. For instance, fishes in cold waters tend to have more vertebrae than fishes in warm waters due to cold waters promoting increased body sizes. Fishes in river rapids tend to have more vertebrae than fishes in calm waters due to the increased demands of swimming in turbulent environments. Thus, fishes that have evolved in warm and turbulent or cold and peaceful waters experience contrasting pressures for vertebral evolution. These contrasting pressures beg the question of how vertebral numbers evolve in groups of fishes that have evolved in response to multiple environmental pressures simultaneously. To address this limitation, we plan to compare vertebral numbers across ~400 species of minnows and use a suite of statistical analyses to understand how these different vertebral numbers evolved. Minnows are an incredibly diverse group of fishes with species distributed from tropical freshwaters in Asia and Africa to temperate and near Arctic waters of North America and Europe. Species exhibit a dramatic amount of ecological diversity. Some species inhabit the warm rapids of the African Congo River, feeding on algae attached to rocks. In contrast, others, such as Oregon pikeminnows, inhabit the cold and relatively tranquil waters of the Pacific Northwest, feeding on insects and other fishes. This study will examine how variations in water temperatures, flow rates, and diets have influenced vertebral numbers in these fishes. Our study will offer unparalleled insights into how multiple ecological pressures can influence aspects of the evolution of observable physical traits in geographically widespread groups of animals.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Program participants will primarily work from the Oregon State University Ichthyology Collection (OSIC) located in Nash Hall on main campus. Students may also be able to participate remotely or in a hybrid fashion.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Specific tasks will involve digitally dissecting CT scans of specimens, counting vertebral numbers for different species, and conducting preliminary statistical analyses.

 

Skills:

Students do not need prior skills but should be organized and detail-oriented. An interest in fish, comparative anatomy, evolution, or biodiversity sciences is desired but not required. All necessary training will be provided, and the PI will directly supervise program participants. The Oregon State Ichthyology Collection values fostering a safe, supportive, and equitable research environment that supports students from all backgrounds. As such, we strongly encourage those who identify with underrepresented and historically marginalized groups to apply.

 

Learning outcomes:

Program participants will gain valuable, hands-on experience through lab-based data collection. Students can expect to learn techniques commonly used in ichthyology and evolutionary biology. Specifically, undergraduates will work with the PI to measure, count, and digitize fish phenotypes using museum specimens from the OSIC. Students will also learn about comparative anatomy, statistics, and biodiversity sciences.

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter 2025 (opportunity to continue with the project in Spring 2025)

 

Anticipated hours per week:

3-10

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Victor Ribeiro ([email protected])

Faculty Mentor Departments:

Crop and Soil Science

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

The Willamette Valley in western Oregon is a leading seed production region for cool-season grass and legume crops. Lolium multiflorum is both a crop, known as annual ryegrass, and a weed, known as Italian ryegrass, in the state. Its management often relies on chemical control, which has led to the evolution of herbicide-resistant populations within the seed production region. Recently, growers reported control failures of L. multiflorum with glyphosate and clethodim, two commonly used herbicides in grass and legume cropping systems. In response to increasing requests from growers to test L. multiflorum populations for resistance and improve management strategies, this study aims to screen populations collected across the Willamette Valley for resistance to four different herbicide modes of action commonly used in grass and legume seed crops. The results of this study will help guide growers and practitioners in selecting appropriate herbicides to manage L. multiflorum and delay resistance evolution.

 

Project Description:

This study is designed to address growers' requests for formal resistance testing. Six field-collected Lolium multiflorum populations will be tested for resistance to clethodim, glufosinate, glyphosate, and pronamide. These herbicides represent four different modes of action commonly used for L. multiflorum control in grass and legume cropping systems in the region. A herbicide-susceptible population will be included for comparison. Lolium multiflorum seeds will be germinated in 250-cm3 acrylic square germination boxes in a growth chamber with continuous light at 15 °C. Seedlings (with an approximately 5 cm shoot length) from each population will be individually transplanted into 750-cm3 square pots filled with a commercial potting mix. The experimental unit will consist of a square pot containing a single plant. The experiment will be conducted in the greenhouse using a randomized complete block design with four replications and will be repeated 14 days later. Herbicide rates of 0, 1, and 2 times (X) the recommended labeled rate will be used. Herbicides will be applied to L. multiflorum plants at the 2- to 3-leaf stage using a research track sprayer delivering 140 L ha-1 spray solution. Plants will be visually assessed as dead (completely necrotic plants; assessed value of 0) or alive (green tissue and evidence of regrowth; assessed value of 1) at 21 days after treatment. Aboveground biomass will be harvested, and the dry weight will be used to determine the percentage of biomass reduction. The data will be analyzed, and the results will be communicated to growers.

 

Description of Work Environment:

The work will take place on campus, where the student will work in the Weed Science lab in the Department of Crop and Soil Science and at the greenhouse.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Project activities will include counting and germinating seeds, transplanting seedlings, collecting data (both visual and biomass), processing samples (weighing biomass and entering data), and analyzing the data.

 

Skills:

Students with previous experience in plant science-related projects or those eager to gain lab and greenhouse experience in a Weed Science project are encouraged to apply. Students will learn skills related to experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, along with knowledge about weed management and resistance evolution.

 

Learning Outcomes:

• Design and conduct greenhouse experiments 
• Phenotype weed populations as resistant or susceptible to herbicides 
• Data analysis and scientific communication  
• Gain experience working in a collaborative environment alongside a team of scientists

 

Expected start and end date:

December 2024 - February 2025

 

Anticipated hours per week:

20

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Jung Kwon ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Food Science & Technology

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

The project will investigate the potential health benefits of peptide products generated from hazelnut meal protein following in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

 

Project Description:

Residual hazelnut meal, the material obtained after pressing the nuts for oil extraction, represents around 40% of the kernel mass. Hazelnut meal produced this way is generally considered a by-product and often used as a low-value feed ingredient. However, hazelnut meal contains high nutritional contents, including protein (35-55%) and various micronutrients such as Vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and calcium. This suggests a high potential for hazelnut meal to be upcycled and used to support human nutrition. This project will focus on the initial research development utilizing hazelnut meal of Oregon cultivars and evaluating the potential health benefits of peptide products generated from hazelnut meal protein digestion. Specifically, the project will focus on producing protein concentrate from hazelnut meal using the isoelectric precipitation method and evaluating the potential health benefits of peptide products generated from hazelnut meal protein following simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Primarily lab work on campus, and computer-based data analysis.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

The student will perform experiments by working closely with graduate students in the lab. The student is expected to read scientific literature associated with their project, analyze the data, attend weekly lab meetings, and present their data.

 

Skills:

The student must have the following skills and qualifications.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Time management skills and a strong sense of responsibility to complete a given task;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively;
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols consistently;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and
• Introductory statistics.

 

Learning outcomes:

The student will learn how to plan, design, conduct scientific experiments, and analyze and interpret data.

 

Expected start and end date:

Start of Winter 2025 to end of Spring 2025

 

Anticipated hours per week:

Varies

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Luyao Ma ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Food Science & Technology

 

Research Modalitiy:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top three global public health threats, alongside cancer and climate change. In the United States, approximately 70% of antibiotics are used in the food system, contributing to the rise of AMR bacteria. The spread of AMR significantly limits treatment options for bacterial infections, leading to prolonged hospitalizations and increased mortality. To address this growing threat, our research aims to develop a rapid, user-friendly, and cost-effective detection method using artificial intelligence (AI) and optical imaging to identify AMR-contaminated food products in the food supply chain, helping to mitigate the transmission of resistant bacteria.

 

Project Description:

This project addresses AMR issues in food by developing AI-based advanced sensing techniques. The project will focus on three key objectives: (i) developing and optimizing an AI-enabled imaging detection method for identifying AMR bacteria; (ii) collecting an AMR bacterial image dataset for training machine learning models; and (iii) validating the detection method using real food samples. The long-term goal is to create an efficient, reliable, and scalable solution to enhance food safety and mitigate the spread of AMR through the food supply chain.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Students will conduct experiments in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory located in Wiegand Hall within the Department of Food Science & Technology. Students will have access to a dedicated office desk and the student lounge for study and collaboration.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

 Complete all relevant safety training and compliance with safety protocols

 Read relevant scientific literature

 Conduct assigned experiments, including wet lab and data analysis

 

Skills:

 Research experience or coursework in microbiology is a plus but not mandatory.

 Basic programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) are preferred but not required. Training will be provided for specific tasks as needed.

 

Learning outcomes:

 Gain hands-on experience in conducting independent experiments in microbiology, microscopy, and imaging techniques.

 Develop skills in data analysis.

 Acquire knowledge of antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and the application of artificial intelligence in food science, along with skills in scientific communication through oral and poster presentations.

 

Expected start and end date:

Fall 2024 term – Winter 2025 term

 

Anticipated hours per week:

Varies, typically 4-8 hours per week

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15

Faculty Mentors Names:

Dr. Beth A. Rowan ([email protected])

Faculty Mentors Departments:

Horticulture

 

Research Modality:

Entirely remote/virtual

 

Project Abstract:

Since the first demonstration that bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 systems could be engineered to act as a programmable nuclease that could be used to produce targeted mutations, researchers have widely adopted and adapted the technology for a variety of uses. These range from its use as a research tool to understand basic principles of biology to using it to advance biomedical treatments and to improve agricultural crops. However, the technology itself is not a one-size-fits-all strategy and it often takes research and refinement to get it to work efficiently in different species. Although genome editing was first applied to lettuce several years ago, it has only recently become efficient enough to generate many mutant alleles for every experiment. Consequently, we currently have a lot of data about the types of mutations that are generated in lettuce. While the general pattern of 1-bp insertions and 1-bp deletions being the most frequent types of mutations in other organisms also holds true for lettuce, we are now interested in analyzing these mutations in finer detail and identify whether there are sequence features at the guide target site associated with particular types of mutations. The Rowan Lab is seeking an undergraduate student to analyze CRISPR mutations and identify patterns that may help us understand more about the repair processes that might be giving rise to the CRISPR-induced mutations that we observe and may also inform guide design/selection to achieve specific types of mutations.

 

Project Description:

Together with the faculty supervisor, the undergraduate researcher will organize and catalog the mutations identified across several different CRISPR experiments in lettuce. The undergraduate will analyze the frequency of different types of mutations and test whether there are sequence features that are associated with particular mutations. For insertion mutations, the undergraduate researcher will determine whether there is any bias in the nucleotide that is inserted and whether these might arise from a templated or a non-templated repair process.

 

Description of Work Environment:

This is a remote project that can be done completely remotely on the student's laptop or home desktop computer.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

The student will be responsible for analyzing existing data. The student is expected to be able to manage his/her/their own time. The student will meet with the faculty advisor regularly to share results and receive guidance.

 

Skills:

Students will acquire skills in data analysis and DNA sequence analysis.

 

Learning outcomes:

In addition to the skills listed above, the student will learn about the CRISPR-Cas9 system and its application to plants.

 

Expected start and end date:

Flexible - can begin anytime between January 2025 and March 2025, can end when the project is completed.

 

Anticipated hours per week:

Flexible - I expect this project to require about 60-62 hours of work in total, which can be spread out in fewer hours per week over more weeks or more hours per week for fewer weeks.

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$16

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Scott Heppell ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conervation Sciences

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Kelp forests are prime examples of threatened habitats that are critical to countless marine species. Unfortunately, multiple stressors have led to recent declines of kelp forests along the US West Coast. Despite robust monitoring efforts across much of this region, underwater surveys in Oregon mainly target invertebrates and algae, whereas fish surveys are rare. Clearly, there is an urgent need to continue to monitor kelp persistence in Oregon, and to enhance our tracking of changes in fish communities in response to both overall declines and seasonal fluctuations in kelp cover. To address this, we will compare changes in fish communities over time using historical and novel kelp forest community composition data collected through SCUBA surveys. Overall, this study will offer critical insights into the role of kelp forests in sustaining important fish species in Oregon.

 

Project Description:

Since kelp forest fish count data are relatively rare in Oregon, we plan to use three different methods to characterize Oregon’s kelp forest fish communities. The three techniques to be used are: underwater fish counts via scuba, video surveys, and water sample (eDNA) analysis. SCUBA diving on the Oregon coast is considerably more challenging than other more commonly sampled temperate regions (i.e. central - southern California, the Puget Sound, and British Columbia) due to its lack of protected inlets or bays, generally creating rough ocean conditions. Additionally, during Oregon’s generally calmer summer season, intense plankton blooms often reduce visibility to less than one meter, making visual fish surveys nearly impossible. Thus, to monitor Oregon’s kelp forests and their fish communities in particular, researchers may need to employ a variety of methods that circumvent the challenges imposed by diving in coastal Oregon. You will learn to compare the methods used to collect kelp forest community composition data, with an emphasis on how these techniques fare in characterizing Oregon’s nearshore fish communities. This project will be one of the first to provide both general information about which fish species are present in Oregon’s kelp forests and the best methods for detecting them.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Research will be conducted in both lab and field settings. Data collection will occur at sites around Newport, OR and Coos Bay, OR. We will provide transportation to field work locations. Data processing will occur in Nash Hall at the Corvallis campus. The lab has ample office space for data entry, video processing, and other work that would need to be done on a laptop. We also have lab space at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) in Newport, OR that students could work in as well if interested.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Students will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on field work including water sampling, preparing sampling gear for divers, and even the opportunity to participate in dive surveys for those with scientific dive certification. These field surveys would take place two days per month in coastal Oregon. In the lab, students will learn to prepare and process eDNA samples, analyze community composition data, watch videos and identify and measure fishes using a computer program, and analyze results from eDNA analysis in R.

 

Skills:

We will prioritize a student’s potential over experience so that undergraduate students that have not yet had opportunities to conduct scientific research can gain experience in the field. Prospective students should be organized, detail-oriented, timely, and excited about conducting research. A strong interest in fisheries and/or marine science is desired. Students with an interest in SCUBA diving applications to research are also desired, but no SCUBA diving experience is necessary. All necessary training for field and lab based work will be provided. Program participants will be directly supervised by a graduate student who will be responsible for day-to-day activities. Undergraduates will also meet with their faculty mentor on at least a biweekly basis (more, if requested) and participate in lab meetings when possible. We will work with students to help plan and direct student research activities by setting reasonable and attainable goals and establishing appropriate timelines for successful completion.

 

Learning outcomes:

Students will gain valuable, hands-on experience through field and lab based data collection and analysis. Undergraduates will work with a graduate student to collect water samples from a small boat, process videos and identify temperate fishes, and process water samples for eDNA analysis. Students will also practice programming skills in R studio to perform eDNA and community assemblage analysis and gain experience with database management. Lastly, students will work with a graduate student to develop a research question pertaining to the data collected and gain skills in scientific writing and presenting their findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter 2025 - Spring 2025 (with the possibility to continue their project into Summer 2025 and beyond)

 

Anticipated hours per week:

2-8 (varies based on field work versus lab work needs)

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Jooyeoun Jung ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Food Science and Technology

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Chitin and chitosan are known for their strong antimicrobial properties, but there has been limited research on extracting these substances from black soldier fly (BSF), a common byproduct of insect farming and waste management. This ongoing study aims to optimize chemical methods for extracting chitin and chitosan from BSF and to explore their material properties for use in developing active biodegradable packaging. The chemical extraction process will involve using sodium hydroxide to remove proteins. The extracted chitin will then be converted into chitosan through further treatment with sodium hydroxide. The chitin will be analyzed based on its viscosity-average molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and using FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of the chitosan will be tested using the disc diffusion method to assess its potential for active packaging applications.

 

Project Description:

Introduction: The black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) is increasingly recognized for its significant role in sustainable waste management and agriculture. The larvae of BSF are efficient decomposers, capable of breaking down various types of organic waste, including food and agricultural residues. This makes BSF a crucial component in integrated waste treatment systems, converting organic material into valuable biomass such as protein-rich feed for livestock and nutrient-dense compost. In the lifecycle of BSF, a large number of insects naturally die post-larval and pupal stages, resulting in a surplus of dead BSF. This biomass presents an opportunity for the extraction of valuable biopolymers like chitin and chitosan, ensuring that no part of the BSF life cycle goes to waste. Chitin, a natural polymer found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and insects, and its derivative chitosan, are known for their antimicrobial properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for developing sustainable packaging solutions. While extensive research has explored chitin and chitosan from sources like crustaceans (e.g., shrimp and crabs), the extraction and application of these biopolymers from dead BSF remains underdeveloped. This study aims to fill that gap by optimizing chemical methods for extracting chitin and chitosan from BSF and exploring their material properties for use in active biodegradable packaging.

Significance of Study: This study addresses the need for sustainable solutions in waste management and packaging industries by using dead BSF as a novel source of chitin and chitosan. BSF biomass is abundantly available as a byproduct of waste treatment and insect farming processes, providing a renewable and underutilized resource. Developing methods to efficiently extract and utilize chitosan from dead BSF not only maximizes the value of these byproducts but also contributes to the development of biodegradable packaging solutions that reduce reliance on conventional plastics. The project supports circular economy practices by ensuring that all components of the BSF lifecycle are used effectively. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of chitosan can enhance the shelf life of packaged food, addressing the growing demand for packaging that can actively preserve food products.

Objectives:

• Optimize chemical extraction methods for isolating chitin and chitosan from dead BSF.
• Characterize the extracted chitosan to assess its suitability for packaging applications.
• Evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the extracted chitosan for use in active packaging systems.

Materials and Methods:

1. Sample Collection and Preparation: o Dead BSF will be collected from insect farms and organic waste treatment facilities. The exoskeletons of these insects will be cleaned and dried to remove any impurities or residues before extraction.
2. Chemical Extraction of Chitin and Chitosan:
   • The extraction process will be optimized to isolate chitin from the BSF exoskeletons. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) will be used for the deproteinization process to remove proteins bound to the chitin.
   • The extracted chitin will then be converted into chitosan through a deacetylation process using sodium hydroxide. This step will involve various factors with a wide range of levels to remove acetyl groups, converting it into chitosan.
3. Characterization of Extracted Chitin and Chitosan:
   • The extracted chitin and chitosan will be analyzed using several methods to determine their structural and chemical properties. These methods include:
   • FTIR Spectroscopy: To identify functional groups and confirm the successful conversion of chitin to chitosan by detecting characteristic peaks.
   • Degree of Deacetylation (DD): To measure the extent of chitin conversion to chitosan, an important parameter influencing its solubility and antimicrobial properties.
   • Viscosity-Average Molecular Weight: To assess the molecular size and stability of chitosan, which are critical for film-forming properties.
4. Antimicrobial Testing of Chitosan:
   • The antibacterial properties of chitosan will be evaluated using the disc diffusion method. The test will be conducted against E. coli.
   • Different concentrations of chitosan will be tested to determine their effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth. The zones of inhibition will be measured and compared to standard antimicrobial agents.

Description of Work Environment:

This project will primarily take place in the Corvallis campus labs within the Department of Food Science and Technology, offering a dynamic and hands-on learning environment. Students will engage in chitosan extraction, examining its intrinsic properties and applying this knowledge to film formulation. They will be involved in a variety of tasks, including preparing and optimizing conversion processes for producing chitosan materials from black soldier flies from organic waste treatments, and assessing their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The lab environment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation, providing students with opportunities to work with tools such as a texture analyzer for mechanical testing, a colorimeter for color assessment, and a UV/Vis spectrophotometer. Students will handle various chemicals and materials while adhering to safety protocols and proper lab procedures. Collaboration is a key aspect of the work environment, as students will interact closely with graduate students and lab staff, gaining insights into advanced techniques and research methodologies. This collaborative setup fosters an atmosphere of learning and professional growth, encouraging students to develop problem-solving skills and hands-on experience in food science and materials analysis.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Firstly, students will undergo a comprehensive learning process designed to equip them with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for conducting research. This process will include an orientation to lab protocols, safety training, and hands-on learning with the equipment and materials specific to the project. Students will initially engage in shadowing a graduate student who is working on a similar project, allowing them to observe and learn research techniques, experimental procedures, and best practices for data collection and analysis. Once students are familiar with the methodologies and have developed a solid understanding of the project's scope, they will collaborate with their mentor to create a detailed research plan and tentative schedule. This plan will outline specific experiments to guide their independent work. Following this preparation, students will conduct experiments independently, applying the skills and knowledge gained during the learning phase. They will be responsible for preparing and analyzing chitosan materials, and accurately recording data. To ensure continuous progress and maintain communication, students are expected to submit weekly reports to the advisor. These reports should detail the activities performed, any data collected, challenges encountered, and preliminary findings. The advisor will review these reports, providing feedback and guidance during weekly meetings. This routine will facilitate a structured and supportive environment for students to make consistent progress, troubleshoot any issues, and refine their research techniques as they gain experience.

 

Skills:

Students will acquire a range of skills throughout the research project, with no prior experience required. However, all students must complete lab safety training before beginning any work in the lab.

 

Learning outcomes:

Demonstrate proficiency in optimizing chemical extraction methods for isolating chitin and chitosan from dead black soldier fly (BSF), including proper handling of chemicals, understanding extraction protocols, and adjusting process parameters to achieve maximum yield and purity. Analyze and characterize the properties of extracted chitosan using various analytical techniques (e.g., FTIR spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, and degree of deacetylation) to determine its suitability for use in biodegradable packaging applications. Evaluate the antimicrobial properties of chitosan through testing methods such as the disc diffusion assay, and interpret results to assess its effectiveness in active packaging systems for food preservation. Apply scientific methods and critical thinking skills to refine extraction processes and improve the performance of chitosan-based packaging materials, ensuring that students can independently troubleshoot and optimize research procedures. Communicate research findings effectively through weekly reports, presentations, and discussions, demonstrating an ability to articulate the relationship between chitosan properties and its practical applications in biodegradable packaging.

 

Expected start and end date:

Jan 6 - Jun 6

 

Anticipated hours per week:

20

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$16

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Serhan Mermer ([email protected])

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Environmental & Molecular Toxicology

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Trisiloxane surfactants (TSS) are extensively used in agriculture to enhance pesticide efficacy, but their potential toxic effects on non-target organisms like honey bees (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera: Apidae) are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the differential toxicity of three TSS groups, each characterized by distinct functional groups: hydroxyl (-OH), methyl (-CH3), and acetyl (-COCH3). Honey bees will be exposed to a 100 ppm concentration of each TSS in controlled cage-feeding assays over seven days, with groups consisting of 100–200 bees. Mortality rates and behavioral changes will be recorded to assess acute toxicity. To gain deeper insights into the biochemical impacts of TSS, metabolomic profiling using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) will be conducted. This approach will help identify disruptions in key metabolic pathways such as energy production, lipid metabolism, and detoxification processes. Furthermore, oxidative stress will be evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in honey bees exposed to different TSS formulations. Previous studies indicate that the toxicity of TSS varies by functional group, but the mechanisms behind these differences are unclear. This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how TSS exposure affects honey bee health at both physiological and molecular levels by integrating mortality, metabolomic, and oxidative stress data. The findings will inform risk assessments and regulatory decisions related to the use of surfactants in agrochemical products, ultimately contributing to the development of safer agricultural practices that protect pollinators, which are critical for ecosystem sustainability and agricultural productivity.

 

Project Description:

Introduction:

Honey bees (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera: Apidae) play an essential role in pollinating crops, contributing significantly to global food security. However, the decline in honey bee populations, driven by various stressors such as pesticides, habitat loss, diseases, and environmental contaminants, has raised global concerns. Among the chemicals posing a risk to honey bees are surfactants, particularly Trisiloxane Surfactants (TSS). These surfactants are commonly used in agriculture to enhance the spreading and penetration of pesticides, increasing their effectiveness. Despite their widespread use, the toxicity of TSS to honey bees is poorly understood, especially in relation to different functional groups that may influence their effects. Trisiloxane surfactants are organosilicon compounds known for their super-spreading properties, which allow for more efficient pesticide application. TSS contain a hydrophobic siloxane backbone and hydrophilic functional groups, which help in lowering surface tension. Previous studies have suggested that TSS with different functional groups exhibit varying degrees of toxicity, but the mechanisms behind these differences remain unclear. Understanding how TSS affect honey bees at the physiological and molecular levels is crucial for developing safer agrochemical formulations and mitigating risks to non-target species like pollinators. This project aims to address the knowledge gap by assessing the toxicity of three different TSS functional groups (hydroxyl (-OH), methyl (-CH3), and acetyl (-COCH3)) on honey bees. Specifically, we will investigate mortality rates, metabolic disruptions using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics, and oxidative stress responses. This research will provide valuable insights into the biochemical mechanisms of TSS toxicity and inform risk assessments to protect honey bees and other pollinators.

Objectives: The overarching goal of this study is to assess the differential toxicity of TSS on honey bees and to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying their effects. To achieve this, the following specific objectives have been defined:

• Objective 1: Assess the acute toxicity of TSS functional groups on honey bees. Conduct cage-based feeding assays to expose honey bees to 100 ppm of three different TSS groups (-OH, -CH3, -COCH3). Measure and compare the mortality rates and behavioral changes across the three TSS treatments to determine the relative toxicity of each functional group.
• Objective 2: Investigate the metabolic responses of honey bees to TSS exposure using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics. Analyze the metabolomic profiles of honey bees exposed to different TSS functional groups to identify disruptions in key metabolic pathways, including energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and detoxification processes. Compare the metabolite profiles of honey bees exposed to each functional group to uncover functional group-specific metabolic alterations.
• Objective 3: Measure the oxidative stress induced by TSS exposure in honey bees. Quantify the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in honey bees exposed to each TSS group to determine the extent of oxidative stress induced by different functional groups.Investigate the relationship between ROS levels and metabolomic changes to better understand the role of oxidative stress in TSS toxicity.

Background and Significance:

Honey bees are indispensable to agriculture, responsible for pollinating a wide range of crops. However, honey bee populations are in decline due to various anthropogenic and environmental stressors. Among these, pesticides and the adjuvants used to enhance their effectiveness represent significant threats. TSS are widely used in modern agriculture for their ability to improve pesticide uptake in plants. These surfactants lower the surface tension of liquids, allowing pesticides to spread more evenly and penetrate plant tissues more efficiently. Despite their benefits in agriculture, the potential risks posed by TSS to non-target organisms, particularly pollinators like honey bees, are not well understood. The literature has documented differences in the toxicity of TSS based on their functional groups, but the underlying biochemical mechanisms remain unknown. Trisiloxane surfactants can be composed of different functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH), methyl (-CH3), and acetyl (-COCH3), which may interact differently with biological membranes, proteins, and metabolic pathways. These structural differences likely contribute to variations in toxicity, but detailed studies on how these functional groups impact honey bee health at a molecular level are lacking. This project will explore the effects of TSS on honey bees, focusing on their acute toxicity, impact on metabolic pathways, and induction of oxidative stress. By understanding how different TSS functional groups affect honey bee physiology, we can develop more accurate risk assessments and potentially guide the development of safer agrochemical formulations that minimize harm to pollinators.

Experimental Design and Methods:

Experimental Setup: Honey Bee Caging and TSS Exposure Honey bees (Apis mellifera) will be sourced from healthy, untreated colonies and housed in experimental cages. Each cage will contain 100–200 bees, ensuring uniform conditions across experimental replicates. Bees will be divided into three treatment groups corresponding to the three TSS functional groups (-OH, -CH3, -COCH3). Each group will be exposed to 100 ppm of the respective TSS dissolved in a sugar-water solution. A control group will be fed sugar-water without any TSS. The bees will be allowed to feed on this solution ad libitum for a duration of seven days. During the exposure period, daily observations will be made to assess mortality and behavioral changes, including feeding activity, mobility, and any signs of distress. Mortality rates will be recorded, and behavioral data will be used to evaluate the acute toxicity of each TSS group.

Metabolomic Analysis: NMR Spectroscopy Following the seven-day exposure, bees from each treatment group will be collected for metabolomic analysis using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Metabolites will be extracted from whole bee homogenates and analyzed to identify changes in key metabolic pathways. NMR is particularly well-suited for detecting a broad range of metabolites, including those involved in energy metabolism (e.g., glucose, pyruvate, lactate), lipid metabolism (e.g., fatty acids, phospholipids), amino acid metabolism (e.g., glutamate, alanine), and oxidative stress (e.g., glutathione, taurine, uric acid). The NMR spectra will be processed and analyzed using software tools to quantify metabolite concentrations and identify significant differences between the control and TSS-treated groups. Pathway enrichment analysis will be performed to determine which metabolic pathways are most affected by TSS exposure.

Oxidative Stress Measurement: ROS Quantification To assess the oxidative stress induced by TSS exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels will be measured in bees from each treatment group. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can cause cellular damage and are often elevated in response to environmental stressors, including chemical exposures. ROS quantification will be performed using established biochemical assays, such as the detection of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion production. We will determine the extent to which oxidative stress contributes to the observed toxicity by comparing ROS levels across the different TSS functional groups. This data will be integrated with metabolomic results to provide a comprehensive picture of how TSS affects honey bee physiology.

Expected Outcomes:

This study is expected to provide critical insights into how different TSS functional groups (-OH, -CH3, -COCH3) affect honey bee health. Specifically, we anticipate the following outcomes: Differential toxicity: We expect to observe differences in the acute toxicity of the three TSS groups, with the possibility that certain functional groups (e.g., -OH or -COCH3) exhibit higher toxicity than others. Metabolic disruptions: NMR metabolomics will likely reveal disruptions in key metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, depending on the TSS functional group. These metabolic changes could provide clues about how TSS affect cellular energy production and detoxification. Oxidative stress: We expect to detect elevated ROS levels in bees exposed to certain TSS functional groups, indicating that oxidative stress may be a significant factor in TSS-induced toxicity. Mechanistic understanding: By integrating data from mortality, metabolomics, and oxidative stress analyses, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how TSS impact honey bee health at multiple biological levels. This information will be crucial for developing risk assessments and guiding safer agrochemical formulations.

Impact and Significance:

The results of this study will have significant implications for honey bee conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. By elucidating the biochemical mechanisms of TSS toxicity, we will provide the scientific basis for evaluating the risks associated with surfactants in agrochemical products. This knowledge can inform regulatory decisions and potentially lead to the development of safer pesticide formulations that reduce harm to pollinators. Moreover, this research will contribute to the broader understanding of how agricultural chemicals interact with non-target organisms, addressing a critical gap in the current knowledge of pesticide adjuvant safety. Protecting pollinators like honey bees is essential for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem health, and agricultural productivity, making this study highly relevant to both environmental and agricultural policy.

 

Description of Work Environment:

The position will take place in labs including pesticide toxicology lab (Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology), honey bee lab (Department of Horticulture), and NMR Core Facility (Linus Pauling Institute) located in the main campus in Corvallis.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Student will work with mentor and other lab members on sample preparation, experiment set up, data generation and recording, data analysis & processing in the lab. All students must promptly inform the Principal Investigator (PI) of any known allergies to honey bee stings or related substances prior to participating in any cage experiments to ensure a safe research environment

 

Skills:

Students who have previous analytical lab experience or willing to gain toxicology and analytical laboratory experience are encouraged to apply. Students will learn skills and techniques related to sample processing, liquid and solid extraction methods, and data analysis will be gained as well as knowledge around implementation of a quality assurance/quality management system in an analytical chemistry and toxicology laboratory.

 

Learning outcomes:

1. Obtain skills used for sample preparation, extraction, and analysis.
2. Obtain skills used for an analytical chemistry laboratory such as processing qualitative and quantitative data of target and non-target compounds.
3. Learn the process of experiment planning, development, execution, and reporting.
4. Learn how to engage with and work collaboratively with a team of researchers.

 

Expected start and end date: 

Spring Term

 

Anticipated hours per week:

10-12

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15