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Biology Department Advising

Email us at biologyadvising@neiu.edu for guidance on course selection, registration, and graduation requirements.

(773) 442-5740
Dr. Emily Rumschlag Booms
Emily
A.
Rumschlag Booms
Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5725
Expertise
Microbiology
Courses Taught
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Microbiology (BIO 341)
Pathogenic Microbiology (BIO 342)
Emerging Infectious Diseases (BIO 345)
Advanced Immunology (BIO 475)
Advance Topics In Biology: Applied & Environmental Microbiology (BIO 485L)
Research Interests
Viral attachment and entry, Antiviral therapeutic development
Education

Bachelor’s Degree, Indiana University

Ph.D., University of Illinois, College of Medicine

Selected Publications

Rumschlag-Booms, E. and Rong, L. Influenza A Virus Entry: Implications in Virulence and Future Therapeutics. Advances in Virology. January 2013.

Ahmet Dirim Arslan, Xiaolong He, Minxiu Wang, Emily Rumschlag-Booms, Lijun Rong, and William T. Beck. A High-Throughput Assay to Identify Small-Molecule Modulators of Alternative Pre-mRNA Splicing. J Biomol Screen 18(2):180-90 (2013).

Rumschlag-Booms E, Hongjie Zhang, D Doel Soejarto, Harry H S Fong, Lijun Rong. One-stone-two-birds, an antiviral screening protocol. J Antiviral Antiretroviral (2011), PMID 22140608.

Rumschlag-Booms E, Guo Y, Wang J, Caffrey M, Rong L., 2009. Comparative analysis between a low pathogenic and a high pathogenic influenza H5 hemagglutinin in cell entry. Virology Journal 2009, 6:76; June 10.

Guo Y, Rumschlag-Booms E*, Wang J, Xiao H, Yu J, Wang J, Guo L, Gao GF, Cao Y, Caffrey M, Rong L., 2009. Analysis of hemagglutinin-mediated entry tropism of H5N1 avian influenza. Virology Journal, 6:39; April 2. *Co-first author

Manicassamy B, Wang J, Rumschlag E, Tymen S, Volchkova V, Volchkov V, Rong L, 2007. Characterization of Marburg virus glycoprotein in viral entry. Virology, 358:79-88.

Room BBH 352D
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5725
Office Hours
Please email e-booms@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Rumschlag Booms.
Main Campus
Elyse Bolterstein
Elyse
Bolterstein
Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5742
Expertise
Molecular genetics and toxicology
Courses Taught
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology 1 (BIO 201)
Cell Biology (301)
Genetics (BIO 303)
Current Topics in Genetics (BIO 427)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Research Interests
My research interests include the role of DNA repair proteins in aging, cellular interactions during tumorigenesis, and physiological responses to environmental toxins.
Education

Ph.D. in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison

B.S. in Resource Ecology and Management from the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan

Selected Publications

Bolterstein, E., Rivero, R., Marquez, M. and McVey, M. (2014) The Drosophila Werner exonuclease participates in an exonuclease-independent response to replication stress. Genetics. 197(2): 643-52.

BBH 352A
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5742
Office Hours
Please email e-bolterstein@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Bolterstein.
Main Campus
Dr. Tom Campbell
Tom
Campbell
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5724
Courses Taught
Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Plant Physiology (BIO 331)
Human Genetics (BIO 361)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Research Interests
Natural Products; Physiology, Growth, and Development of Plants; Ecological and Environmental Monitoring; Education and Science in the Public Interest.
Education

B.S., University of Northern Iowa

Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia 

Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5724
Office Hours
Please email t-campbell7@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Campbell.
El Centro
Main Campus
Dr. Jorge Cantu
Jorge
A.
Cantú
Graduate Program Advisor, Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5743
Expertise
Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Cancer Biology
Courses Taught
General Biology I (BIO 201)
Cell Biology (BIO 301)
Cancer Biology (BIO 366)
Neurobiology (BIO 365)
Animal Models of Disease
Research Interests
Neural Development
Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Northwestern University

B.A. in Biology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

High School Diploma, Mundelein High School

Selected Publications

Monick, Sarah, Vineet Mohanty, Mariam Khan, Gowtham Yerneni, Raj Kumar, Jorge A. Cantu, Shunsuke Ichi, Guifa Xi, Bai Ram Singh, Tadanori Tomita, and Chandra Shekhar Mayanil. "A Phenotypic Switch of Differentiated Glial Cells to Dedifferentiated Cells Is Regulated by Folate Receptor α." STEM CELLS (2019).

Wiwatpanit, Teerawat*, Sarah M. Lorenzen*, Jorge A. Cantú*, Chuan Zhi Foo, Ann K. Hogan, Freddie Márquez, John C. Clancy, Matthew J. Schipma, Mary Ann Cheatham, Anne Duggan, and Jaime Garcia-Anoveros. "Trans-differentiation of outer hair cells into inner hair cells in the absence of INSM1." Nature 563, no. 7733 (2018): 691. *Equal Contribution

Nimrod Miller, Zhihua Feng, Brittany M. Edens, Ben Yang, Han Shi, Christie C. Sze, Benjamin Taige Hong, Susan C. Su, Jorge A. Cantu, Jacek Topczewski, Thomas O. Crawford, Chien-Ping Ko, Charlotte J. Sumner, Long Ma, Yong-Chao Ma. "Non-aggregating tau phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 contributes to motor neuron degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy." Journal of Neuroscience 35, no. 15 (2015): 6038-6050.

Remis, Natalie N., Teerawat Wiwatpanit, Andrew J. Castiglioni, Emma N. Flores, Jorge A. Cantú, and Jaime Garcia-Anoveros. "Mucolipin co-deficiency causes accelerated endolysosomal vacuolation of enterocytes and failure-to-thrive from birth to weaning." PLoS genetics 10, no. 12 (2014): e1004833.

Cantu, Jorge A., G. Parker Flowers, and Jacek Topczewski. "Notum homolog plays a novel role in primary motor innervation." Journal of Neuroscience 33, no. 5 (2013): 2177-2187.

Additional Information

Follow our lab on Twitter! @ProfCantu

BBH 310
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5743
Office Hours
Please email jacantu@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Cantu.
Main Campus
Photo of Administrative Aide Israel Contreras Avila at Chicago Botanic Garden
Israel
Contreras Avila
Administrative Aide
Biology
Education

B.S. in Biology, Northeastern Illinois University

Background

Israel is an alumnus of NEIU, where he completed a bachelor's degree in Biology. During his time here as an undergrad he researched Rhodiola integrifolia ssp. Leedyi genetic variability in various populations by using microsatellite data. Afterward, he worked on the Biology lab prep team, where he got to interact with both faculty and students. This experience inspired him to continue working at NEIU.

Room BBH 358G
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Office Hours
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kip Conwell
Kip
Conwell
Laboratory Manager
Biology
Expertise
Microbiology/Lab Safety
Education

M.S. in Microbiology, Arizona State University

B.A. in Biology and Spanish, Knox College

Background

Kip came to NEIU after working in biocides research and development at Dow Chemical, and later as a research geneticist testing new drugs for toxicity in mammalian immune cell lines. At Arizona State University he enjoyed a National Science Foundation Fellowship where he was able to present his virology research to high school students to inspire a new generation of scientists. His master’s degree resulted in a publication as well as a patented method to facilitate genetic engineering in viruses. His interest in sharing his love for microbiology compelled him to seek employment in a university setting.

BBH 358E
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Office Hours
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Photo of the Natural Science Technical Assistant Sara in front of a research poster.
Sara
S.
Crow
Natural Science Technical Assistant
Biology
Education

B.S. in Biology, Northeastern Illinois University

Background

Sara is an alumna of NEIU, where she completed a bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. During her time here as an undergraduate she researched diatoms and the epizoic community of microscopic organisms living on the shells of captive snapping turtles. Sara thrived with the experiences brought to her by doing research at NEIU and wants to help students take advantage of the resources of the Biology Department so they can continue to grow as biologists and help others better understand the world we're living in.

Room BBH 358C
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Office Hours
Please email ssfrance@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Sara S. Crow.
Dr. Steve Frankel at Gensburg-Markham Prairie
Steve
Frankel
Ph.D.
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5721
Courses Taught
Writing Intensive Program: General Ecology (WIP BIO 305)
Local Flora (BIO 332)
Economic Botany (BIO 333)
Research Interests
For his Ph.D., Dr. Frankel worked in Plant Chemical Ecology, specifically looking at plant–insect interactions. His thesis investigated the effects of light on production of antioxidants and plant defensive chemicals and how those interacted with insect herbivores.

Since being at NEIU, Dr. Frankel has focused on the ecology of prairies, particularly on the effect of fire on prairie communities.
Education

B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ph.D. thesis: "Light effects on plant chemistry: implications for plants and herbivores"

Selected Publications

Effects of anthocyanin content on Brassica rapa resistance to UVB radiation. With R. Klapper and M.R. Berenbaum. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 1996.  63:811-813

Antioxidant capacity and correlated characteristics of 14 unifloral honeys. With M.R. Berenbaum and G.E. Robinson. Journal of Apicultural Research.b1998.b37(1):27-31.

Effects of light regime on antioxidant content of foliage in a tropical plant community. With M.R. Berenbaum. Biotropica. 1999. 31(3).

Room BBH 358B
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5721
Office Hours
Please email Dr. Frankel at s-frankel@neiu.edu to arrange a meeting.
Main Campus
Pamela Geddes smiles into the camera in front of a plain background.
Pamela
Geddes
Associate Chair, Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5737
Courses Taught
The Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
Alien Invasions of Chicago (First Year Experience BIO 109A)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
General Ecology (Writing Intensive Program BIO 305)
Biology Senior Seminar (Capstone BIO 390)
Independent Research in Biology (BIO 392, BIO 393)
Community Ecology (BIO 357*)
Conservation Biology (BIO 453)
Restoration Ecology (BIO 455)
Independent Investigations (BIO 481X)
Research Interests
Ecology and Environmental Science
Education

Ph.D., Ecology, University of Chicago                                           

Post-doc., Ecology, Loyola University Chicago     

M.S., Biology, Florida International University     

B.S., Biology, Florida International University                                      

A.A., Biology, Miami-Dade Community College

Selected Publications

Volesky, L.A., S. Iqbal, J.J. Kelly, and P. Geddes. 2018. Relationships of native and exotic Phragmites australis to wetland ecosystem properties. Wetlands 38(3):577-589. DOI 10.1007/s13157-018-1001-1.

Geddes, P. 2015. Experimental evidence that subsidy quality affects the stability of recipient planktonic communities. Aquatic Sciences 77(4):609-621.

Geddes, P., T. Grancharova, J. J. Kelly, D. Treering, and N. C. Tuchman. 2014. Effects of invasive Typha x glauca on wetland ecosystem properties are influenced by time since invasion. Aquatic Ecology 48:247-258.

Lishawa, S.C., K.J. Jankowski, P. Geddes, D.J. Larkin, A.M. Monks, and N.C. Tuchman. 2014. Denitrification in a Laurentian Great Lakes coastal wetland invaded by hybrid cattail (Typha × glauca). Aquatic Sciences 76:483-495.

Larkin, D. M. Freyman, S. Lishawa, P. Geddes and N.C. Tuchman. 2011. Mechanisms of dominance by the invasive hybrid cattail Typha X glauca. Biological Invasions 14(1):65-77.

Mitchell, M.M, S. Lishawa, P. Geddes, D. Larkin, D. Treering, and N.C. Tuchman. 2011. Time-dependent impacts of cattail invasion in Great Lakes coastal wetlands. Wetlands 31:1143-1149.

Additional Information

My research interests focus on two broader themes: 1) Invasive plant species and the mechanisms that underlie successful invasions in wetlands, and 2) Ecological interactions in communities. Under theme No. 1, I’m interested in how plant invasive species’ traits (such as rapid growth, large biomass, large litter deposition, and even genotype) trigger a cascade of effects that span from their interaction with co-occurring native species all the way up to ecosystem-level processes. Within this topic, I am exploring two important wetland plant invaders: cattails (Typha spp.) and common reed (Phragmites spp.). I also combine molecular tools (microsatellite markers) to answer ecological questions, mostly related to the identification of hybridizing invasive plant species. Under theme No. 2, I’m interested in: a) how communities respond to external disturbances (e.g., invaders, pollutants, urbanization), and b) how aquatic communities are fueled, either via primary production, detritus, or external inputs (i.e., spatial subsidies).

BBH 340H
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5737
Office Hours
Please email p-geddes@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Geddes.
Main Campus
Nawaf Habib
Nawaf
A.
Habib
Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5720
Expertise
Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
BIO 318 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I)
BIO 319 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II)
Research Interests
According to CDC and as of 2010, 25.8 million people—8.3% of the population—have diabetes; 1.9 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years or older. I am interested in studying the effect of methylglyoxal (MG) on PC12 neuronal and BV2 macrophage cell lines. High level of MG have been detected in diabetic patients in relation to glycolysis, and it is has been linked to the cytotoxic effects in diabetes. I am also interested in studying the oxidative stressors related to high level of MG as well as the protective role of the antioxidants such as the internal antioxidant glutathione, vitamin C and turmeric in protecting the cells in diabetes.
Education

M.S. in Molecular Biology, Northeastern Illinois University

M.S. in Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iraq

B.V.M.&S. (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery), College of Veterinary Medicine, Iraq

Selected Publications

Nawaf Habib, Gauri Goswami, and Sue Mungre. Inflammatory Cytokines Induce Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in PC12 Cells. FASEB. 24(11):485.8. Abstract.

Tanya Gorgis, Nawaf Habib, and Sue Mungre. 2010. Oxidative stress injury to PC12 cells under glycating conditions. FASEB. 24(11):485.7. Abstract  

Tanya Gorgis, Nawaf Habib, and Sue Mungre. Effect of methylglyoxal on BV-2 cells. FASEB. 24(11):lb.132. Abstract

Background

I finished veterinary school from the College of Veterinary Medicine in Iraq. I worked in my father’s animal clinic as veterinarian conducting all kind of veterinary services from medicine to surgeries, concentrating on farm animals.

After that I decided to pursue post graduate study in Immunology. My work was based on studying the best vaccination program against infectious bursal disease in chicken. I studied several vaccination programs and compared their effect on both humoral and cellular immunity. I also isolated IgY (a potential immuno-therapeutic for many diseases) from chicken eggs.

I taught biology, microbiology and immunology classes for veterinary school students at the College of Veterinary Medicine in Mosul, Iraq from 2003-2007.

In 2008, I came to the United States and pursued a Master of Science at Northeastern Illinois University. I studied the effect of high levels of methylglyoxal (MG) on PC12 (a neuronal cell line) and BV2 (a macrophage cell line), as well as studied the internal antioxidant glutathione. I also studied the effect of using a supplemental called curcumin in reducing the effect of methylglyoxal.

I have been an instructor at NEIU since 2010. I teach Introduction to Biology courses as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology, with a concentration on human anatomy using cadavers in the lab.  I am currently also teaching Microbiology for nurses at Ambria College of Nursing.      

BBH 358C
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5720
Office Hours
Please email n-habib@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Habib.
El Centro
Main Campus
Dr. John Kasmer smiles into the camera while standing in front of a book case.
John
M.
Kasmer
Environmental Science Coordinator, Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5717
Expertise
Ecology
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO100)
Changing Natural Environment (BIO104)
FYE: Alien Invasions of Chicago (BIO109A)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
WIP:General Ecology (BIO 305)
Plant Ecology (BIO 350)
Ecological Methods (BIO 359)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Spreadsheet Modeling in Ecology and Evolution (BIO 411)
Foundations of Animal Behavior (BIO 415)
Foundations of Ecology (BIO 450)
Patterns in Species Diversity (BIO 451)
Conservation Biology (BIO 453)
Restoration Ecology (BIO 455)
Bio-environmental Analysis (BIO 456)
Current Topics in Ecology and Evolution (BIO 457)
Ecology and Identification of Woody Plants
Honors Introduction to the Sciences (ZHON 194)
Research Interests
Plant ecology, ecology of woody plants, invasion ecology, population ecology
Education

Ph.D., Ecology, University of Michigan

M.S., Botany (Field Naturalist Program), University of Vermont

B.S., Biology, College of William & Mary

BBH 340F
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North Saint Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5717
Office Hours
Please email j-kasmer@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Kasmer.
Main Campus
Dr. Mary Kimble smiles into the camera while standing in a lab.
Mary
Kimble
Professor Emeritus
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
Expertise
Genetics and Cell Biology
Courses Taught
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Human Genetics (BIO 361)
Current Topics in Genetics (BIO 427)
Current Topics in Human Genetics (BIO 428)
Current Topics in Cell Biology (BIO 447)
Research Interests
Anything to do with genetics. I am a bit of a research gadfly but currently do not have an active project.
Education

Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Indiana University

B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Zoology, Arizona State University

Selected Publications

Kimble, M. and A. Schirmer. (2012) General Genetics: Laboratory Manual. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co. Dubuque, Iowa

Department of Biology
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Office Hours
I am now retired, but hold Professor Emerita status.
Main Campus
Photo of Naturalist Martha Lopez-Salazar at the Gensburg-Markham Prairie.
Martha
Lopez-Salazar
Naturalist
Biology
Expertise
Natural Areas Management
Education

B.S. in Biology, Northeastern Illinois University

Background

Born in Celaya, Guanajuato, and raised in Chicago, I recently graduated with a bachelor's in Biology from Northeastern Illinois University. I always knew I wanted to major in biology but didn’t know what to do with the degree. Luckily a friend pointed me toward working with youth in nature for the Student Conservation Association. Later, I joined SCA’s All Women Crew and after four years spent a season leading restoration projects for the Chicago Park District. My current role is Naturalist for Gensburg-Markham Prairie, a 100-acre tallgrass prairie remnant that is an Illinois Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark. 

Additional Information

I am passionate about equitable access to nature. I hope to use my community engagement experience to bring more visitors to Gensburg-Markham Prairie from the surrounding communities and from across the city. I enjoy connecting with people and building bridges between communities of color and nature. I am very happy to have joined the Biology Department's team to preserve the prairie and include different groups of people in the process. 

Office Hours
Please email m-lopez32@neiu.edu or call (773) 442-5735 to arrange to meet or speak with Martha.
Dr. Gretchen Lyons
Gretchen
E.
Lyons
Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5720
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Research Interests
Tumor Immunology
Education

Ph.D., Molecular Biology, Loyola University Chicago (Stritch School of Medicine) and University of Chicago

Post-doctoral Fellowship, University of Chicago

BBH 352G
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5720
Office Hours
Please email g-lyons@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Lyons.
Main Campus
Dr. Sue Mungre
Shubhangee
M.
Mungre
Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5719
Courses Taught
General Biology 1 (BIO 201)
Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 318)
Virology (BIO 343)
Immunology (BIO 363)
Cancer Biology (BIO 366)
Research Interests
Neuronal cell death in hyperglycemia
Education

Ph.D., Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Biochemistry)

M.S., Pune University (Biochemistry) 

B.S., Pune University (Chemistry major, Microbiology and Botany Minors) 

Additional Information

Faculty advisor: Beta Beta Beta National Biological Society

BBH 340E
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5719
Office Hours
Please email s-mungre@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Mungre.
Main Campus
NEIU logo
Angela
C.
Nugent
Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5721
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
Introduction to Biology for Educators (BIOS 110)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
Biochemistry Laboratory (BIO 362)
Research Interests
Myxobacteria
Education

M.S., Northeastern Illinois University

B.S., Purdue University

Selected Publications

Sanchez, J.C., Carrillo, M., Pandey, S., Noda, M., Aldama, L., Feliz, D., Claesson, E., Wahlgren, Y., Tracy, G., Duong, P., Nugent, A.C., Field, A., Šrajer, V., Kupitz, C., Iwata, S., Nango, E., Tanaka, R.,  Tanaka, T., Fangjia, L., Tono, K., Owada, S., Westenhoff, S., Schmidt, M., and Stojković, E.A. (2019) "High-resolution crystal structures of a myxobacterial phytochrome at cryo and room temperatures" Structural Dynamics. 6: 054701.

Woitowich, N.C., Halavaty, A.S., Waltz, P., Kupitz, C., Valera, J., Tracy, G., Gallagher, K.D., Claesson, E., Nakane, T., Pandey, S., Nelson, G., Tanaka, R., Nango, E., Mizohata, E., Owada, S., Tono, K., Joti, Y., Nugent, A.C., Patel, H., Mapara, A.,  Hopkins, J., Duong, P., Bizhga, D., Kovaleva, S.E., St. Peter, R., Hernandez, C.N., Ozarowski, W.B., Roy-Chowdhuri, S., Yang, J., Edlund, P., Takala, H., Ihalainen, J., Brayshaw, J., Norwood, T., Poudyal, I., Fromme, P., Spence, J.C.H., Moffat, K., Westenhoff, S., Schmidt, M., and Stojković, E.A. (2018) "Structural basis for light control of cell development revealed by crystal structures of a myxobacterial phytochrome" IUCrJ. 5: 619-634.

Björling, A., Berntsson, O.,  Takala, H., Gallagher, K.D., Patel, H.,  Gustavsson, E., St. Peter, R., Duong, P., Nugent, A., Zhang, F., Berntsen, P., Appio, R., Rajkovic, I., Lehtivuori, H., Panman, M.R., Hoernke, M., Niebling, S., Harimoorthy, R., Lamparter, T., Stojković, E.A., Ihalainen, J.A., Westenhoff, S. (2015) “Ubiquitous Structural Signaling in Bacterial Phytochromes.” Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. 6: 3379–3383.

Room BBH 358 B
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5721
Office Hours
Please email a-nugent@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Prof. Nugent.
Main Campus
Dr. Kara Nuss
Kara
Nuss
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5225
Courses Taught
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Evolution (BIO 310)
Endrocrinology (BIO 364)
Research Interests
Evolution, Animal Behavior, Conservation Biology
Education

Ph.D. University of Chicago, 2009

B.Sc. University of Iowa, 2000

Room BBH 217A
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5225
Office Hours
Please email k-nuss@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Nuss.
Main Campus
Dr. Joel Olfelt
Joel
Olfelt
Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5718
Courses Taught
Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Plant Anatomy And Morphology (BIO 330)
Plant Physiology (BIO 331)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Research Interests
Botany
Education

Ph.D., University of Minnesota (Plant Biological Sciences)

B.A., North Park University (Chemistry major, minors in Biology and German)

BBH 358A
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North Saint Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5718
Office Hours
Please email j-olfelt@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Olfelt.
Main Campus
Corey Palmer
Corey
Palmer
Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
Expertise
Soil science
Conservation biology
Restoration ecology
Courses Taught
Our Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
General Ecology, Writing Intensive Program (WIP BIO 305)
Introduction to Environmental Science (ENVI 101)
Research Interests
Soil recovery in natural area restoration
Carbon storage in soil systems
Soil microbiome and the conservation of soil health
Education

M.S. in Plant Biology and Conservation, Northwestern University

B.A. in Environmental Studies, Knox College

Selected Publications

Yost, J. L., L. M. Egerton-Warburton, K. M. Schreiner, C. E. Palmer, and A. E. Hartemink. (2016). Impact of Restoration and Management on Aggregation and Organic Carbon Accumulation in Urban Grasslands. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 80:992-1002. doi:10.2136/sssaj2015.10.0383

Yost, J., C. Palmer, and L. M. Egerton-Warburton. (2014). The contribution of soil aggregates to carbon sequestration in restored urban grasslands. In: A. Hartemink and K. McSweeney (Eds.) Progress in Soil Science Series: Soil Carbon (147-154). Heidelburg, Germany: Springer.

Middleton, E. L., S. Richardson, L. Koziol, C. E. Palmer, Z. Yermakov, J. A. Henning, P. A. Schultz, and J. D. Bever. (2015). Locally adapted arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve vigor and resistance to herbivory of native prairie plant species. Ecosphere 6(12):276. doi:10.1890/ES15-00152.1

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Office Hours
Please email c-palmer5@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Prof. Palmer.
Main Campus
NEIU logo
Cheryl
Park
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5225
Courses Taught
Cell Biology (BIO 301)
Research Interests
Neuroscience; Endocrinology; Cell biology
Education

Ph.D., Northwestern University

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Office Hours
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Main Campus
Dr. Frederick Prete
Frederick
R.
Prete
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5724
Expertise
Vertebrate and Invertebrate Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Sensory Systems, Brain Function
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Vertebrate Physiology (BIO 360)
Neurobiology (BIO 365)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Animal Behavior (BIO 415)
Research Interests
Neurobiology of vision, evolution of sensory systems, visual prostheses for the visually impaired
Education

Ph.D., The University of Chicago

B.A., University of Illinois at Chicago

Selected Publications

Prete FR, R Theis, S Dominguez, W Bogue (2013) Visual Stimuli Eliciting Tracking and Striking in the Praying Mantises, Parasphendale affinis (Giglio-Tos), Popa spurca (Stål), and Sphodromantis lineola (Burmeister). Journal of Experimental Biology, 216: 4443-53

Popkiewicz B, FR Prete (2013) Macroscopic Characteristics of the Praying Mantis Electroretinogram, Journal of Insect Physiology, 59: 812–823

Prete FR, S Dominguez, JL Komito, R Theis, JM Dominguez, LE Hurd, GJ Svenson, (2013) Differences in Appetitive Responses to Computer-Generated Visual Stimuli by Female Rhombodera basalis, Deroplatys lobata, Hierodula membranacea, and Miomantis sp. (Insecta: Mantodea), Journal of Insect Behavior, 26: 261-282

Prete FR, R Theis, JL Komito, J Dominguez, S Dominguez, G Svenson, F Wieland (2012) Visual Stimuli that Elicit Visual Tracking, Approaching and Striking Behavior from an Unusual Praying Mantis, Euchomenella macrops (Insecta: Mantodea). Journal of Insect Physiology, 58: 648-659

Prete FR, J Komito, S Domínguez, G Svenson, YL López, A Guillen, N Bogdanivich (2011) Prey Recognition in Three Morphologically Distinct Species of Praying Mantis, Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 197: 877-894

Prete FR (2007) Complex Learning in Arthropods. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 19: IV-VI

Hurd, LE, FR Prete, T Jones, R Portman, TB Singh, JE Co (2004) The first identification, synthesis and behavioral test of a mantid pheromone. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 30: 155-166

Prete, FR (ed) (2004) Complex Worlds from Simpler Nervous Systems. Cambridge: MIT Press

Gonka, MD, TJ Laurie, and FR Prete (1999) Responses of movement sensitive descending visual interneurons to prey-like stimuli in the praying mantis, Sphodromantis lineola (Burmeister). Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 54: 243-262

Bullaro, M and FR Prete (1999) The Thoracic and Prothoracic Leg Neuromuscular System of the Praying Mantid, Sphodromantis lineola (Burmeister). The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 409: 325-338

Prete FR, H Wells, P Wells, LE Hurd (eds) (1999) The Praying Mantids. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press

Chan, WP, FR Prete, and MH Dickinson (1998) A visually guided motor-controlled gyroscope in flies. Science, 280: 289-292

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El Centro
Main Campus
Dr. Marijo Readey smiles into the camera while standing in a lab.
Marijo
Readey
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5728
Expertise
Invertebrate Zoology, Protozoology, Chronobiology, Ethology, Sociobiology
Courses Taught
The Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
Evolution (BIO 310)
Animal Kingdom (BIO 320)
Invertebrate Zoology (BIO 322)
Animal Parasitology (BIO 326)
Animal Behavior (BIO 328)
Research Interests
Sociobiology and ethology of violence and genocide and its links to kin selection; spiteful behavior
Education

Ph.D., University of Toronto

Postdoctoral work in chronophysiology and bioelectromagnetics at Argonne National Laboratories

Selected Publications

A Totally, Unabashedly Incomplete Book About Bugs (Prairie House Gallery Press, 2018)

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Main Campus
Beth Reinke
Beth
A.
Reinke
Assistant Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5727
Expertise
Organismal biology
Evolution
Pigment physiology
Courses Taught
Evolution (BIO 310), General Biology II (BIO 202)
Research Interests
My research interests center around the evolution of animal coloration and the impact of color on animal physiology and senescence. My lab addresses questions like "What is the function of coloration?", "What are the non-signaling roles of pigments?" and "What explains the diversity of color in a particular animal group?" I also am an advocate for long-term field research projects.
Education

B.A. in Zoology from Indiana University Bloomington

Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Dartmouth College

Selected Publications

Reinke, Beth A., David Miller, and Fredric Janzen. 2019. What have long-term studies taught us about population dynamics? In press at Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics. 

Reinke, Beth A., Luke Hoekstra, Anne Bronikowski, Frederic Janzen, and David Miller. 2019. Joint estimation of growth and survival from mark-recapture data to improve estimates of senescence in the wild. In press at Ecology

Reinke, Beth A., Ryan Calsbeek, Devi M. Stuart-Fox. 2017. A test of an antipredatory function for conspicuous coloration in freshwater turtles. Evolutionary Ecology 31(4):463-473. DOI: 10.1007/s10682-017-9892-5.

Additional Information

Read about Dr. Reinke's research with turtles and how you can adopt a turtle!

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Main Campus
Kayla Rihani
Kayla
Rihani
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
General Microbiology (BIO 341)
Pathogenic Microbiology (BIO 342)
Research Interests
Microbiology and Immunology
Education

M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago

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Office Hours
Please email kdrihani@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Kayla Rihani.
Main Campus
Dr. Aaron Schirmer smiles into the camera in front of a plain background.
Aaron
Schirmer
Associate Chair, Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5617
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Genomics and Proteomics (BIO 368)
Biochemical Genetics (BIO 421)
Chronobiology (BIO 412)
Research Interests
Chronobiology, Neuroscience, Behavioral Genetics, and Molecular Biology
Education

Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.
Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Ill.
Bachelors of Science, Biology
Minors in Chemistry and Urban Studies

Selected Publications

Cassidy, D., Epiney, D. G., Salameh, C., Zhou, L. T., Salomon, R. N., Schirmer, A. E., ... & Bolterstein, E. (2019). Evidence for premature aging in a Drosophila model of Werner syndrome. Experimental gerontology, 127, 110733.

Schirmer, A. E., Gallemore, C., Liu, T., Magle, S., DiNello, E., Ahmed, H., & Gilday, T. (2019). Mapping behaviorally relevant light pollution levels to improve urban habitat planning. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-13.

Prete, F. R., Schirmer, A. E., Patel, S., Carrion, C., Prete, G. M., van Alphen, B., & Svenson, G. J. (2019). Rhythmic abdominal pumping movements in praying Mantises (Insecta: Mantodea). Fragmenta entomologica, 51(1), 29-40. doi: https://doi.org/10.4081/fe.2019.332.

Smarr, B. L. and Schirmer, A. E. (2018). 3.4 million real-world learning management system logins reveal the majority of students experience social jet lag correlated with decreased performance. Scientific Reports 8, 4793.

Schirmer, A. E., Prete, F. R., Mantes, E. S., Urdiales, A. F., Bogue, W. (2014) Circadian Rhythms Affect the Electroretinogram, Compound Eye Color, Striking Behavior, and Locomotion of the Praying Mantis, Hierodula patellifera (Serville).  The Journal of Experimental Biology 217: 3853-3861.

Additional Information

Research in the Schirmer laboratory focuses on the study of circadian rhythms and the effect that these rhythms have on animal behavior and physiology. Ongoing work on mammalian circadian rhythms includes an investigation of: (1) The molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the regulation and expression of circadian rhythms in the brain and peripheral tissues, (2) the impact of environmental perturbations, such as photopollutions and social jet lag, on the circadian system, and (3) new technologies and techniques for studying circadian clocks in vivo and in vitro. In addition to work on mammalian clocks, the Schirmer lab has established collaborations to investigate the role of circadian rhythms in invertebrate model systems. Specifically, the laboratory is interested in studying the role of circadian clocks in the modulation of appetitive behavior in various praying mantis species and the implications of photopollution on Drosophila behavior.

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Main Campus
Dr. Jennifer Slate smiles into the camera.
Jennifer
E.
Slate
Chair, Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5734
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Introduction to Biology for Educators (BIOS 110)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
Writing Intensive Program: General Ecology (WIP BIO 305)
Phycology (BIO 351)
Aquatic Biology (BIO 352)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Historical and Contemporary Patterns in Species Diversity (BIO 451)
Research Interests
Aquatic Ecology, Paleolimnology, Diatoms & Other Algae, Invertebrates as Biological Indicators, Mathematical Modeling in Biology Education
Education

Ph.D., Environmental Biology, University of Louisville

B.S., Biology, University of Notre Dame

Selected Publications

Slate, J. E., Adler, R. F., Hibdon Jr., J. E., Mayle, S. T., Kim, H., and Srinivas, S.  2019.  A multidisciplinary approach to incorporating computational thinking in STEM courses for preservice teachers.  In (R. M. Reardon & J. Leonard, eds) Integrating Digital Technology in Education, Information Age Publishing Inc.: Charlotte, N.C.

Background

SCIENTIFIC MODELING IN EDUCATION:
Introductory biology students seldom have the opportunity to build or modify scientific models, despite their importance in bioscience research. Thus, I am developing educational activities for beginning students who are new to modeling. With support from a STEM+C grant from the National Science Foundation, I worked with a group of biology, computer science, math, and education students to create a simulation that applies the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model, commonly utilized by public health officials to predict the spread of disease, to simulate a mosquito-borne viral outbreak. In addition to using the simulation to test disease-causing scenarios, students can expand upon the model by writing computer code. It is thus an excellent exercise to show beginning biology students how computer modeling and simulation is used to examine biological systems.  

BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY:
As sessile aquatic invertebrates, native freshwater mussels potential for use as biological indicators. Because they live on the river bottom and are filter feeders, they are affected by both habitat degradation and water quality. In addition, both mussels and sponges leave resistant remains in the sediment that provide a historical record. With collaborators Laura Sanders and Jean Hemzacek in the Department of Earth Science, Biology, Earth Science, and Environmental Science students recently surveyed the mussel community in the Chicago River. According to a biological index developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, our data indicate a water quality value of moderate, which is promising for a river in a major metropolitan area such as Chicago. Our study was supported by a pilot grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.  

FRESHWATER SPONGE TAXONOMY:
Although common in aquatic habitats in the Midwest, freshwater sponges are understudied due to lack of knowledge of the microscopic features that allow species to be differentiated. Thus, students and I are collecting sponges from local rivers, lakes, and wetlands and quantifying the variation in morphological characteristics. In addition, we are identifying to species the freshwater sponges held in the Field Museum of Natural History’s collection. Currently, the Field Museum’s freshwater sponge collection is difficult for the research community to access, because the majority of their specimens have not been identified to species. My students are currently making microscope slides of Field Museum specimens and measuring microscopic features useful in the taxonomic identification of species.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF SPHAGNUM BOGS:
The majority of wetland habitat in the Midwest has been drained for agriculture and development. Of the wetlands that remain, quaking bogs are among the most unique and beautiful. Plants- even tamarack trees- grow on a floating mat of Sphagnum moss, which rises and falls with water levels. Microscopic organisms, about which little is known, also live on the floating moss. These small flora and fauna include sponges, a primitive animal that is well studied in oceans but not in freshwater habitats. Species new to science, including single-celled protists such as algae and amoebae, have also been recently discovered living on Sphagnum. Students and I recently characterized the microscopic flora and fauna living on Sphagnum moss. In addition to collecting modern samples of Sphagnum from bogs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we examined Sphagnum samples collected for over one hundred years that are held in the Field Museum of Natural History’s collection. 

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(773) 442-5734
Office Hours
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Main Campus
Professor Michael J. Stern wearing a light blue collared shirt
Michael
J.
Stern
Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-6010
Expertise
Developmental Biology
Genetics of model organisms
C. elegans
Courses Taught
Biochemistry (BIO 362/462G)
Research Interests
- Molecular and genetic approaches to understanding developmental biology
- Cell signaling via receptor tyrosine kinases
- Cell migration guidance mechanisms in the nematode C. elegans

My research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that control how complex, multicellular animals develop from single-cell fertilized eggs, a field known as Developmental Biology. We use molecular and genetic approaches in the model organism C. elegans to understand how cells within multicellular animals “talk” with each other to generate and maintain their normal structures and functions. Diseases such as cancer and a wide range of other pathologies arise from aberrations in the normal functioning of these processes. My specific areas of focus have concentrated on analyzing the cell-to-cell signaling mechanisms that guide migrating cells to their proper targets and that mediate fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling processes. The high degree of conservation of structure and function during metazoan evolution makes our findings in this organism applicable to our general understanding of biology, human biology and disease.
Education

B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley

Postdoctoral research: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Advisor: Dr. H. Robert
Horvitz

Selected Publications

Lo, T.-W., Bennett, D.C., Goodman, S.J., and Stern, M.J. (2010). Caenorhabditis elegans fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling can occur independently of the multi-substrate adaptor FRS2. Genetics 185: 537-547. PMID: 20308281

Kam, N., Kugler, H., Marelly, R., Appleby, L., Fisher J, Pnueli, A., Harel, D., Stern, M.J., Hubbard, E.J. (2008). A scenario-based approach to modeling development: a prototype model of C. elegans vulval fate specification. Dev. Biol. 323: 1-5. PMID: 18706404

Goodman, S.J., Branda, C.S., Robinson, M.K., Burdine, R.D. and Stern, M.J. (2003). Alternative splicing affecting a novel domain in the C. elegans EGL-15 FGF receptor confers functional specificity. Development 130: 3757-3766 PMID: 12835392

Mihaylova, V.T., Borland, C.Z., Manjarrez, L., Stern, M.J., and Sun, H. (1999). The PTEN tumor suppressor homolog in C. elegans regulates longevity and dauer formation in an insulin-receptor like signaling pathway. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96: 7427-7432. PMID: 10377431

Burdine, R.D., Branda, C.S. and Stern, M.J. (1998). EGL-17(FGF) expression coordinates the attraction of the migrating sex myoblasts with vulval induction in C. elegans. Development 125: 1083-1093. PMID: 9463355

Clark, S.G., Stern, M.J., and Horvitz, H.R. (1992). C. elegans cell-signalling gene sem-5
encodes a protein with SH2 and SH3 domains. Nature 356: 340-344. PMID: 1372395

Thomas, J.H., Stern, M.J. and Horvitz, H.R. (1990). Cell interactions coordinate the
development of the C. elegans egg-laying system. Cell 62: 1041-1052. PMID: 1821851

Stern, M.J., Ames, G.F.-L., Smith, N.H., Robinson, E.C. and Higgins, C.F. (1984). Repetitive Extragenic Palindromic Sequences: A major component of the bacterial genome. Cell 37: 1015-1026. PMID:  6378385

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Office Hours
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Main Campus
Dr. Emina Stojkovic
Emina
A.
Stojković
Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5692
Expertise
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Courses Taught
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
Molecular Biology (BIO 340)
General Microbiology (BIO 341)
Biochemistry (BIO 362)
Biochemistry of Metabolism (BIO 372)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Enzymology (BIO 462)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Methods (BIO 464)
Research Interests
Photoreceptors and Evolution of Visual Perception
Education

St. Olaf College, Chemistry, B.A. magna cum laude, 1996-2000

Honors Thesis: “Monitoring phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity by reversed-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).”

The University of Chicago, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ph.D. 2000-2005

Ph.D. Dissertation: “Characterization of the coliphage N4-encoded N-acetylmuramidase, a member of a new family of peptidoglycan-hydrolyzing enzymes.”

Selected Publications

2013    Fixen, K.R., A.W. Baker^, E. A. Stojković, J. T. Beatty and C.S. Hardwood. Chromophore-independent modulation of photosynthesis by bacteriophytochromes in response to low light. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 111 (2): E237-44.

2013    Neider, J., E. A. Stojković, K. Moffat, K. Forest, T. Lamparter, R. Bittl and J.T.M. Kennis. (2013) Pigment-Protein Interactions in Phytochromes Probed by Fluorescence Line Narrowing Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 117(48):14940-50

2012    F. G. Tobias^, A. Gawedzka^, M. S. Goldmeier^, A. C. Sakols^, E. A. Stojković, S. Tsonchev, and K.T. Nicholson, “Scanning Probe Microscopy of Bacterial Red-Light Photoreceptors”, MRS Proceedings, 1465, mrss12-1465-ss07-12.

2011  Woitowich, N.C., S. E. Kovaleva^, W. Ozarowski and E. A. Stojković. Preliminary X-ray crystallographic and structural analyses of a bacteriophytochrome from Stigmatella aurantiaca. FASEB J. 25:928.15

2011    Toh, K.C., E. A. Stojković, I. H. van Stokkum, K. Moffat and J.T.M. Kennis. Fluorescence quantum yield and photochemistry of bacteriophytochrome constructs. Phys Chem Chem Phys 13 (25): 11985-97.

2011    Toh, K.C., E. A. Stojković, A. Rupenyan, I.H.M. van Stokkum, M. Salumbides, M. Groot, K. Moffat and J. T.M. Kennis. Primary reactions of bacteriophytochrome observed with ultrafast mid-infrared spectroscopy. J Phys Chem A 115 (16): 3778-86.

2010    Toh, K.C., E. A. Stojković, I.H.M. van Stokkum, K. Moffat and J. T.M. Kennis. Proton transfer and hydrogen bond interactions determine fluorescence quantum yield and photochemical efficiency of bacteriophytochrome. Proc Natl Acad  Sci USA 107 (20): 9170-9175.

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Main Campus
Dr. John Thomas sits in an office while wearing a white lab coat.
John
N.
Thomas
Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5744
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Changing Natural Environment (BIO104)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Cell Biology (BIO 301)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Evolution (BIO 310)
History of Science (BIO 311)
Microbiology (BIO 341)
Biochemistry (BIO 362)
Evolutionary Biology (BIO 413)
Conparative Biology of Aging (BIO 414)
Current Topics in Cell Biology (BIO 447)
Research Interests
Cell Biology and Aging
Education

Ph.D., Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming

M.D., Howard University College of Medicine

M.S., Biological Sciences, University of Illinois

B.S., Biology, Western Michigan University

Additional Information

My research interests have focused primarily on gerontology (the biology of aging). I have investigated the effects of several antioxidant molecules (including vitamin E, vitamin K, and melatonin) on lengthening clonal lifespan in Paramecium tetraurelia. While increased longevity due to antioxidant supplementation in Paramecium tetraurelia can be significant, it does not appear to change the trajectory of mortality rate increase (Type I aging) in this species, which is consistent with reports of the limited efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in other senescent species (including humans).

My scholarly interests are becoming more theoretical as I continue to learn about the complex interplay of various life-history strategies (Type I, Type II, and Type III aging patterns) with sexual or asexual reproduction, and with speciation processes by either Darwinian or non-Darwinian mechanisms. The great controversy between Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace over the possible role of natural selection in speciation events (Darwin arguing against post-zygotic barriers arising from selective processes, and Wallace arguing in favor of these same barriers arising due to natural selection) is still unresolved today, and seems to me to have some bearing on the question of life-history and reproductive strategies in various species.

BBH 340G
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(773) 442-5744
Office Hours
Please email j-thomas4@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Thomas.
Main Campus
Curriculum Vitae
Cindy Voisine smiles into the camera in front of a plain background.
Cindy
Voisine
Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5745
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
Cell Biology (BIO 301)
Neurobiology (BIO 365)
Cancer Biology (BIO 366)
Developmental Biology (BIO 367)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Analysis of Development (BIO 424)
Current Topics in Genetics (BIO 427)
Research Interests
Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Genetics

Education

Northwestern University: Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Molecular Biosciences

Harvard Medical School: Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Pathology and MGH Cancer Center

University of Wisconsin at Madison: Ph.D. in Biomolecular Chemistry

Bates College: Undergraduate Degree in Biology

Selected Publications

Brehme M, Sverchkova A, and Voisine C. (2019) “Proteostasis Network Deregulation Signatures as Biomarkers as for Pharmacological Disease Intervention” Current Opinions in Systems Biology, Volume 15, June 2019, Pages 74-81.

Sandhof CA, Hoppe SO, Druffel-Ausustin S, Gallrein C, Kirstein J, Voisine C, and Nussbaum-Krammer C. (2019) “Reducing INS-IGF1 signaling protects against non-cell autonomous vesicle rupture caused by SNCA spreading” Autophagy, Jul 29:1-22.

Voisine C and Brehme M. (2019) “HSP90 et al.: Chaperome and Proteostasis Deregulation in Human Disease” Heat Shock Protein 90 in Human Diseases and Disorders. Series Editors: Alexzander A.A. Asea and Stuart Calderwood, Springer Press.

Richards Z, Marsili J, McCray T, Manlucu J, Zenner M, Voisine C, Murphy AB, Abdulkadir SA, Prins GS, and Nonn L. (2019) “Prostate stroma supports branching of human prostate organoids and maintains the transcriptional phenotype of tumoroids" iScience, Feb 22;12:304-317.

Neto MF, Nguyen QH, Marsili J, McFall SM, and Voisine C. (2016) “The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans displays a chemotaxis behavior to tuberculosis-specific odorants” Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases. Volume 4, August, Pages 44–49.

Selected Exhibitions

 

 

Additional Information

My research interests focus on using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study human disease. Student researchers investigate the role of molecular chaperones in development, aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We also use worms to study prostate cancer disparities and sniff out tuberculosis quickly and cheaply. 

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Main Campus
Curriculum Vitae