There are over 20,000 known bee species in the world. North America is home to about 4,500 native bee species. At Missouri State University, behavioral ecologist Dr. Avery Russell studies bees. He is also an assistant professor in the biology department. Based on his research on bee sonication (buzzing), Russell co-authored a paper with several other researchers. … [Read more...] about Examining the ecological role of bee buzzing in pollination
The World Health Organization estimates that 50 million people worldwide battle neurodegenerative disorders — and that number should increase as our population ages. At Missouri State University, Dr. Tuhina Banerjee’s research offers promising insight on potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for these conditions. Banerjee is an assistant professor of … [Read more...] about Beyond the microscope: Exploring the barriers of neurodegeneration
Over 1,000 miles away from Springfield, Missouri, Sarah Sommer is researching rocks that are 493 million years old. Located on the border of Utah and Nevada, the Great Basin serves as a perfect desert location for geologists to study bedrock, miles away from civilization. Sommer, who’s studying geology at Missouri State University, recently received $500 from the Edward … [Read more...] about Rocking in the desert
Through their research, three Missouri State University students are trying to better understand soil and plants, and their connection to the environment. Ophelia Pettington, Daphne Miles and Anna Faust can expand their research work thanks to funding from the Webster Groves Nature Study Society. The organization offers annual scholarships to students in … [Read more...] about Empowering eco-explorers
Congratulations to Dr. Debra Finn for her recent feature in Mind’s Eye magazine. Finn is associate professor of biology at Missouri State University. Finn, along with her students and collaborators, studies the ecology of streams, particularly in the Ozark region. Her research delves into understanding how streams and their inhabitants respond to and recover from … [Read more...] about Dr. Debra Finn featured in Mind’s Eye