WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 22, 2024 —The Department of Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Zoo Science from West Liberty University left a lasting impression at the Annual Conference of The Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) held from March 20-23, 2024. Led by faculty members Drs. Zackary Graham, Zachary Loughman, and James Wood, alongside 27 students, including 18 undergraduates and 9 graduates, the university showcased its dedication to scientific excellence.

The Annual Conference of The Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) is known for promoting research, education, and conservation efforts, making it an ideal platform for faculty and students to showcase their scholarly pursuits and contribute to the collective knowledge of the biological sciences. 

“Attending regional conferences like ASB provides students with an important sense of belonging as they start their professional careers as scientists. It helps them realize that their research at WLU is more than just a part of their curriculum, but also contributes to scientific progress,” said Graham.

At West Liberty University, both graduate and undergraduate students actively engage in research that exemplifies the institution’s mission and vision. From investigating reptile behavior to evaluating water quality parameters, these research initiatives demonstrate the department’s focus on a wide range of biological topics and expanding research initiatives.

Aligned with West Liberty University’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive education and fostering scholarly exploration, these research efforts are integral to empowering students and promoting their academic growth. Through experiential learning and personalized support, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to their fields and prepare for leadership roles in their communities and professions.

Furthermore, these research activities align with the university’s vision of offering innovative and inclusive opportunities that inspire students to excel. By actively participating in research, students not only enhance their academic experiences but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge and understanding within the biological sciences.

Additionally, Kayla Waialae, Program Coordinator from Graduate Studies, played a pivotal role by hosting an exhibit to market and recruit for the department, showcasing its dedication to attracting top talent and fostering a vibrant academic community.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.

 Poster Presentations:

• Jason Ake, Loyd Butcher, Elizabeth Burkey, Zachary Loughman and Jeremiah Dann. Spatial and Population Dynamics of Invasive Pheretimoid Earthworms in West Liberty University’s Campus Woods.
• Elizabeth Burkey, Jason Ake, Loyd Butcher and Jeremiah Dann. Spatial analysis of Lumbricus distribution in West Liberty University’s campus woods.
• Kaleb Norris, James A. Hartley, Zackary A. Graham and Zachary J. Loughman. Spatial Mapping and Analysis of Cambarus aff. dubius in West Virginia with emphasis on collections in 2022-2023.
• Loyd Butcher, Jason Ake, Elizabeth Burkey and Jeremiah Dann. Life History and Spatial Distribution of an Invasive Earthworm (Amynthas) Within West Liberty University’s Campus Woods.
• Kianna J. Beckwith, Nathan A. White and Zachary J. Loughman. Correlation Between Habitat Preferences and Mass (g) of Nerodia sipedon sipedon and Regina septemvittata.
• Katherin Plate, Brianne Light, Lauren Augustine, Peter DiGeronimo and Zachary J. Loughman. Behavioral Comparisons Between Hydrodynastes gigas Supplied With Different Heating Sources.
• Sofia Poludniak, Zachary J. Loughman. Impact of the Invasive Plant Species Microstegium vimineum on Burrowing Crayfish Cambarus monongalensis.
• Montana Fonner and Zachary J. Loughman. First dedicated survey of the Upper Guyandotte River for Cambarus veteranus (Guyandotte River Crayfish).
• Hannah N. Holbert, Zachary J. Loughman and Zackary A. Graham. Shelter Preference of Cambarus robustus, a Surrogate for The Federally Threatened Cambarus callainus.
• Breanna Cline and Zachary Loughman. Naturalistic Enclosure Design impact on Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) Behavior
• Nathan A. White, Erica P. Hoaglund, Christopher E. Smith, Kinsey T. Skalican Guthrie and Zachary J. Loughman. The Creation of a Body Condition Index (BCI) and its Benefits for Heterodon nasicus.
• Jarrett Whole. Multi-Categorical Analysis of Immature Bird Rehabilitation in the Florida Keys to Assess Ideal Care.
• Tyler Schwisow and Zachary J. Loughman. Environmental covariates associated with Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) surface activity in a prairies habitat.
• MacKenzie R. Daub, Diana M. Barber and Zachary J. Loughman. Influence of Incubation Techniques and Parentage on Boldness in Hydrodynastes gigas.
• Ciera Sullivan, Andrew Delph, Kinsey T.S. Guthrie, Lauren A. Mort and Zachary J. Loughman. The Effects of Female Prebreeding Feeding Frequency on Egg and Hatchling Morphometrics in Lampropeltis (Kingsnake) species. 
• Brianne Light, Katherin Plate, Lauren Augustine, Peter DiGeronimo and Zachary Loughman. Determination of Thermal Husbandry Efficacy for Hydrodynastes gigas: Growth Rates.
• Reagan Bally, Noah Meyer and James Wood. Comparison of macroinvertebrate communities between two small order tributary streams, and an assessment of overall stream health (chemical and biological) in historically impaired streams.
• Elizabeth Cika, Elizabeth Burkey and James Wood. Seasonal Variation in Water Quality Parameters on Upstream vs. Downstream Study Sites on Wheeling Creek.
• Noah Meyer, Reagan Bally and James Wood. Allochthonous leaf litter from invasive exotic plants and its effects on macroinvertebrate communities in two low-order Appalachian creeks.
• Allison Post and Holly Racine. Establishment of a non-invasive method for the measurement of water-borne corticosterone in conservation efforts of imperiled species of newts. 
• Katherine Hill and Diana Barber. An Introduction to Population studies of Bats in West Virginia State Parks, Forests, and National Parks.
• Emma Cooper, Diana Barber and Shannon Irmscher. Improving the Captive Diet of the Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) through Gut Loading.

 Oral Presentations:

• Zachary Kaminski1, Kinsey T.S. Guthrie2 and Zachary J. Loughman. Impact of different insect diets on Costa Rican Zebra Knee Tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni) growth.
• Katherine Cutlip and James Wood. The Effects of Abandoned Mine Drainage on Breakdown Rates and Benthic Microbial Composition in an Appalachian Stream, 
• Zackary A. Graham. Antennae Size Evolution in Crayfish.
• Natalie G. Burke and Zackary A. Graham. Allometry and Sexual Dimorphism of Sensory Structures in Cambarus carinirostris.
• Jaden Rusnak, Zachary J. Loughman and Zackary A. Graham. Allopatric Speciation Affecting the Former Crayfish Subgenus Jugicambarus Color Morphs