• ABOUT WLU
  • CALENDAR
  • CAMPUS POLICE
  • CONTACT WLU
  • DIRECTORY
  • GO WLU
  • NEWS
  • WLU A – Z

West Liberty University

Biology | College of Sciences

Find out about WLU’s Masters in Biology

SearchWLU SearchWLU SearchWLU Search
  • Day of Giving
  • Programs of Study
    • Future Students
    • BA/BS Biology
    • MA/MS Biology
    • WVSOM Bridge Program
    • ZOO Science
  • Research @ WLU
  • Faculty and Staff
    • BioMedical Sciences
    • Organismal Biology
    • Achievements
  • Science Fairs
    • Ohio County Science & Engineering Fair
    • Regional Science & Engineering Fair
    • WV State Science Fair
  • TOPPER-SURE
    • Areas of Research
    • Making Connections
    • Apply
  • News
  • Contact
  • APPLY
    • Scholarships
Home Research at WLU

Research at WLU

Department of Biological Sciences

For a small university, the WLU Department of Biological Sciences offers a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate research.  The students involved in this research are not only rewarded monetarily, but they also gain valuable research experience and have the opportunity to present their findings at a state, national, and international level.

Some of the current research projects at WLU include:

Freshwater Crayfishes
Dr. Zachary Loughman

Dr. Zachary Loughman Research

Research in the Loughman Lab focuses on crayfish natural history, taxonomy, and conservation biology, with an emphasis on crayfishes that occur in West Virginia. To do this, Loughman and West Liberty University Biology students travel throughout West Virginia and the southeastern United States surveying crayfishes.

The ultimate goal of this research is elucidating the natural history of these enigmatic animals. By understanding distribution and potential environmental threats to crayfishes, conservation recommendations and actions ultimately will be more useful and efficient.

In addition to this work, we study the ecology of high elevation burrowing crayfishes, investigate the systematics of the Cambarus robustus complex, and maintain the West Liberty University Astacology Collection which currently houses 1,500 lots of catalogued crayfishes from across West Virginia and the southeastern United States.

Francisella Tularensis
Dr. Joseph Horzempa

Dr. Joseph Horzempa Research

The Horzempa Laboratory investigates the pathogenesis of Francisella tularensis – a pathogenic bacterium with bioterror implications.
We are interested in studying the biology of this organism so we can develop new vaccine strategies and therapeutics.  We have discovered that F. tularensis invades host erythrocytes, and are currently studying the mechanism of this novel interaction.
We are also investigating natural compounds in collaboration with the National Center for Natural Products Research with the goal of discovering novel antibiotics.  To date, we have discovered and patented a new antibiotic compound, and have published on our novel vaccine platform strategy.
Craniosynostosis
Dr. Holly Racine

 

The Racine lab is conducting research on the project entitled, “Impact of In Utero Thyroid-Related Mechanisms on Development of Craniosynostosis Evaluated by Avian Skull Morphogenesis” funded by NASA WVSGC.

Dysregulation of normal bone development can lead to debilitating skeletal disorders including skeletal dysplasia’s and craniosynostosis.  Craniosynostosis (CS) is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures.  CS leads to abnormal structure and function and is associated with increased pressure inside the cranium leading to abnormal neurogonition, behavior, and vision.  The prevalence of CS in humans is 1 in every 2,500 births, with a reported rising prevalence.  Recent work suggests that thyroid-related mechanisms may have a strong impact on the development of CS.  Specifically, increased circulation of maternal thyroid hormone (TH), or thyrotoxicosis, increases the chance that infants will develop CS.  The goal of the Racine lab is to evaluate TH regulation in target tissues from chicken embryos with induced-thyrotoxicosis to validate a model for TH-related CS.  This model can be used to establish the mechanism for TH-related CS by analysis of gene expression and skull morphology.

 

ACADEMICS

BA/BS Biology
BA/BS in Biology
MA/MS in Biology
MA/MS in Biology
WVSOM Bridge
WVSOM Bridge
Zoo Science
Zoo Science

ACADEMICS

  • Biology
  • Human Biology
  • MA/MS Biology
  • WVSOM Bridge Program
  • ZOO Science

RESOURCES

  • WLU Admissions
  • WLU College of Sciences
  • WLU MA/MS Biology
  • WLU ZOOsci
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Science Fair
  • TOPPER-SURE

CONTACT US

College of Sciences
DEPT of BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

West Liberty University
208 University Drive
West Liberty, WV 26074

304.336.8149
Toll Free: 866-WESTLIB ext. 8149

Contact us via Email

WLU

CARING . QUALITY . AFFORDABLE . TOTAL COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

208 University Drive
West Liberty, WV 26074

 

304.336.5000
Toll Free: 866-WESTLIB

 

Contact WLU via Email

  • WLU A – Z
  • About WLU
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Alumni
  • APPLY NOW
  • Board of Governors
  • Bookstore
  • Business Office
  • Campus Map
  • Campus Police
  • Catalog
  • Colleges
  • Counseling Services
  • Current Students
  • Dining Services
  • Directory
  • Employment Information
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Fast Facts
  • Financial Aid
  • Foundation
  • Future Students
  • Give Now
  • Grades
  • Graduate Students
  • Honors College
  • Information Technology
  • International Students
  • Intramurals
  • Library
  • Maintenance
  • Majors
  • Media Relations
  • Net Price Calculator
  • News
  • Provost Office
  • RAVE / TopperNET
  • Registrar’s Office
  • Request Info
  • Residence Life
  • Scholarships
  • Student Health Services
  • Student Life
  • Title IX
  • Transcripts
  • The Trumpet
  • Tuition
  • WGLZ Radio
  • © WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • EMERGENCIES