Research

Dr. Joni Ylostalo heads the everyday microbiology projects that look at the microbes living around us, on us, and even in us. Typical microbiology techniques such as staining, growth measurement, and biochemical assays are used to study some common microbes and their effects on our lives.

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Dr. Joni Ylostalo heads the gene expression data analysis projects utilizing information available in meta-data repositories. This project uses numerous bioinformatics and biocomputing tools to parse through complex gene expression data sets in search of novel genetic regulatory networks and pathways to aid in characterization of cells and diseases.

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Dr. Andrew Woodward is studying the formation and function of peroxisomes, organelles of the cell that are necessary for the breakdown of fats and several other vital functions. He uses mutant plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) to study the developmental defects that result from faulty peroxisome function. After isolating and characterizing a mutant, he uses a technique called recombination mapping to locate the mutant gene and then sequences the DNA to identify the mutation.

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Memory loss and a gradual decline of memory processes can begin as early as one's 20's. Although young adults often ingnore these lapses in memory, over time this can lead to greater memory impairments as they age. Studies have found that the more active an idividual is over their lifespan, the better their cognitive function and memory are as they age. In this project, we are interested in looking if there is a correlation between engaging in aerobic activity and performance on course exams in currently enrolled 18-25 year old college students.

Although there is an abundance of research on the impact of exercise on learning and memory, there is little research comparing different aerobic exercises to cognition. Specifically, whether there are certain aerobic exercises that can improve cognition better than others and what those exercises are. This study aims to determine if aerobic exercise will improve cognition and memory in college courses. Since one cognitive benefit of exercise is the increased ability for an individual to cope with difficulties in life, exercise could be one way for students in college to deal with their new environment.

One project in my lab looks at the impact of religiosity, opioid use, and knowledge among university students. In the past two decades, the use of opiates by college students has risen dramatically. In addition, research has shown that students who use prescription opioids for nonmedical purposes were more likely to engage in risky behaviors that could result in an increased risk for overdose, yet, not all students engage in this behavior. One objective of this research is to estimate the prevalence, of nonmedical use of prescription opioid use in college campuses. Religiosity is adopting a belief system surrounding concepts of purpose, meaning, and value. It has been theorized that religion may influence drug use by “time displacement.” Another interest of this project is to determine if there is a correlation with religion or religious service participation and opioid use. This study involves survey data collection and analysis.

Western diet staples include diets high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt content. This can lead to obesity as well as other health risks and diseases such as hypertension and type II diabetes. In the lab, we use a Locomotor Activity Monitor (LAM) and the TriKinetics DAM system to study movement of several different mutations of Drosophila melanogaster on different diets. Students interested in this project should have taken genetics and have a familiarity with mating and gender identification.

There are several studies that students can get started on. Some examples are below:

 1)  Look at the impact of diet on movement.
 2)  Look at the impact of exercise on movement.
 3)  How different forms of exercise impact stroke recovery.
 4)  Effects of isolation/stress on movement.

If you have a different question you want to study with Drosophila melanogaster, please come see me and we can discuss your project ideas. I am also happy to help you prepare a presentation for your honors project, UMHB Scholars’ Day, and/or a conference.