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Dr. Heather Patisaul Named Environmental Health Science Communication Fellow
(June 2009) Dr. Heather Patisaul is one of ten scientists named as Environmental Health Science Communication Fellows in a program sponsored by Environmental Health Sciences (EHS). EHS is a non profit organization that promotes public understanding of the links between environmental factors and human health. Fellows will receive training in the communication of new research findings to the public and to members of the media. They will work with experienced journalists to produce reviews and commentaries during their year-long appointment. Dr. Patisaul's research (funded by NIH) focuses on early exposure to estrogen-like compounds (in plants and plastics) and how they alter brain development and behavior. Dr. Patisaul will be joined as an EHS Communication Fellow by Dr. David Buchwalter, Assistant Professor in Toxicology.
For more information about this fellowship and the ten scientists named 2009 Science Communication Fellows, you can read the complete press release. For more information about Dr. Patisaul's research program, visit her home page.
Dr. Ferzli and Dr. Godwin named National Academy Education Fellows
(June 2009) Two of our faculty members, Dr. Miriam Ferzli and Dr. John Godwin, have been recognized by the National Academies for their participation in the 2008 National Academies Summer Institute on Undergraduate Education. Both have previously been honored as CALS Outstanding Teachers. Dr. Ferzli joined the Department in 2005 and currently acts as coordinator of BIO 181, among other responsibilities. Dr. Godwin joined the Department in 1996 and is currently on loan to the National Science Foundation where he is serving for a year as program director in the Integrative Organismal Systems Division of the NSF Biology Directorate. Congratulations and thank you to both for their commitment to improving undergraduate education in biology.
To learn more, read the full Perspectives article by Terri Leith.
Landscape Corridors in the News Again
(May 2009) Dr. Nick Haddad and colleagues reported a surprising finding that has major implications for conservation efforts. The work builds on Dr. Haddad's extensive studies of landscape corridors, which are used to connect isolated patches of habitat. You can see a photo of one of Dr. Haddad's research plots in the banner at the top of every page on the Biology website -- third photo from the right. The most recent research establishes that the beneficial effects of these corridors extend beyond the boundaries of the conserved areas. The work was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and is described more fully in this NC State News Release by Mick Kulikowski.
Dr. Lisa Parks Joins the Academy of Outstanding Teachers
(March 2009) On March 6, 2009, Dr. Lisa Parks was named an Outstanding Teacher for 2008-2009 by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Larry Nielsen. For many years, NC State University has rewarded excellence in teaching through this award. Nominations come from students, alumni, and colleagues, and recipients of the award become members of the NCSU Academy of Outstanding Teachers. Dr. Parks has taught in our department for about 10 years, developing, revising, and teaching courses that range from Introductory Biology to Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Prior to joining NCSU, Dr. Parks received her BS degree in Zoology from Duke University, her PhD in Cell Physiology and Biochemistry from Georgia State University, and conducted postdoctoral research at the Medical College of Georgia. An outstanding teacher in the classroom, Dr. Parks is also valued in the Department of Biology for her roles in advising students and developing new course offerings, including courses available through distance education. Dr. Parks and other recipients of the 2008-2009 Outstanding Teacher award will be honored at Spring Commencement and at the Celebration of Academic Excellence in May. Congratulations to Dr. Parks on this well-deserved honor.
Paul Rudershausen wins CALS Award for Excellence
(March 2009) Paul Rudershausen was recently named as one of six recipients of the CALS Award for Excellence. This award recognizes excellence in the areas of outstanding service, innovations, safety & heroism, and human relations. Paul, who works as a Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Jeff Buckel, was honored for his incredible work ethic and remarkable productivity. In addition to an impressive publication record, Paul was praised for his outreach efforts to commercial and recreational fishers and to his local community, through volunteer work with his local ambulance unit and with a wildlife shelter. Congratulations and thank you to Paul for his many contributions to the department, the university, and North Carolina.
Studying Seed Dispersal to Learn which Plants Benefit Most from Landscape Corridors
(December 2008) Landscape corridors are thin strips of land that connect isolated patches of habitat. They are a dominant feature of land conservation plans, and Dr. Nick Haddad is one of the leaders in research on the effects of landscape corridors. Now, Dr. Haddad and colleagues have published an article describing which kinds of plants benefit from landscape corridors. read the complete NC State News Release by Mick Kulikowski -- go to Dr. Haddad's home page
New Model for Predicting Mercury Levels in Fish
(December 2008) Dr. Derek Aday is part of a research team that has developed a model that will help scientists and regulators around the country predict which areas are likely to have fish with high mercury levels -- a breakthrough that should help officials develop health advisories for specific water bodies and fish species. read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman -- go to Dr. Aday's home page
Bird Radio Helps Researchers Get Better Bird Population Estimates
(November 2008) Most of what we know about bird populations stems from surveys conducted by professional biologists and amateur birdwatchers, but new work from a group of researchers led by Dr. Ted Simons shows that the data from those surveys may be seriously flawed -- and proposes possible means to resolve the problem. read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman-- go to Dr. Simons' home page
Protecting Puerto Rico's Freshwater Fisheries
(November 2008) A team of researchers led by Dr. Tom Kwak has made an enormous advance in the understanding of some of Puerto Rico's most remarkable ecosystems by conducting the first comprehensive study of the island's freshwater fish species. Dr. Kwak says many of these species "are hidden gems that have been largely ignored," and calls the research "a huge first step in conserving and protecting these fish and their habitat." read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman -- go to Dr. Kwak's home page
Compounds from Soy Affect Brain and Reproductive Development
(July 2008) Research from the laboratory of Dr. Heather Patisaul has provided a breakthrough in determining how hormone-like compounds found in soy-based foods can cause reproductive health problems. The work showed that exposure to these compounds during development actually changed the physical organization of a region of the brain that is important for female reproduction. read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman -- go to Dr. Patisaul's home page
Every Living Thing (Really!)
(December 2008) A new book by Dr. Rob Dunn is now available. "Every Living Thing: Man's Obsessive Quest to Catalog Life, from Nanobacteria to New Monkeys" (published by HarperCollins) has received rave reviews from preeminent ecologists E.O. Wilson and Paul Ehrlich. To learn more about this engaging book, full of insights into the constant (and neverending?) efforts of humanity to discover every living thing in our world, click here or visit Dr. Dunn's website. You can also read the NC State News Release by Mick Kulikowski.
Asian needle ants make North Carolina home
(December 2008) The News & Observer recently reported on the Asian needle ant, a little insect that may pose a big threat to some of our local ecosystems. The article highlighted some of the research of Benoit Guenard and featured one of his amazing photos (go to his home page to find more). Benoit is currently a doctoral student with Dr. Rob Dunn. Read the complete article by Wade Rawlins.
New Name, New Programs
(September, 2008) The Department of Zoology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences begins the new school year with a new name, becoming the Department of Biology. The name change reflects the current breadth and planned growth in both research and teaching activities within the department. The department's broad research and teaching efforts have evolved to extend beyond the traditional areas of animal-centered zoology to include molecular, cellular, genomic, and integrative approaches to the biological sciences.
The name change also reflects the inclusion within the department of the undergraduate Biological Sciences Program. With the inclusion of Biological Sciences, the department formerly known as Zoology will have the largest undergraduate enrollment on the NCSU campus. The Biological Sciences major includes almost 1500 students, while the Zoology major includes about 360 students, and both of these undergraduate degree options will be retained. The Department of Biology also includes almost 80 graduate students working toward degrees in Zoology or Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences.
The Department of Biology now offers four new areas of concentration as options for students pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Students who wish to focus their studies can choose to concentrate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (curriculum code: MCD), Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology (IPN), Human Biology (HB), or Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EEC). Transfer and continuing students can enroll in these curricula for the first time during the registration advising period of Fall 2008. First year students can enroll in these curricula for the first time during the registration advising period of Spring 2009.
Faculty, staff, research associates, and graduate students are housed primarily in the new David Clark Labs building (renovated in 2005), with some offices also located in Bostian Hall. The Department of Biology also oversees administration of the Health Professions Advising Center, which mentors and advises students interested in pursuing health care careers. HealthPAC services are available to all NCSU students and alumni.
Where's Zoology?
(September, 2008) We have changed our name, but we are the same faculty and staff that you knew as the Department of Zoology -- with the formal addition of those faculty, staff, advisers, and students in the Biological Sciences Program. We will continue to offer the same degree programs in Zoology for undergraduates as we did before the name change, with the addition of the B.S. in Biological Sciences and four new areas of concentration within the Biological Sciences degree. Our graduate degree programs in Zoology and in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences have not changed. Our faculty research programs continue as strong as ever -- in fact, it was their growth and expansion that helped to drive the change in name.If you are a Zoology alumnus we hope you will still feel like part of the family, and we encourage you to keep in touch to let us know where you are and what you are doing.
Featured Staff: Wendy Moore
(September, 2008) On May 19th Wendy Moore was named one of the five recipients of the 2008 University Awards for Excellence. This award recognizes excellence in the areas of outstanding state government service, innovations, public service, safety & heroism, and human relations. Wendy and the other recipients represent NCSU at the State Employees Award for Excellence program. To be considered for the university-wide award, Wendy was first honored with the Award for Excellence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Wendy also received the Wildlife Management Institute Administrative Excellence Award from the U.S. Geological Survey, Cooperative Research Units Program in Reston, VA.
Wendy works in the Department of Biology as Program Assistant with the NC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Since many of the research projects are international in scope, Wendy has taken four consecutive semesters of Spanish at NC State and applies these language skills to international unit functions. University support staff and administrative assistants at other cooperative units throughout the United States often call upon her to share her expertise,. Wendy willingly takes on additional responsibilities as needed and is known for her team spirit and bright outlook. She has cultivated positive professional relationships with faculty, administrators, and staff across the university and is a primary facilitator of the success of our Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
Congratulations to Wendy for these much-deserved honors!
Biology News Archive
JUMP TO:Biology Faculty in the News (June 2009)
Parks and Rudershausen Honored for Their Work (March 2009)
Biology Faculty in the News (December 2008)
New Book by Dr. Rob Dunn (December 2008)
News & Observer Features Research by Benoit Guenard (December 2008)
New Name, New Programs (September 2008)
Where's Zoology? (September 2008)
Featured Staff: Wendy Moore (September 2008)
Parks and Rudershausen Honored for Their Work (March 2009)
Biology Faculty in the News (December 2008)
New Book by Dr. Rob Dunn (December 2008)
News & Observer Features Research by Benoit Guenard (December 2008)
New Name, New Programs (September 2008)
Where's Zoology? (September 2008)
Featured Staff: Wendy Moore (September 2008)
Dr. Heather Patisaul Named Environmental Health Science Communication Fellow
(June 2009) Dr. Heather Patisaul is one of ten scientists named as Environmental Health Science Communication Fellows in a program sponsored by Environmental Health Sciences (EHS). EHS is a non profit organization that promotes public understanding of the links between environmental factors and human health. Fellows will receive training in the communication of new research findings to the public and to members of the media. They will work with experienced journalists to produce reviews and commentaries during their year-long appointment. Dr. Patisaul's research (funded by NIH) focuses on early exposure to estrogen-like compounds (in plants and plastics) and how they alter brain development and behavior. Dr. Patisaul will be joined as an EHS Communication Fellow by Dr. David Buchwalter, Assistant Professor in Toxicology.
For more information about this fellowship and the ten scientists named 2009 Science Communication Fellows, you can read the complete press release. For more information about Dr. Patisaul's research program, visit her home page.
Dr. Ferzli and Dr. Godwin named National Academy Education Fellows
(June 2009) Two of our faculty members, Dr. Miriam Ferzli and Dr. John Godwin, have been recognized by the National Academies for their participation in the 2008 National Academies Summer Institute on Undergraduate Education. Both have previously been honored as CALS Outstanding Teachers. Dr. Ferzli joined the Department in 2005 and currently acts as coordinator of BIO 181, among other responsibilities. Dr. Godwin joined the Department in 1996 and is currently on loan to the National Science Foundation where he is serving for a year as program director in the Integrative Organismal Systems Division of the NSF Biology Directorate. Congratulations and thank you to both for their commitment to improving undergraduate education in biology.
Landscape Corridors in the News Again
(May 2009) Dr. Nick Haddad and colleagues reported a surprising finding that has major implications for conservation efforts. The work builds on Dr. Haddad's extensive studies of landscape corridors, which are used to connect isolated patches of habitat. You can see a photo of one of Dr. Haddad's research plots in the banner at the top of every page on the Biology website -- third photo from the right. The most recent research establishes that the beneficial effects of these corridors extend beyond the boundaries of the conserved areas. The work was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and is described more fully in this NC State News Release by Mick Kulikowski.
Dr. Lisa Parks Joins the Academy of Outstanding Teachers
(March 2009) On March 6, 2009, Dr. Lisa Parks was named an Outstanding Teacher for 2008-2009 by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Larry Nielsen. For many years, NC State University has rewarded excellence in teaching through this award. Nominations come from students, alumni, and colleagues, and recipients of the award become members of the NCSU Academy of Outstanding Teachers. Dr. Parks has taught in our department for about 10 years, developing, revising, and teaching courses that range from Introductory Biology to Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Prior to joining NCSU, Dr. Parks received her BS degree in Zoology from Duke University, her PhD in Cell Physiology and Biochemistry from Georgia State University, and conducted postdoctoral research at the Medical College of Georgia. An outstanding teacher in the classroom, Dr. Parks is also valued in the Department of Biology for her roles in advising students and developing new course offerings, including courses available through distance education. Dr. Parks and other recipients of the 2008-2009 Outstanding Teacher award will be honored at Spring Commencement and at the Celebration of Academic Excellence in May. Congratulations to Dr. Parks on this well-deserved honor.
Paul Rudershausen wins CALS Award for Excellence
(March 2009) Paul Rudershausen was recently named as one of six recipients of the CALS Award for Excellence. This award recognizes excellence in the areas of outstanding service, innovations, safety & heroism, and human relations. Paul, who works as a Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Jeff Buckel, was honored for his incredible work ethic and remarkable productivity. In addition to an impressive publication record, Paul was praised for his outreach efforts to commercial and recreational fishers and to his local community, through volunteer work with his local ambulance unit and with a wildlife shelter. Congratulations and thank you to Paul for his many contributions to the department, the university, and North Carolina.
Studying Seed Dispersal to Learn which Plants Benefit Most from Landscape Corridors
(December 2008) Landscape corridors are thin strips of land that connect isolated patches of habitat. They are a dominant feature of land conservation plans, and Dr. Nick Haddad is one of the leaders in research on the effects of landscape corridors. Now, Dr. Haddad and colleagues have published an article describing which kinds of plants benefit from landscape corridors. read the complete NC State News Release by Mick Kulikowski -- go to Dr. Haddad's home page
New Model for Predicting Mercury Levels in Fish
(December 2008) Dr. Derek Aday is part of a research team that has developed a model that will help scientists and regulators around the country predict which areas are likely to have fish with high mercury levels -- a breakthrough that should help officials develop health advisories for specific water bodies and fish species. read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman -- go to Dr. Aday's home page
Bird Radio Helps Researchers Get Better Bird Population Estimates
(November 2008) Most of what we know about bird populations stems from surveys conducted by professional biologists and amateur birdwatchers, but new work from a group of researchers led by Dr. Ted Simons shows that the data from those surveys may be seriously flawed -- and proposes possible means to resolve the problem. read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman-- go to Dr. Simons' home page
Protecting Puerto Rico's Freshwater Fisheries
(November 2008) A team of researchers led by Dr. Tom Kwak has made an enormous advance in the understanding of some of Puerto Rico's most remarkable ecosystems by conducting the first comprehensive study of the island's freshwater fish species. Dr. Kwak says many of these species "are hidden gems that have been largely ignored," and calls the research "a huge first step in conserving and protecting these fish and their habitat." read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman -- go to Dr. Kwak's home page
Compounds from Soy Affect Brain and Reproductive Development
(July 2008) Research from the laboratory of Dr. Heather Patisaul has provided a breakthrough in determining how hormone-like compounds found in soy-based foods can cause reproductive health problems. The work showed that exposure to these compounds during development actually changed the physical organization of a region of the brain that is important for female reproduction. read the complete NC State News Release by Matt Shipman -- go to Dr. Patisaul's home page
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Every Living Thing (Really!)
(December 2008) A new book by Dr. Rob Dunn is now available. "Every Living Thing: Man's Obsessive Quest to Catalog Life, from Nanobacteria to New Monkeys" (published by HarperCollins) has received rave reviews from preeminent ecologists E.O. Wilson and Paul Ehrlich. To learn more about this engaging book, full of insights into the constant (and neverending?) efforts of humanity to discover every living thing in our world, click here or visit Dr. Dunn's website. You can also read the NC State News Release by Mick Kulikowski.
Asian needle ants make North Carolina home
(December 2008) The News & Observer recently reported on the Asian needle ant, a little insect that may pose a big threat to some of our local ecosystems. The article highlighted some of the research of Benoit Guenard and featured one of his amazing photos (go to his home page to find more). Benoit is currently a doctoral student with Dr. Rob Dunn. Read the complete article by Wade Rawlins.
New Name, New Programs
(September, 2008) The Department of Zoology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences begins the new school year with a new name, becoming the Department of Biology. The name change reflects the current breadth and planned growth in both research and teaching activities within the department. The department's broad research and teaching efforts have evolved to extend beyond the traditional areas of animal-centered zoology to include molecular, cellular, genomic, and integrative approaches to the biological sciences.
The name change also reflects the inclusion within the department of the undergraduate Biological Sciences Program. With the inclusion of Biological Sciences, the department formerly known as Zoology will have the largest undergraduate enrollment on the NCSU campus. The Biological Sciences major includes almost 1500 students, while the Zoology major includes about 360 students, and both of these undergraduate degree options will be retained. The Department of Biology also includes almost 80 graduate students working toward degrees in Zoology or Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences.
The Department of Biology now offers four new areas of concentration as options for students pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Students who wish to focus their studies can choose to concentrate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (curriculum code: MCD), Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology (IPN), Human Biology (HB), or Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EEC). Transfer and continuing students can enroll in these curricula for the first time during the registration advising period of Fall 2008. First year students can enroll in these curricula for the first time during the registration advising period of Spring 2009.
Faculty, staff, research associates, and graduate students are housed primarily in the new David Clark Labs building (renovated in 2005), with some offices also located in Bostian Hall. The Department of Biology also oversees administration of the Health Professions Advising Center, which mentors and advises students interested in pursuing health care careers. HealthPAC services are available to all NCSU students and alumni.
Where's Zoology?
(September, 2008) We have changed our name, but we are the same faculty and staff that you knew as the Department of Zoology -- with the formal addition of those faculty, staff, advisers, and students in the Biological Sciences Program. We will continue to offer the same degree programs in Zoology for undergraduates as we did before the name change, with the addition of the B.S. in Biological Sciences and four new areas of concentration within the Biological Sciences degree. Our graduate degree programs in Zoology and in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences have not changed. Our faculty research programs continue as strong as ever -- in fact, it was their growth and expansion that helped to drive the change in name.If you are a Zoology alumnus we hope you will still feel like part of the family, and we encourage you to keep in touch to let us know where you are and what you are doing.
Featured Staff: Wendy Moore
(September, 2008) On May 19th Wendy Moore was named one of the five recipients of the 2008 University Awards for Excellence. This award recognizes excellence in the areas of outstanding state government service, innovations, public service, safety & heroism, and human relations. Wendy and the other recipients represent NCSU at the State Employees Award for Excellence program. To be considered for the university-wide award, Wendy was first honored with the Award for Excellence from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Wendy also received the Wildlife Management Institute Administrative Excellence Award from the U.S. Geological Survey, Cooperative Research Units Program in Reston, VA.
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Wendy works in the Department of Biology as Program Assistant with the NC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Since many of the research projects are international in scope, Wendy has taken four consecutive semesters of Spanish at NC State and applies these language skills to international unit functions. University support staff and administrative assistants at other cooperative units throughout the United States often call upon her to share her expertise,. Wendy willingly takes on additional responsibilities as needed and is known for her team spirit and bright outlook. She has cultivated positive professional relationships with faculty, administrators, and staff across the university and is a primary facilitator of the success of our Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
Congratulations to Wendy for these much-deserved honors!
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