Zosterophylls are an extinct group of plants that were diverse and widely spread worldwide, starting in the Silurian period and continuing through the first half of the Devonian period. From an evolutionary perspective, this extinct plant group is significant because they gave rise to one of the two major branches of the vascular plant tree of life - the lycopsids, which have evolved and diversified through the present day. The fossil record of zosterophylls is sporadic and is especially scarce in fossils with preserved anatomy. This study focuses on characterizing a set of new zosterophyll fossils with preserved anatomy discovered in one of the richest plant fossil assemblages of the Early Devonian age, in the Battery Point Formation of the Gaspe Peninsula (Quebec, Canada). Characterizing these fossils entails processing fossil samples for microscopic observations to describe their anatomy in qualitative and quantitative detail. Our characterization involves discussing these samples in a comparative context, including all the other anatomically preserved zosterophyll genera and species previously described. The outcomes of the project include contributions to the known diversity of zosterophylls and the taxonomy of this critical extinct group. Preliminary data indicate that the new fossils comprise significant morphometric breadth (e.g., xylem strand and tracheid size), which suggests that multiple species may be present and demonstrate the undeniable presence of at least two zosterophyll types new to science.

Aquaponics has become a sustainable agricultural method amid increasing concerns about methane emissions and climate change. This research aims to compare the growth of chiles using traditional soil-based methods versus aquaponics systems. The study will involve two experimental setups: one employing traditional raised plant beds with fertilized soil and the other utilizing aquaponics with chiles grown in floating rafts within a pond, using terracotta balls as the substrate. This comparative analysis seeks to determine the efficiency and sustainability of these cultivation methods, which have seen limited research in aquaponics applications. Chile seedlings will be used for both methods, with the traditional method involving planting in raised beds with soil, while the aquaponics method will integrate the chiles into a pond connected to an established aquaponics system. The research will focus on assessing growth rates and comparing outcomes between the two approaches. This study addresses the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices by investigating the effectiveness of different substrates within the aquaponics context. It aims to provide insights into optimizing chile production through aquaponics, potentially offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional farming methods. Ultimately, the findings will contribute valuable knowledge to the field, supporting the development of sustainable agriculture and promoting the adoption of innovative techniques like aquaponics in mainstream farming practices.

Our research lab focuses on Rickettsia tillamookensis from the Transitional Group and Rickettsia species phylotype G022 (G022) from the Spotted Fever Group. We aim to understand the horizontal transmission dynamics of these tick-borne Rickettsia species through fleas as potential vectors and mammals as potential reservoirs. We detected bacterial DNA in tissue samples from mammalian hosts, ticks, and fleas using quantitative PCR (qPCR), a real-time polymerase chain reaction that amplifies target DNA sequences. My independent research project focused on confirming the presence of G022, initially identified in 5.9% of our samples via qPCR, using nested qPCR. Collaborating with an external company, I designed specific primers for nested PCR. Additionally, I conducted bacterial transformations and conventional PCR on confirmed positive ticks to establish a DNA template, optimizing my nested PCR assay and positive controls. To refine the methodology, I performed Gradient PCR to determine the ideal conditions for our primers. Subsequently, I executed nested PCR to validate the positive samples detected by qPCR, ensuring the reliability of our findings. Our combined approach, using qPCR and nested PCR, provides robust evidence for the presence and transmission potential of R. tillamookensis and G022. This study advances our understanding of the epidemiology of these pathogens and highlights the role of fleas and ticks as vectors, informing future public health strategies for managing Rickettsial diseases. The confirmation of G022 in our samples through nested qPCR validates our initial qPCR results, enhancing the credibility of our study and underscoring the importance of precise molecular techniques in studying vector-pathogen interactions.

The EMU Sustainability Commission uses the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) to document sustainability practices and find areas of improvement. I will develop and present a biodiversity management plan designed to identify vulnerable ecosystems and species at EMU’s Fish Lake Environmental Education Center (FLEEC). This plan will improve EMU’s STARS rating and help prevent, manage, and/or remediate damage to natural habitats and sensitive areas. So far it has been found that most organisms within the defined research area hold the IUCN Red List conservation status of “least concern”. However, the site does include 9 vascular plant species with a Coefficient of Conservatism (C-value) of 10, which indicates a lower tolerance to environmental degradation.. These species are the main focus of this plan due to their sensitivity and their association with wetlands. Based on previous work at the site (Rice, 2024), I’ve found that most species with a C-value of 10 reside in the bog wetland at FLEEC. Using this information, broad management actions for that specific habitat were constructed, including controlled flooding and habitat rehabilitation. This plan concludes that current minimal recovery actions would be most effective to conserve rare and at-risk species.