Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences cultivate an inclusive learning environment by increasing participation of a diverse student population, while sparking scientific interest and providing engagement in real world research. I introduced a CURE into my bioinformatics and cell biology courses this past year where students were exposed to next gen sequencing datasets. In my three cell biology lab sections, students started by examining the macroscopic and microscopic phenotypes of various mutants by plating bacteria on two types of media and then using brightfield, phasecontrast, and fluorescence microsco-
Attracting Cardinals
blots and Real-Time PCR. The students then used Geneious Prime to examine the whole genome sequence, looking at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were also analyzed in my bioinformatics class. The students identified potential genes that contained SNPs that may be the cause of the cell division phenotype. By the end of the semester, the students analyzed 18 potential cell division mutants (six different mutants assigned per cell biology section). Groups of four students submitted a final research report in the style of a scientific journal, describing their novel research. We collaborated with the Otterbein Writing Center to provide feedback in a workshop format at four points throughout the semester. Miranda Hilt ’22, junior triple major in Biology, English Literary Studies and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, provided our writing center assistance for this course. Dr. Brandon Sinn from our department processed the raw sequences using a pipeline that he has published for variant calling. Lexi Sherman ’22,
Casey Tucker, adjunct faculty, secured a grant to purchase birdfeeders to use at the Science Center. The feeders have already been used as part of the Birds of Ohio course, and students conducted research using camera traps under the guidance of Dr. Alicia Rich. Additionally, students and faculty participated in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in December where they counted birds on Otterbein’s campus, including those visiting the feeders.
Evan Shelton ’22 and Hope Lewis ’22 were the teaching assistants for cell biology and assisted in preparation of these labs. The research continues as this data is fueling new projects in my research program!
Dr. Jennifer Bennett, Chair
Svitana provides training to IHS
Dr. Kevin Svitana and Douglas Hunter, MS recently provided virtual training on Pumping Test Theory to the Indian Health Service, a division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in March 2022. The purpose of the training was to help the personnel in the IHS who are responsible for assessing and developing groundwater supplies for the various Native American tribes’ facilities to better assess the sustainability of groundwater supplies.
The virtual training covered the fundamentals of groundwater hydrology, aquifer hydraulics, weather and climate effects on groundwater, drill-
ing techniques and sustainability. In addition to the lecture, multiple breakout sections using virtual rooms were employed to enable attendees to work on assignments collectively, then share their information with the larger group. The breakout sections included preparing a conceptual site model using a state website containing water well data, solutions for pumping test data and analyzing pumping test data to determine the features of the aquifer.
training to various groups that included Ohio EPA hydrogeologists, personnel from Haiti, and hydrogeologists from several states.
Dr. Svitana was able to highlight data from the Otterbein Lake wellfield as part of the demonstrations used for the training. Attendees were made aware of the unique facilities available at Otterbein.
Mr. Hunter is a hydrogeologist working with Cox-Colvin and Associates, Inc. based in Plain City, Ohio. Doug has more than 30 years of experience with groundwater assessment projects. Dr. Svitana and Mr. Hunter have worked together multiple times to provide aquifer analysis focused
The Cardinal Science Scholar Program – Exciting new opportunities!
For 2020-2025, Otterbein University STEM programs received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of almost $1,000,000 to provide scholarships, support, training, and professional development for low income, promising future scholars in STEM. These scholarships include Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, and Zoo & Conservation Science majors Otterbein Lake e Runoff Event
associated with the Department of Biology & Earth Science. Recipients will receive scholarships for $4,500 to $10,000 and curricular and cocurricular support for all four years. To learn more about the program, visit: https://www.otterbein.edu/ financial-aid/scholarships/ stemscholarships-the-cardinal-science -scholars-program/
If you are a high school student
interested in pursuing a major in STEM in any of the Department of Biology & Earth Science associated majors, please contact Dr. David Sheridan, Associate Professor, at dsheridan@otterbein.edu for more information and to schedule a meeting. To ensure full consideration, you are encouraged to apply by Otterbein University’s Priority Application deadline, December 15th
Mornings with Manatees
As a child, on early weekday mornings, my mother would take me to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (CZA) where we wouldn’t stop to see the elephants, lions, or tigers. We’d pass them all by and head straight to Discovery Reef where my mom would sit on the carpeted benches and grade papers as I ran around, mostly following the big turtle and the little zebra sharks. Those mornings became a regular thing, and they piqued my interest in the ocean and its creatures. Fast forward a few years, and now, as an Aquarium Track student in Otterbein’s Zoo Program, I have returned to the CZA as an Animal Care Intern at Manatee Coast. My childhood dream to learn more about the underwater zoo is finally coming true.
Working at CZA is very rewarding and fun. I am almost always the first to arrive in the mornings (about 6:45am), and have the opportunity to feed the manatees their first meal of the day. I begin by preparing the 15 cases of romaine or endive lettuce that the 9 manatees will eat each day. After that I go straight into diet preparation for the other animals at Manatee Coast. Otterbein classes with Dr. Rich and Dr. Lescinsky taught me quite a bit about zoo animal diets, but now I get to use my skills in real-life to administer important nutrients to the fish and other animals at Manatee Coast. Besides the manatees, each inhabitant eats something different, from squid to sardines to anchovies to herring. Cutting up fish is not the most glamorous part of my job, but it is very relaxing to weigh out each species’ proportions and prepare their food. Then I am lucky enough to feed the animals by myself. Feeding the sting-
rays by hand scared me at first, but I quickly got the hang of the individual animal behaviors, and which individuals were a nuisance. Buddy, the exhibit’s hawksbill turtle, is also feisty so feeding her can be challenging, especially trying to get her to eat her veggies (something she notoriously despises). At the start of my internship, the two animals that worried me the most were the two California brown pelicans, Ken and Skipper. However, after a little adjustment period, we have developed a strong bond of trust, and I was even able to train them to step on a scale so I could record their weights! Now every morning, working with the pelicans, which I thought would be the worst part of my job, has turned into nearly my favorite.
My favorite part of my internship, however, is SCUBA diving in the tank to keep the glass clean and do routine maintenance. Last year I earned my Open Water Scuba Certification through Otterbein’s course offered through Captain Rick’s Diving Adventures. When I went to first climb into the tank, I was a little unsure, considering that the stingrays still have their barbs, and Stubby, a resident manatee, could easily crush me with her twothousand-pound body; but all my worries went away the second I got into the water. The animals are extremely docile, and the only ones that get close are the younger manatees. They are very curious and follow divers around from the minute they get into the tank until the minute they step out. I have learned to keep an eye on the manatees since they love to chew on SCUBA gear, and I avoid Buddy, the turtle, because of her territorial ways, but other than that, it is very peaceful under the water. Viewing the manatees from outside the tank is one thing, but
experiencing their world with them from the inside is a whole new experience
I am very fortunate for Otterbein’s close collaborations with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and I recommend all Zoo and Conservation Major students, Aquarium Track or not, apply to work in The Shores or at other opportunities at CZA. The keepers are incredibly knowledgeable and patient. They truly want you to get the most out of your internship by giving useful advice and active lessons on working in a zoo at a professional level. This internship has confirmed for me my career path and reminded me why I want to work at an aquarium with some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Megan Masciola ’23
Megan Masciola ’23 takes a morning dive with the Manatees at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Viewing the Department from a New Perspective
“If you knew what you know, would you recommend where you are?”
As unbelievable as it seems, I have a young adult ready to leave the nest. We spent last summer looking at different universities, having conversations about career interests, and trying to think about what characteristics would make a good fit for a university. Somewhere along the line, with no influence from me (Pick a science. Pick a science. Pick a science.), he settled into some potential majors that would suit him, and we became focused on the universities’ science departments.
I already had multiple perspectives of Otterbein University. My sister attended here in the ’90s, playing basketball and majoring in mathematics, while another sister and I attended a large, public university. The differences in those experiences were pretty notable. Between class sizes, laboratory components being included in courses, faculty familiarity, and actual responsive oversight of our educations, they were completely different journeys. The remembered contrast was something our family considered heavily when weighing the merits of a potential campus thirty years later (Ouch).
As a “decade plus” employee, I had a behind-the-scenes view of the department. I am proud of the education provided by the Department of Biology and Earth Science. Faculty are student-focused, and discussions center on educating students on current research in their fields. There is a pride in being an educator and a scientist, and it is quickly apparent that each professor (and staff) wants the students to have
the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Hands-on components immerse students in the experiential learning that education research identifies as an effective tool.
Further, as we looked at other universities, some of the “perks” of Otterbein were missing. The Point with design equipment you can be trained on as a student? Win! Downtown Westerville with amazing restaurants and coffee shops all within walking distance? Win! The bike paths and parks of Westerville? Win! The beauty and size of this cozy campus, while still having the bubble of Westerville around it and the bigger bubble of Columbus around that? Super win!
There were some appealing features to being a Cardinal.
“If you knew what you know, would you recommend where you are?” Yes. I really would.
Erin
Ulrich, Laboratory Coordinator
Science Lecture Series features Dr.Tyrone Hayes
This year, we welcomed Dr. Tyrone Hayes to campus for two days for the Science Lecture Series. Dr. Hayes’ research focuses on endocrine disrupting contaminants, particularly pesticides, and their impact on wildlife and human health. He also works to bring to light and address environmental justice concerns associated with targeted exposure of racial and ethnic minorities to endocrine disruptors and the role that exposure plays in healthcare dispari-
ties. Everyone was so excited to have an in him busy! He engaged with students and faculty by answering questions and telling his extraordinary story during Ecology and Philosophy classes and socializing over many meals. He delivered a fascinating technical lecture in which he gave us a sneak peek at some recent research he is about to publish on amphibians and endocrine disruption, and he followed this up with a powerful public lecture an inspiring call to
Internship with Beinhower Brothers Drilling Company
I spent the summer of 2021 working for Beinhower Brothers Drilling Company as an intern. Throughout my time there, I got to learn multiple different aspects of the groundwater industry and how the business world collides with the environment. Beinhower focused on three types of business: the drilling of new wells, the installation/maintenance of new pumps, and managing at home water treatment.
What I loved most about this internship is that there was not a single day that was the same. One of the projects that I was tasked with was with an issue with a Columbus City pool. During the winter months, when the pool is empty, groundwater would constantly push up on the shell of the pool, almost like floating it out of the ground. The plan at the time was to continuously pump groundwater out of the surrounding
area and discharge the pumped water into a nearby creek. I would go to the site and use a water level meter to measure water levels at nearby observation wells to ensure enough water was being extracted to keep the pressure off the pool. Overall, it was a great project to understand working with the professional side of the water industry.
Most of my day-to-day activities involved working with homeowners on home water supply systems. If someone called us claiming they have no water, we would go inspect their system. We would look at everything outside and make our way inside where we would have to troubleshoot what was wrong with the system, which was another great aspect of the job! It was somewhat like a puzzle, having to find the broken piece/part and figuring out how to fix it. My favorite part of fixing these systems was replacing pumps that could be hundreds of feet under the
ground. Pulling some of the pumps out of their respective wells, we would discover numerous reasons why they could have failed, everything from broken pipes to mineral and bacteria fouling!
For one of my final projects at Otterbein, I made an information board that has been hung up outside of Dr. Svitana’s office. I made the board so that new/existing homeowners with wells can understand the myriad of items related to their wells. I made sure to include things that the homeowner would need to know about their well, items related to chemistry, permitting, availability of water, etc.
I was very fortunate to have had this opportunity to use the knowledge I learned at Otterbein, and specifically Dr. Svitana’s classes/labs and apply them to the real world!
Jake Smith ’21
New Student Chapter: The Botanical Society of America
The start of 2022 spring semester kicked off with the formation of a new club: The Botanical Society of America-Otterbein Student Chapter. This chapter strives to educate people on various botanical topics, while also having fun activities for people to participate in. The officers kicked
off the semester by hosting a trip to the Franklin Park Conservatory (photo below left), where members were able to see and experience various biomes including the Himalayan Mountain, Central American Rainforest, Desert, and Pacific Island Garden biomes. For Valentine’s Day, the chapter hosted an event called “The Science of Chocolate” which ended with the traditional method of processing cacao beans into chocolate. The chapter hopes to start hosting events such as nature walks, identification competitions, and leaf pressing. If you are interested in joining the chapter you can contact student president Katie Kirk ’23 at kirk3@otterbein.edu
or advisor Dr. Lehman jlehman @otterbein.edu
Students at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Dr. Lehman mixing chocolate
STEM Art Show 2021
In early October we held our second annual Agar Art Workshop designed as a service learning project for students in my microbiology course, the American Society for Microbiology student chapter, and my research lab to volunteer and offer the information that they have learned about various microbes to participants at Otterbein. Our theme was “Creepy Cultures” keeping with a Halloween theme since we held the event Monday through Friday during the first week of October. Participants could learn about the bacteria that they were using to "paint tiny agar canvases". They worked with safe strains of bacteria, using sterile toothpicks to apply the microbes to different types of agar which contained the nutrients needed by the bacteria for growth. The works of art were then incubated overnight and checked the next day for the images that would be created by the bacteria continually dividing until they were
Nature Photography:
1. Urban Treasure – Katelyn Shelton ’25
2. Little Deer - Olivia Miller ’23
3. Puffin Playtime – Katelyn Shelton ’25
Drawing/Painting:
visible by the unaided human eye. The various bacterial strains were different colors and the agar was of various types, giving the ability to produce various combinations of contrasting colors. Agar artists were then able to photograph their work and enter it in the Otterbein STEM Art Show held at The Point gallery during November. Students in my microbiology course were required to enter their art into the contest and volunteer at the agar art workshop or help with the STEM Art Show event. Students described the bacteria that they used in their art and why it appeared the way that it did on the type of agar that they selected. For example Escherichia coli (E. coli) turns a metallic green on EMB agar and Staphylococcus aureus lyses red blood cells on blood agar plates forming a clear halo around the streak.
The winners of this year’s agar art contest are listed below and a few of the photos are also shown.
Dr. Jennifer Bennett, Chair
1. Using the Whole Damn Box – Sergio Mariscal-Marquez ’23
3. Using the Whole Damn Box – Sergio Mariscal-Marquez ’23*
*Ebru marbling on paper. Ebru is a traditional Turkish art that relies on differences in density to float inks on water and then an image is captured on mordanted paper.
Fall - Kayla Martinez ’24
Using the Whole Damn Box - Sergio Mariscal-Marquez ’23
Pumpkin Boo - Miranda Hilt ’22
Got Bones?
Taught by Dr. Calinger-Yoak, BIO 2910 is a new course focused on the (sometimes gross) skills of how to take a dead animal and transform it into a museum specimen. Working with our partners to acquire humanely-euthanized injured animals, students each 'adopted' their own carcass, (like an opossum, snowy owl, or red-tailed hawk) and brought it all the way through the process to a complete articulated skeleton.
The ability to produce specimens is a valuable skill set for anyone going into wildlife or zoo education and is one way to ensure that materials are available for communities that are unable to purchase expensive professionally articulated skeletons.
All our classes' specimens will be donated free of charge to local middle or high schools as well as several Columbus area metro parks.
The photos were taken by Casey Tucker.
The Robert and Ann Harting Endowed Award
Alumna Annette (Harting) Boose ’94 (and Staff Emeritus, 2020) and family have generously endowed The Robert and Ann Harting Endowed Award in Environmental Science. This award will be given annually, beginning in 2023, to a rising sophomore or junior majoring in Environmental Science with preference to a student who intends to conduct undergraduate research and work in the field of natural resource conservation, environmental education, or restoration ecology in the United States.
Bob and Ann were born into large families who understood economic hard times especially during the Great Depression, and World War II. They were hardworking and frugal individuals. Bob spent his entire work career at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company. He also served in the United States Army Reserve,
Signal Corps (honorable discharged). Ann attended Good Samaritan School of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse. After raising their children, Ann returned to college and earned a Master of Science degree in Administration. Subsequently she worked in the field of environmental health and safety. She was also an adjunct faculty at Otterbein for two years and taught Community Health. Both supported those less fortunate in whatever way they could. They volunteered in the community: Ann through church and the local school district, and Bob was on the executive board of Communication Workers of America Union which organized delivery of food and gifts to those in need during the holidays. They raised their children to enjoy outdoor activities and instilled in them a lifelong love of nature. They facilitated experiential learning and exploration of the flora
and fauna and cultural history of the places they visited. They fished, camped in Ohio state parks, and explored the outdoors during family outings. They took an annual trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Lake Huron, and unconventionally went on winter picnics. Bob and Ann respected nature and conveyed this respect to their children by being role models and good stewards. They adhered to the personal motto of “waste not, want not”.
This Endowed Award was created, at the request of their children Annette & Bob, to honor and continue their parent’s legacy by supporting the education of college students who will ultimately serve as protectors of our environment and its natural resources for future generations. Annette's husband Andrew ’06 and daughter Elisha ’14 are also alumni of Otterbein.
Dr. Calinger-Yoak with a Barred Owl carcass
A student putting the final touches on a Snowy Owl.
A geriatric Virginia Opossum skull with the beginning of the vertebrae starting to be attached.
Grossology Returns
This year’s COSI Science Festival was back in person and a huge success! Otterbein STEM presented Grossology: The Science of Icky, Sticky, Disgusting Things! Dr. Andy Calinger-Yoak was a big hit with his eyeball and heart dissections, and kids were thrilled when he let them handle the skeletons his students had prepared in last semester’s bones class. Dr. Bouchard spent the day laughing as countless kids fretted that she brought real scat specimens to the event she didn’t, but they
sure looked real! Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, Olivia Miller ’23, convinced people to waft her vials of stinky sock and rotten egg smells, while Dr. Bennett, BMB major Olivia Brickey ’23, and Chemistry major Olivia Smith ’22 amazed with all the critters they helped people see swimming around under the microscope. Erin Ulrich did her part by making sure Cardy made a special appearance! Thanks to these volunteers and COSI Science Festival for making it all happen.
Class Flocks to National Aviary
The fall 2021 Birds of Ohio class traveled to Pittsburgh, PA in September to visit the National Aviary. It was a great opportunity for students to learn about birds and habitats from other parts of the world beyond Ohio. The Aviary is home to over a hundred bird species from all over the planet including Capuchinbirds from South America, Crested Coua from Madagascar, and Fairybluebirds from southeast Asia. They also had an opportunity to talk with the Aviary's internship coordinator about future internship and training opportunities.
drhodeback@otterbein.edu
Olivia Brickey ’23, Dr. Bennett and Olivia Smith ’22
