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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
General Biology 1 (BIO 201)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250)
Genetics (BIO 303)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Current Topics in Genetics (BIO 427)
Research Interests
My research interests include the role of DNA repair proteins in aging, cellular interactions during tumorigenesis, and physiological responses to environmental toxins.

Keywords: Drosophila, DNA repair, aging, DNA2, Drosophila Activity Monitor
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

Undergraduate students are underlined

Krieger, K.L., Mann, E.K.,  Lee, K.G, Bolterstein, E., Jebakumar, D., Ittmann, M.M., Dal Zotto, V.L., Shaban, M., Sreekumar, A., Gassman, N.R.. (2023) Spatial mapping of the DNA adducts in cancer. DNA Repair. 128:103529.


Mitchell, C., Becker, V., DeLoach, J., Nestore, E., Bolterstein, E., & Kohl, K. P. (2022). The Drosophila Mutagen-Sensitivity Gene mus109 Encodes DmDNA2. Genes, 13(2), 312.


Epiney, D. G., Salameh, C., Cassidy, D., Zhou, L. T., Kruithof, J., Milutinović, R., Andreani, T. S., Schirmer, A. E., & Bolterstein, E. (2021). Characterization of Stress Responses in a Drosophila Model of Werner Syndrome. Biomolecules, 11(12), 1868.


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


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.

Room 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
Expertise
Plant Physiology, Plant Development
Courses Taught
Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Plant Physiology (BIO 331)
Human Genetics (BIO 361)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Current Topics in Genetics (BIO 427)
Research Interests
My research interests are currently focused on plant physiology and development, as well as science in the public interest.

Keywords: Physiology, natural products, environmental monitoring, education
Education

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia 

B.S. in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa

Selected Publications

Undergraduate students are underlined

von Konrat M, Campbell T, Carter B, Greif M, Bryson M, Larraín J, Trouille L, Cohen S, Gaus E, Qazi A, Ribbens E, Livshultz T, Walker TJ, Suwa T, Peterson T, Rodriguez Y, Vaughn C, Yang C, Aburahmeh S, Carstensen B, de Lange P, Delavoi C, Strauss K, Drag J, Aguero B, Snyder C, Martinec J, Smith A (2018) Using citizen science to bridge taxonomic discovery with education and outreach. Applications in Plant Sciences 6 (2): e1023. https://doi.org/10.1002/aps3.1023

Pivarski M, von Konrat M, Campbell T, Qazi-Lampert AT, Trouille L, Wade H, Davis A, Aburahmeh S, Aguilar J, Alb C, Alferes K, Barker E, Bitikofer K, Boulware KJ, Bruton C, Cao S, Corona Jr. A, Christian C, Demiri K, Evans D, Evans NM, Flavin C, Gillis J, Gogol V, Heublein E, Huang E, Hutchinson J, Jackson C, Jackson OR, Johnson L, Kirihara M, Kivarkis H, Kowalczyk A, Labontu A, Levi B, Lyu I, Martin-Eberhardt S, Mata G, Martinec JL, McDonald B, Mira M, Nguyen M, Nguyen P, Nolimal S, Reese V, Ritchie W, Rodriguez J, Rodriguez Y, Shuler J, Silvestre J, Simpson G, Somarriba G, Ssozi R, Suwa T, Syring C, Thirthamattur N, Thompson K, Vaughn C, Viramontes MR, Wong CS, Wszolek L (2022) People-Powered Research and Experiential Learning: Unravelling Hidden Biodiversity. Research Ideas and Outcomes 8: e83853. https://doi.org/10.3897/rio.8.e83853 

LIU Min-guo, Campbell T, Wei LI, WANG Xi-qing. A skeleton-image-based method for analyzing architectural diversity in maize plants. Journal of Integrative Agriculture. 2023, 22(12): 0 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jia.2023.05.017 

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
Director of the SCSE, 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)
Neurobiology (BIO 365)
Cancer Biology (BIO 366)
Animal Models of Disease (BIO 425)
Research Interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of spinal cord development, damage, and repair, with a particular focus on unraveling the intricate molecular processes governing cell death. I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie spinal cord injuries and exploring innovative strategies for effective repair. Additionally, I am passionate about promoting accessibility and inclusivity in STEM education, striving to create an environment where knowledge is accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from the advancements in science and technology.

Keywords: Neurobiology, developmental biology, cancer biology, zebrafish, STEM education
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

Room 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
Expertise
Ecology, Wildfire Ecology
Courses Taught
The Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
General Ecology (Writing Intensive Program, BIO 305)
Local Flora (BIO 332)
Economic Botany (BIO 333)
Research Interests
For my Ph.D., I worked in Plant Chemical Ecology, specifically looking at plant–insect interactions. My 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, I have focused on the ecology of prairies, particularly on the effect of fire on prairie communities.

Keywords: Prairies, Fire, Ecosystem Dynamics
Education

Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

M.S. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

B.S. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Selected Publications

Klaper, R., S. Frankel, and M.R. Berenbaum (1996). Anthocyanin content and UVB sensitivity in Brassica rap. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 63(6), 811-813. 

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

Frankel, S., & Berenbaum, M. (1999). Effects of Light Regime on Antioxidant Content of Foliage in a Tropical Forest Community 1. Biotropica, 31(3), 422-429.

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
Pam smiles for the camera wearing a blue t-shirt with her hair blowing in the wind.
Pamela
Geddes
Associate Chair, Professor, Audrey Reynolds Distinguished Teaching Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5737
Expertise
Ecology and Environmental Science
Courses Taught
The Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
Alien Invasions of Chicago (First Year Experience, BIO 109A)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250)
General Ecology (Writing Intensive Program, BIO 305)
Community Ecology (BIO 357)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Conservation Biology (BIO 453)
Restoration Ecology (BIO 455)
Research Interests
My research focuses on the effects of invasive plant species in wetlands. 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. I also combine molecular tools (microsatellite markers) to answer ecological questions, mostly related to the identification of hybridizing invasive plant species. I’m also interested in how ecological communities respond to external disturbances (e.g., invaders, pollutants, urbanization) and habitat restoration.

Keywords: invasive plant species, community ecology, habitat restoration
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

Undergraduate students are underlined

Geddes, P., L. Murphy, Y. Astudillo-Scalia, D. Blasini, S. Nugent, M. J. Rios, A. Schirmer, and J. P. Olfelt. 2021. Microsatellite markers reveal unprecedented high frequencies of hybridization among Typha species in the Midwestern US. Wetlands 41(2021): 1-9.  

Pini, A.K. and P. Geddes. 2020. Fungi are capable of mycoremediation of river water contaminated with E. coli. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 231:83. 

Geddes, P. 2019. The invasion of the cattails. Podcast. In Defense of Plants. http://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast/2019/4/21/ep-209-invasion-of-the-cattails

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. 

Room 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)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 318)
Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 319)
General Microbiology (BIO 341)
Research Interests
According to the CDC, as of 2023, 38.4 million people — 11% of the population — have diabetes; 97.6 million aged 18 and above are prediabetic. 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 through 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 levels of MG and the protective role of antioxidants such as the internal antioxidant glutathione, vitamin C and turmeric in protecting cells in diabetes.

Keywords: hyperglycemia, Methylglyoxal, oxidative stressors, glutathione
Education

M.S. in Molecular Biology from Northeastern Illinois University

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

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

Selected Publications

Gorgis, T., Habib, N. and Mungre, S. (2010), Effect of Methylglyoxal on BV-2 Cells. FASEB J, 24: lb132-lb132. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.lb132

 

Habib, N. and Mungre, S. (2010), Oxidative Stress Injury To PC12 Cells Under Glycating Conditions. FASEB J, 24: 485.7-485.7. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.485.7

 

Habib, N., Goswami, G. and Mungre, S. (2010), Inflammatory Cytokines Induce Oxidative Stress And Apoptosis In PC12 Cells. FASEB J, 24: 485.8-485.8. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.485.8

Room 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
Associate Professor, Environmental Science Coordinator
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5717
Expertise
Ecology
Courses Taught
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250)
WIP:General Ecology (BIO 305)
Foundations of Ecology (BIO 450)
Current Topics in Ecology and Evolution (BIO 457)
Introduction to Environmental Science (ENVI 101)
Methods in Environmental Science (ENVI 301)
Beyond the Textbook: Science in Popular Literature (ENVI 302)
Environmental Science Research & Practice (ENVI 390)
Research Interests
I'm interested in understanding the ecology of invasive plants and insects, and the impacts of land use and constructed wetlands on the water quality of surface waters in urban and suburban landscapes.

Keywords: Plant ecology, ecology of woody plants, invasion ecology, population ecology
Education

Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Michigan

M.S. in Botany (Field Naturalist Program) from the University of Vermont

B.S. in Biology from the College of William & Mary

Room BBH 340F
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. 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
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 from Indiana University

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

Selected Publications

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

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 is standing in the lab holding a beaker and smiling at the camera
Gretchen
E.
Lyons
Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5720
Expertise
Tumor Immunology
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
The Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Research Interests
Tumor Immunology
Education

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

B.S. in Biology from Boston College

Selected Publications

Spear TT, Riley TP, Lyons GE, Callender GG, Roszkowski JJ, Wang Y, Simms PE, Scurti GM, Foley KC, Murray DC, Hellman LM, McMahan RH, Iwashima M, Garrett-Mayer E, Rosen HR, Baker BM, Nishimura MI. Hepatitis C virus-cross-reactive TCR gene-modified T cells: a model for immunotherapy against diseases with genomic instability.J Leukoc Biol. 2016 Sep;100(3):545-57.

Zloza A, Lyons GE, Schenkel JM, Moore TV, Lacek AT, O’Sullivan JA, Varanasi V, et al. NKGD2 signalling on CD8+ T cells represses T-bet and rescues CD4- unhelped CD8 + T cell memory recall but not effector responses. Nature Medicine. 2012 Feb 26; 18(3):422-8.

Zloza A, Lyons GE, Chlewicki LK, Kohlhapp FJ, O'Sullivan JA, Lacek AT, Moore TV, Jagoda MC, Kumar V, Guevara-Patiño JA.  Engagement of NK receptor NKG2D, but not 2B4, results in self reactive CD8+ T cells and autoimmune vitiligo. Autoimmunity. 2011 Dec; 44(8):599-606.

Zloza A, Jagoda MC, Lyons GE, Graves MC, Kohlhapp FJ, O'Sullivan JA, Lacek AT, Nishimura MI, Guevara-Patiño JA. CD8 co-receptor promotes susceptibility of CD8+ T cells to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated suppression. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2011 Feb; 60(2):291-7.

Lyons, GE, McCracken J, O’Sullivan J, Guevara-Patino J.  RAE1-e Signaling Rescues “Helpless” CD8+ T cell Memory Responses.  Journal of Exp. Medicine. January, 2011.

Room 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
Expertise
Immunology and Virology
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
General Biology 1 (BIO 201)
Virology (BIO 343)
Immunology (BIO 363)
Cancer Biology (BIO 366)
Biology of Viruses (BIO 441)
Advanced Immunology (BIO 475)
Research Interests
I am interested in neuronal cell death caused by oxidative stress in hyperglycemic conditions, such as in diabetes, and in the agents that could prevent it. The other area of my research involves immune protection provided to an infant by mother's milk, specifically secretory IgA (sIgA). My lab is interested in determining the content of sIgA in milk supplied by milk banks to infants in need of breastmilk.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, curcumin, milk sIgA
Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda 

M.S., in Biochemistry from Pune University 

B.S. in Chemistry from Pune University 

Additional Information

Faculty advisor: Beta Beta Beta National Biological Society

Room 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
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Office Hours
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Main Campus
Dr. Kara Nuss is wearing a dark blue shirt with a bright red necklace and smiling at the camera
Kara
Nuss
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5225
Expertise
Evolution, Animal Behavior, Conservation Biology, Science Pedagogy
Courses Taught
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250)
Evolution (BIO 310)
Endrocrinology (BIO 364)
Research Interests
My research interests focus on which teaching strategies and supports are most effective in biology courses, what types of assessments most accurately reflect student learning, and how students develop their identities as scholars and scientists.

Keywords: Pedagogy, scientific identity, learning support, learning
Education

Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from University of Chicago

B.S. in Biology from University of Iowa

Selected Publications

Nuss K, Warneke M. Life span, reproductive output, and reproductive opportunity in captive Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii). Zoo Biol. 2010 Jan-Feb;29(1):1-15. PubMed PMID: 20131357. 

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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)

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(773) 442-5718
Office Hours
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Main Campus
Corey Palmer is wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses on her head and is looking to the left smiling
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 Biology II (BIO 202)
General Ecology, Writing Intensive Program (WIP BIO 305)
Introduction to Environmental Science (ENVI 101)
Ecology Concepts for Educators (BIOS 310)
Introduction to Earth Science (ESCI 121)
Environmental Geology (ESCI 123)
Research Interests
Soil ecology and carbon storage
Education

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

B.A. in Environmental Studies from 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

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

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.

Palmer, C.E. (2014). The prairie underground: Soil recovery in Chicago Wilderness restoration. Master's thesis manuscript in the archives of Northwestern University and Chicago Botanic Garden Lenhardt Library. doi:10.21985/N25J3Q
 
Richardson, S., S. Hughes, C. E. Palmer, H. Patel, J. Schintgen, and J. Bever. (2010, August 1–6).  Context-dependency of mutualism: Evaluation of responses of annual prairie plants to mycorrhizal fungi [Paper presentation]. ESA 2010: COS 41 Mutualism and Competition, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. https://eco.confex.com/eco/2010/techprogram/P26499.HTM
 

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Office Hours
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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

Room BBH 217A
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Office Hours
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Main Campus
Dr. Frederick Prete is wearing black glasses and a white collared shirt as he stares at the camera in front of a red building and a grassy lawn
Frederick
R.
Prete
Senior Instructor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5724
Expertise
Biological Psychology, Neurophysiology, Brain Function and the Evolution of Sensory Systems
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Vertebrate Physiology (BIO 360)
Neurobiology (BIO 365)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Animal Behavior (BIO 415)
Comparative Animal Physiology (BIO 471)
Research Interests
My current research is centered on the development of haptic-enhanced mobility aids for children who are blind and visually impaired. My lab integrates cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, neurobiology, and psychology with the hope of enhancing the lives of young people facing visual challenges.

Keywords: Neurobiology, vision, assistive technology, blind/visually impaired, haptics
Education

Ph.D. in Biological Psychology from The University of Chicago

B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago

Selected Publications

Undergraduate students are underlined

Prete FR, Schirmer AE, Patel S, Carrion C, Prete GM, van Alphen B, Svenson GJ (2019). The first analysis of discontinuous ventilatory abdominal pulsations in praying mantises. Fragmenta Entomologica, 51: 29-39 https://rosa.uniroma1.it/rosa02/fragmenta_entomologica/article/view/332/346

Schirmer A, Prete FR, Mantes ES, Urdiales AF, Bogue W (2014) Circadian rhythms affect electroretinogram, compound eye color, striking behavior and locomotion of the praying mantis Hierodula patellifera. Journal Experimental Biology, 217: 3853-3861 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25214491/

Prete FR, R Theis, Dominguez S, Bogue W  (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, Dominguez S, Komito JL, Theis R, Dominguez JM, Hurd LE, Svenson GJ, (2013) 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. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10905-012-9340-x

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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)
Animal Kingdom (BIO 320)
Invertebrate Zoology (BIO 322)
Entomology (BIO 323)
Animal Parasitology (BIO 326)
Animal Behavior (BIO 328)
Research Interests
I am interested in the sociobiology and ethology of violence, dehumanization, and genocide and its links to kin selection and spiteful behavior.

Keywords: spite, violence, dehumanization, animal behavior
Education

Ph.D. in Chronobiology and Protozoology from the University of Toronto

B.S. in Biology from Northeastern Illinois University

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
Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5727
Expertise
Organismal biology
Evolution
Pigment physiology
Senescence
Science communication
Courses Taught
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Design in Nature (BIO 302/ART 302)
Science Communication (BIO 315)
Ornithology (BIO 324)
Local Fauna (BIO 325)
Animal Behavior (BIO 415)
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, science communication, and combing art and science.

Keywords: coloration, evolutionary ecology, pigments, senescence, scicomm
Education

Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Dartmouth College

B.A. in Zoology from Indiana University Bloomington

Selected Publications

Undergraduate students are underlined. 

Maki, Erik T., Georgina Jaimes, and Beth A. Reinke. Water turbidity and plant density influence painted turtle shell shape. Herpetologica 79(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-22-00006.

Horn, Kelsey, Grascen Shidemantle, Isabela Velasquez, Emily Ronan, Jurnee Blackwood, Beth A. Reinke, and Jessica Hua. 2023. Evaluating the interactive effects of artificial light at night and background color on tadpole crypsis, background adaptation efficacy, and growth. Environmental Pollution (2023): 122056.

McKnight, Donald T….Paige BobanBeth A. Reinke…and 25 other authors. Nocturnal basking in freshwater turtles: a global assessment. 2023. Global Ecology and Conservation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02444 

Reinke, Beth A…. Bronikowski, A., and David Miller (+112 authors). Diverse aging rates in ectothermic tetrapods provide insights for the evolution of aging and longevity. 2022. Science 376 (6600): 1459-1466. DOI: 10.1126/science.abm0151

Reinke, Beth A., David Miller, and Fredric Janzen. 2019. What have long-term studies taught us about population dynamics? Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 50:11.1-11.18Invited. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110218-024717. 

 

Additional Information

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

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Office Hours
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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
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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
Expertise
Chronobiology, Neuroscience, Behavioral Genetics, and Molecular Biology
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 250)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Genomics and Proteomics (BIO 368)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Chronobiology (BIO 412)
Biochemical Genetics (BIO 421)
Environmental Health (PH 420)
Honors Intro to Natural Sciences (ZHON 194)
Correspondence Topics in Biology (NDP 321)
Research Interests
My research utilizes a variety of techniques (molecular, physiological, and behavioral) and experimental systems (both vertebrate and invertebrate) to investigate the role of circadian rhythms in animal (including human) behavior and physiology. Specifically, these studies focus on the impact of environmental perturbations on circadian systems, the role of circadian rhythms in the modulation of insect behavior, and molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the regulation and expression of circadian rhythms.
Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Northwestern University

B.S. in Biology from Elmhurst College

Selected Publications

Undergraduate students are underlined

Schirmer AE, Kumar V, Schook A, Song EJ, Marshall MS and Takahashi JS (2023). Cry1 expression during postnatal development is critical for the establishment of normal circadian period. Front. Neurosci. 17:1166137. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1166137

Epiney, D., Salameh, C., Cassidy, D., Zhou, L., Kruithof, J., Milutinović, R., Andreani, T., Schirmer, A.E., and Bolterstein, E. (2021). Characterization of Stress Responses in a Drosophila Model of Werner Syndrome. Biomolecules, 11(12), 1868. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biom11121868

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.

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.

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Office Hours
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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)
Biology of Algae (BIO 351)
Aquatic Biology (BIO 352)
Biology Senior Seminar (BIO 390)
Biological Literature (BIO 405)
Biological 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. 

Room BBH 358F
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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

Room BBH 358B
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
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(773) 442-6010
Office Hours
Please email m-stern2@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Stern.
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.

BBH 352H
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North Saint Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5692
Office Hours
Please email e-stojkovic@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Stojkovic.
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
Expertise
Cell Biology and Aging
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Changing Natural Environment (BIO 104)
Cell Biology (BIO 301)
Evolution (BIO 310)
History of Science (BIO 311)
Biochemistry (BIO 362)
Evolutionary Biology (BIO 413)
Comparative Biology of Aging (BIO 414)
Research Interests
My research interests focus primarily on the biology of aging. I investigate the effects of several antioxidant molecules on lengthening clonal lifespan in Paramecium tetraurelia, and also do theoretical work on life-history strategies.

Keywords: gerontology, life-history, aging, Paramecium, antioxidants
Education

Ph.D. in Zoology and Physiology from the University of Wyoming

M.D. from the Howard University College of Medicine

M.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Illinois

B.S. in Biology from Western Michigan University

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

(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. 

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

(773) 442-5745
Office Hours
Please email c-voisine@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Voisine.
Main Campus
Curriculum Vitae