When the Texas Society of Mammalogists issued a call for research presentations, Cameron students Teanna Doleman, Solomon Meraz, Honey Peters and Ivette Sarbia answered the call. The four biology majors, along with their research mentor, Dr. Dana Lee, an associate professor in the Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences, attended the organization’s annual conference in late February along with more than 60 students from universities throughout Oklahoma and Texas.
“Conducting research allows our students to delve deeper into the field of biology,” says Lee. “It provides opportunities to enhance their critical thinking skills, learn about research methodology and data analysis, and contributes to career preparedness. Presenting their research findings, either through poster or oral presentations, allows them to hone their written and/or oral communication skills. It’s exciting to work with students like Teanna, Solomon, Honey and Ivette, who continue to embrace the opportunities presented to them as a result of their academic research.”
Meraz offered his research in an oral presentation and was honored with the Bobby Baker Award for best oral presentation by an undergraduate student in the field of molecular biology, evolution, and systematics. His presentation, “Flying Under The Radar: A Study of Adenovirus Prevalence and Genetic Variation in Oklahoma’s Bat Populations,” presented findings from a study in which he used intestine tissue from bats collected in Oklahoma to determine if DNA from an adenovirus was present. If so, the DNA was sequenced and three new viruses were discovered.
Doleman, Peters and Sarbia shared their research findings through poster presentations.
Sarbia’s poster, “What Scorpions Are On The Menu For Pallid Bats?”, earned the Clyde Jones Award for best undergraduate poster presentation in mammalian molecular biology, evolution, and systematics. Sarbia’s research utilized DNA sequences found in bat fecal material to identify which scorpions the bats eat.
Doleman’s poster, “The Diet of Pallid Bats,” identified types of insects and spiders eaten by bats. Like Sarbia, Doleman used DNA sequences found in bat fecal material to determine her results.
In her research, Peters sought to identify “The Frequency of Microplastics in the Bats of Oklahoma.” Her study also used fecal material from bats collected in Oklahoma. After examining the fecal material under the microscope, Peters then recorded how often a piece of microplastic was found.
The research projects were funded by the Dr. Bobby Gene Vowell Endowed Lectureship and by a gift from CU alumnus Paul Korhonen and his wife Karla.
###
PR#25-033
