Authors: Maia Lieske, Glory Godwin Lekashu, Amelia Landsverk, Amber Eken, McKenna Wangen, Joseph C. Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences

Monitoring Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Drey Usage in Proximity to Anthropogenic Food Sources on an Urban College Campus

Squirrels (Order Rodentia, Family Sciuridae) are conspicuous members of the mammal community and have been successful in adapting to the urban landscape. Concordia College’s campus is home to Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) who create nests, or dreys, in trees. The large amount of human activity, accessibility of both natural and anthropogenic food sources, and availability of natural and anthropogenic drey, sites make campus an ideal location for observing effects of urbanization on nesting and foraging habits of these squirrels. The convenience of alternate, anthropogenic food sources may influence where and how squirrels decide to nest, their occupancy and co-habitation patterns, as well as the patterns and techniques in which squirrels forage throughout the day. We monitored the usage, characteristics, locations, and density of gray squirrel dreys throughout campus. Dreys were also characterized at parks in the region for comparison of drey characteristics in a non-urban setting. Dreys on campus were found most frequently in ash (Fraxinus spp.), but also regularly in elms (Ulmus americana), and basswood (Tilia americana) trees. Dreys were significantly lower in trees on campus as compared to nests in parks, and drey heights were correlated with tree height. Using the number of dreys on campus, we used a previously established population estimate equation to approximate the grey squirrel population on our campus at about 2.35 squirrels/ha in 2022. Using this estimate, we can compare squirrel populations from previous years’ estimates. Using ArcGIS, we will spatially analyze the dreys on campus to investigate the influence of garbage can locations on the choices of squirrel drey construction. Our hypothesis is that access to anthropogenic food sources will influence the nesting habits of urban squirrels, particularly by decreasing the distance between nesting areas and these food sources and increasing the number of dreys on non-food trees.

Authors: Rhaegan Kiland, Grace Ivesdal, Andie Kassenborg, Kylie Mitchell Lipetzky, Harshana De Silva Feelixge, Ellen Aho, John Flaspohler, Joseph C. Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences

Comparison of the Microbiomes of Urban and Rural Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and Eastern Fox Squirrels (S. niger)

A microbiome consists of a diverse array of microorganisms living within a host organism. The microbiome in animal gastrointestinal tracts is associated with digestion, metabolism, immunity, and processes related to development and behavior. Composition and diversity of the gut microbiome is associated with diet. Previous research found that organisms with a strictly plant-based diet have more diverse gut microbiota, as opposed to those who include meat in their diet. Due to the expected differences in diets among rural and urban squirrels, we expect to find consistent differences in their microbial biomes. Our goal in this project is to identify the types of bacteria in the ceca of Eastern Gray (Sciurus carolinensis) and Eastern Fox Squirrels (S. niger) who live on or around Concordia College in Moorhead, Clay Co., MN, Minneapolis, MN, and locations in rural ND.  We hypothesize the diets of rural squirrels, having a more natural, plant-based diet, will have a more diverse microbiome than urban squirrels. Further, we hypothesize that the urban squirrels, with increased access to processed food and exposure to human food sources, will have lower microbiome diversity within the cecum. To test our hypothesis, we collected samples and cultured bacteria from squirrels salvaged opportunistically as found dead, as road kills, or donated by hunters. Once ceca contents were extracted, they were diluted and plated on LB agar plates with cycloheximide. After incubation, LB agar was used to make master plates for future identification. Bacteria were cultured and grown on master plates and Gram stained. Distinct colonies will be chosen to be used in Colony PCR to determine genetic composition. The remaining samples were added into a glycerol broth to be preserved for future use. The diversity of bacteria present will be used to classify the microbiome and compare diversity between urban and rural squirrels.

Authors: Kyra Simmons, Erik Wilhelm, Dr. Kevin Gribbins
Chapter: Rho
School: University of Indianapolis
Area: Life Sciences

Preliminary histological description of the integument and exocrine glands of the cricket frog, Acris crepitans

The composition of the integument of Acris crepitans was examined using light and transmission electron microscopy to produce high-resolution images to compare the microscopic anatomy of the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the skin. The epidermis has 4-6 layers of cells and is composed of the corneum, spinosum, and germinativium. There also appears to be numerous flask cells that are most plentiful on the ventral surface. One of the more unique features of the skin in cricket frogs is the lack of serous/venom glands, which are common in most anuran species. There appears to be only lipid, mucous, and mixed glands throughout both surfaces of the skin. The dorsal surface also has a higher number of chromatophores, which is in support of this surface as the darker of the two. There presently is no ultrastructure data on the integument of cricket frogs. Here we provide preliminary ultrastructural observations of the mucous and mixed glands. These glands have the same exocrine gland machinery as normal cutaneous glands and appear in some instances to have an apocrine mode of secretion. Our goal for this study is to provide foundational and structural data on the integument of cricket frogs, which could be utilized in both life history and histopathological/chytrid studies within frogs.

Authors: Kloie Cook, Regan Resz, Leslie Fox, Andrea Yount, Kaila Llyod, Kate McDonald, Lindsey Losey, Jessica Selaya, Bryant Burns
Chapter: Gamma Kappa
School: Southwest Baptist University
Area: Life Sciences

Utilizing a Novel, Modified Calf Removal Program on the Estrous Cycle in First-Calf Heifers

First-calf beef heifers are considered to be the most difficult bovine to successfully breed-back due to the difficulty of overcoming the anestrous period. The anestrous period is characterized as a time following calving in which hormones associated with reproduction are inhibited from formation and secretion. The combined effects of the prolonged anestrous period and lack of reproductive hormone secretion prevent successful and timely breed-back. Current trends in beef production have been to utilize temporary calf removal in order to increase reproductive success. The purpose of this research is to develop a novel, temporary calf removal program to decrease the anestrous period and stimulate secretion of reproductive hormones. The experiment utilized eight, first-calf heifers pairs. On the initial day of the experiment, T0, the pairs were randomly assigned to two groups: a traditional removal group, where the calf was physically separated into a steel pipe corral and a modified (nose flap) group that allowed the maternal bond between the pair to remain intact. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein in 24-hour increments for T0, T1, T2, and T3. All samples were stored in a -80 degree freezer and later analyzed using a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to quantify the concentration of LH for each heifer. Physical signs of ovulation were observed using heat patches placed on the tail head of the heifer. Behavioral data was recorded throughout and pregnancy checks were performed 75 days after T3.

Overall, both groups performed similarly in measurements of reproductive success. Serum luteinizing hormone concentrations were comparable between both groups of heifers. Heat patches detected similar responses of standing heats between both groups over the course of 60 days. Also, 75-day pregnancy rates showed little difference between the two heifer groups.

This experiment suggests that utilizing a modified temporary calf removal program can potentially increase reproductive success while maintaining calf performance and animal welfare.

Authors: Amber Hochgesang, Bridget Stratman, Gretchen Mallin
Chapter: Gamma Eta
School: Marian University
Area: Life Sciences

Alpha-synuclein Degradation in the Presence of Glutathione

Our research goal is to address the link between alpha synuclein and reactive oxygen species. The rationale of this project is to identify the pathway in which reactive oxygen species effects alpha-synuclein proteins. In individuals with neurodegenerative diseases alpha synuclein aggregation is seen. To accomplish this aim we are going to utilize skeletal muscle to study the effect that reactive oxygen species has on the production and aggregation of alpha synuclein protein levels. We hypothesize that if substantial levels of reactive oxygen species are introduced to the skeletal muscle cell, then the aggregation of alpha synuclein will increase. We are also going to utilize skeletal muscle cells to study the effect of supplementation of glutathione on cells when reactive oxygen species are present at damaging levels. We hypothesize that increased glutathione levels by supplementation will result in a lower molecular weight of alpha synuclein on the western blot gel.

Authors: Sophie Schaumann, Luke Young, Dr. Jennifer Sweatman
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Environmental Sciences

Microlitter in water and sediment of North Dakota prairie potholes

Microlitter, low-density particles which include microplastics, are widely distributed across the environment as a result of the breakdown of larger debris, through wastewater effluent, or through atmospheric deposition. These microscopic particles can accumulate in areas where waterflow is low or static causing negative impacts to the local environment and wildlife. Prairie potholes are small, ephemeral wetlands that provide critical habitat for many species including waterfowl. Potholes are relatively static, generally only receiving water from overland inflow. As a result, they can act as a sink for microlitter. In our study, we assessed the water and soils of prairie potholes in three Wildlife Management Areas in Ramsey Co., ND. We collected three water and soil samples from three different potholes within each WMA (N_tot=27 for both water and soil samples). Water samples were filtered through a vacuum filtration apparatus. Soil samples were processed using a two-step density separation, digestion of organic material, and filtration following the same methods as the water samples. We ran blanks alongside our water/soil samples to correct our microlitter abundances for atmospheric contamination. These blanks were also treated as our control. All water and soil samples within the nine potholes sampled contained microlitter. Average microlitter abundances ranged from 0-5.93 particles per pothole. While we found higher abundances of microlitter in the sampled WMA’s, they were not significantly different from each other or our blanks (x ̅= 0.22). Understanding the distribution of microlitter in the environment will broaden our understanding of the potential impacts on the flora and fauna of the Prairie Pothole region. Future studies will include larger sample sizes and polymer analyses to understand the distribution of microlitter across the region, the abundance of microplastics within the microlitter, and the types of plastics from which the microplastics are derived.

Authors: Anne Hoffman, Madison Deckard, Ainsley Neighbors
Chapter: Gamma Eta
School: Marian University
Area: Life Sciences

The Role of Callose Synthases in the Immune Response of Arabidposis thaliana

Abstract withheld

Authors: Faith Abatayo, Khadijah Guisse, Lore Akinola-Afolabi
Chapter: gamma Eta
School: Marian University
Area: Life Sciences

Analyzing the Application of Purified Keratinase to HaCaTs and its Effectiveness on Mimicking Endogenous Keratinase

Abstract withheld

Authors: Amber Eken, Maia Lieske, Lily Haasser, Dr. Joseph Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences

Influence of Burning and Grazing on Small Mammal Communities Living on Remnant and Restored Prairies

In Minnesota, few prairies have survived European colonization and agricultural development. These remnant prairies are scattered and fragmented, interfering with the natural upkeep of the ecosystem. Recently, certain private and academic organizations have attempted to restore native prairie using management techniques such as controlled burning and grazing, but there is little research about their effectiveness, particularly in reference to small mammals. Using small mammals as an indicator, we hope to observe the efficacy of the current management techniques on prairie health and success of restoration. The purpose of this research is to monitor small mammal populations, diversity, and species richness in restored prairies that have implemented management techniques in comparison to remnant prairies. By comparing these sites, we can observe the effectiveness of prairie management techniques and hopefully observe an increase in small mammal populations, richness, and diversity on restored prairies that approximates those seen on remnant prairies. Collecting data at remnant and restored prairies in northwestern Minnesota has enabled us to observe the differences in mammal species richness, evenness, and diversity. We marked grids at each prairie site, establishing live-trapping grids with 40-50 trap stations. When small mammals are captured, we identify the species, sex, and mass of each animal before marking and releasing them. Since the initiation of the project in 2012, we have observed an increase in small mammal populations in the restored prairies that is approaching the levels observed in remnant prairies. This suggests that the current management techniques are successful. We hope to gather more information about the success of burning compared to grazing, as well as optimal time rotation between implementations of these techniques.

Authors: Noah Helphenstine, Philip Jen
Chapter: Beta Xi
School: University of Pikeville
Area: Life Sciences

Neuropeptide S Coexistance with Select Neuropeptides and Neurotransmitters in the Innervation Pathways of Human Kidney Masses

In our present study, we are reporting the presumptive neurotransmitter (NOS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and neuropeptide S (NPS) innervation of the clear cell carcinoma. Delicate immune-positive nerve fibers were commonly seen within the septa beneath the basal domain of the tumor cells. Our interesting finding was the common observation of NPS immunoreactive (-IR) nerves within the population of triple-labeled nerve fibers within the septa. According to Pulkkinen et al. (2014), NPS/NPSR expression in cancer cells indicates overactive altered gene pathways involving “mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), circadian activity, focal adhesion, transforming growth factor-beta, and cytokine-cytokine interactions (Pulkkinen et al., 2014). Occasionally, these tumor cells are themselves triple-immunoreactive (-IR) towards NOS, NPY, and NPS, which indicate that these cells demonstrate characteristics of neuroendocrine cells known as amine precursor uptake decarboxylase cells (APUD cells). It is interesting to note that the innervation pathways of these neuroendocrine cells are notably different than the common carcinoma clear cells. Instead of triple labeled nerve fiber innervation, these APUD cells are innervated by single labeled NPY fibers.

Authors: Grant Anderson, Gabe Sparks, Therese Byankuba, Gavin Groshelle, and Joseph C. Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Environmental Sciences

Analysis of the Diet and Habitat Preference of Minnows in Long Lake, Minnesota           

Minnows are small freshwater fish (Family Cyprinidae) that can live in a variety of areas including springs, lakes, ponds, and rivers. Previous research has indicated they are abundant in Long Lake, Becker County, Minnesota. Minnows tend to live near shallower, warmer water, and are scavenger hunters. Our goal was to use minnow traps to investigate the abundance of minnows in different areas of Long Lake, and to investigate the efficacy of two kinds of bait. We sampled three different locations, one near the dock in a partly shaded area, one on a rocky flat area in full sun, and a cattail marsh. In each of these locations we placed three minnow traps – one baited with dog food, as a more nutritionally-balanced food, a second with cat food representing a protein-rich food source, and a control trap with no bait. Within a habitat type, traps were set 5 m apart parallel to the shore and rocks were placed inside to add weight. Traps were set up for three Mondays and left overnight. The following afternoon minnows were counted, measured, and recorded for each of the habitats and bait types. Minnows were released following measurements. We caught 70 minnows at our location near the pontoon dock, five at the rocky swim flat, and none at the cattail site. Our only statistically significant result observed was between locations. Thus, the location did affect the number of minnows caught. Bait type did not affect the number of minnows caught. Neither bait type nor location had an effect on the length of the minnows caught. Our experiment can be valuable to future studies of fish or minnows at Long Lake, and possibly serve as a control reference to other researchers.

Author: Ashley Harrison
Chapter: Beta Xi
School: University of Pikeville
Area: Mathematics

Abstract withheld

Authors: Alissa Thamar Edjacin, Alexa Smith, Jennifer Sweatman, Joseph C. Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences

A Comparison of Microplastic Content in the Gastrointestinal Tracts versus Feces of Urban and Rural Tree and Ground Squirrels (Sciuridae)

Anthropogenic plastic pollution threatens both human and ecosystem health. Plastic waste can be directly consumed by wildlife or broken down into microplastics (MPs, <5mm) that pollute the water, air, and soil. Microplastics are emerging as a threat to several biomes, with marine ecosystems being the most thoroughly studied to date. Less is known about the prevalence and environmental impact of MPs on the terrestrial environment. Previous lab studies have observed MP distribution and accumulation in mammalian liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples. The prevalence of MPs is becoming increasingly recognized as a threat to public health and environmental conservation. The purpose of this study seeks to determine if the feeding behavior of the mammals influences the number of MPs existing in the GIT, using feces as a representative subset for the GITs of living squirrels. We hypothesize that all specimens sampled will contain MPs and that urban-dwelling squirrels will contain a greater number of MPs than rural squirrels. We also hypothesize that there will not be a significant difference between the number of MPs in gray squirrels versus red squirrels.

Specimens were obtained as salvages or incidental mortalities. All GIT organs were collected and frozen until the time of tissue digestion. Existing feces was collected from the bodies and the rectum of salvaged squirrels, and collected from living squirrels. Feces was frozen until the time of digestion. Each sample was chemically digested using a 10% KOH solution. Samples were vacuum filtered and examined using a dissection microscope. For standardization, we will calculate the number of MPs per gram (g-1) organ mass, or feces mass. We will be presenting preliminary results.

Authors: Maia Lieske, Glory Godwin Lekashu, Jenna Stilwell, Kaylee Koski, Sonja Gilje, Joseph C. Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences

A Comparison of Available Cones and Cones Cached by American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) on an Urban College Campus.

American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) area widely distributed species or tree squirrel, most often associated with coniferous forest. Red squirrels are also able to adapt well to urban environments, including the Concordia College campus, in Moorhead, MN. On our campus they share their habitat with eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus). Unlike these two species, red squirrels are known to be highly territorial and build and defend a conspicuous cache or larder. These caches are built during late summer and into fall and provide sustenance for the red squirrel’s survival during the harsh winter. We hypothesized that red squirrels would conform to the predictions of optimal foraging theory in their selection of which cones to cache, with squirrels opting to maximize the energy gained from cones and rejecting cones that did not provide either the nutritional benefit or were to expensive to collect or consume. Building on previous undergraduate research projects, we pooled data from those projects and compared cone measurement data from red squirrel caches and measured cones on several confers nearby these caches to gain a better understanding of cone availability and squirrel cone collection. The pooled results, including previous data and the data we collected, show a significant difference in the size of cones found in red squirrel caches and those available in the trees adjacent to the caches. The smaller cones found in caches may indicate they easier to handle for the energy contained within their seeds. Thus, our analysis indicates that squirrels are not collecting cones at random and are likely employing aspects of optimal foraging theory with cones that are being cached.

Authors: Regan Resz, Kloie Cook, Leslie Fox, Andrea Yount, Kaila Llyod, Kate Mcdonald, Jessica Selaya, Lindsey Losey, Bryant Burns
Chapter: Gamma Kappa
School: Southwest Baptist University
Area: Life Sciences

Utilizing a Novel, Modified Calf Removal Program on the Estrous Cycle in First-Calf Heifers

First-calf beef heifers are considered to be the most difficult bovine to successfully breed-back due to the difficulty of overcoming the anestrous period. The anestrous period is characterized as a time following calving in which hormones associated with reproduction are inhibited from formation and secretion. The combined effects of the prolonged anestrous period and lack of reproductive hormone secretion prevent successful and timely breed-back. Current trends in beef production have been to utilize temporary calf removal in order to increase reproductive success. The purpose of this research is to develop a novel, temporary calf removal program to decrease the anestrous period and stimulate secretion of reproductive hormones. The experiment utilized eight, first-calf heifers pairs. On the initial day of the experiment, T0, the pairs were randomly assigned to two groups: a traditional removal group, where the calf was physically separated into a steel pipe corral and a modified (nose flap) group that allowed the maternal bond between the pair to remain intact. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein in 24-hour increments for T0, T1, T2, and T3. All samples were stored in a -80 degree freezer and later analyzed using a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to quantify the concentration of LH for each heifer. Physical signs of ovulation were observed using heat patches placed on the tail head of the heifer. Behavioral data was recorded throughout and pregnancy checks were performed 75 days after T3.

Overall, both groups performed similarly in measurements of reproductive success. Serum luteinizing hormone concentrations were comparable between both groups of heifers. Heat patches detected similar responses of standing heats between both groups over the course of 60 days. Also, 75-day pregnancy rates showed little difference between the two heifer groups.

This experiment suggests that utilizing a modified temporary calf removal program can potentially increase reproductive success while maintaining calf performance and animal welfare.

Authors: Lindsey Losey, Jessica Selaya, Bryant Burns, Kloie Cook, Leslie Fox, Kaila Lloyd, Andrea Yount, Regan Resz, Justin Hensley, Kate McDonald, and Dr. John Murphy
Chapter: Gamma Kappa
School: Southwest Baptist University
Area: Life Sciences

The Influence of Different Weaning Methods on Interleukin-6 and Serum Amyloid A Levels in Calves

Weaning is known to be a particularly stressful event in a calf’s life. The use of a non-invasive nose-flap has been introduced, which allows for the maternal bond to be maintained. The purpose of our research is to provide evidence of a less stressful weaning method utilizing Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) as biomarkers. Both IL-6 and SAA are produced during an Acute Phase Response which is a series of physiological changes following an injury, infection, or traumatic event. For experimentation, eight calves were split into two treatment groups, traditional and modified (nose-flap). Sample collection started on “T0” when the weaning process began and then occurred in 24-hour increments for T1, T2, and T3. Blood was collected via a coccygeal venipuncture, and the serum was stored in a -80 degree freezer until ready to be analyzed by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) procedure. Our results showed that there was no conclusive relationship between SAA levels and the stress response initiated by weaning. However, we did see a significant peak in IL-6 concentration within the traditional group on T1 (p < 0.05). This data suggests that the use of a modified method leads to decreased stress response and increased animal welfare during weaning. Future research in this field is aimed at increasing sample size and introducing adjustable nose-flaps to make this method more accessible to a wide range of beef producers.

Authors: Leslie Fox, Kaila Lloyd, Regan Resz, Andrea Yount, Kloie Cook, Jessica Selaya, Lindsey Losey, Bryant Burns, Justin Hensley, Kate McDonald
Chapter: Gamma Kappa
School: Southwest Baptist University
Area: Life Sciences

The Effects of Modified Calf Removal on Stress in Beef Cattle

Reproduction is a key measure of profitability in a cow-calf enterprise. Maximum economic returns are achieved by a cow calving in a 365-day window. Following calving, the dam will experience a postpartum anestrus period. The anestrous period is characterized as a time following calving in which the reproductive hormones are inhibited due to many stressful factors including recovery from pregnancy, nutritional status, suckling by the calf, and age. Shortening the length of the anestrus period increases economic and reproductive success. A method commonly utilized to shorten the anestrus period is the temporary removal of the calf from the cow. However, the temporary removal of the calf has been reported to increase the incidence of stress-related behaviors and cortisol secretions in the cow. The purpose of this research is to develop a novel, temporary calf removal program to decrease stress-related behaviors while maintaining reproductive efficiencies.

The experiment utilized eight, first-calf heifer pairs. The eight pairs were equally divided into two groups on T0: a traditional removal group and a modified (nose flap) group. The traditional group is characterized by the physical separation of the cow and calf, severing the maternal bond. The modified nose flap group allowed the maternal bond to be maintained by attaching a non-invasive plastic barrier on the septum of the calf’s nose to prevent suckling. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein in 24-hour increments on T0, T1, T2, and T3. All samples were stored in a -80 C freezer and later analyzed using a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to quantify the concentration of cortisol for each heifer.

Results showed dramatic differences between the two treatment groups. Over the course of 48 hours, the cows in the traditional group vocalized 18 times more frequently than the cows in the modified group. Similarly, calves in the traditional group vocalized 12 times more frequently than the calves in the modified group. This experiment suggests the utilization of a modified temporary calf removal program results in decreased stress related behaviors while maintaining reproductive efficiency.

Authors: Maia Lieske, Glory Godwin Lekashu, Amelia Landsverk, Joseph C. Whittaker
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
School: Concordia College
Area: Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences

Monitoring Urban Squirrel Activity and Foraging Habits in Proximity to Anthropogenic Food Sources in Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus)

Urban development causes habitat fragmentation which can disrupt ecosystems and organisms that inhabit them. Through interruption of species movement, fragmentation causes species to react by modifying their behavior, habits, and specialization. Concordia College’s campus is home to Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus). The large amount of human activity, accessibility of both natural and anthropogenic food sources, and availability of natural and anthropogenic nesting, or drey, sites make campus an ideal location for observing effects of urbanization on foraging habits and movement patterns of these squirrel species. The convenience of alternate, anthropogenic food sources may influence the patterns and techniques in which squirrels forage throughout the day. In order to analyze these effects, we used live-trapping and radio telemetry to track squirrels across campus and documented their locations and behavior. We will examine telemetry data from 2022 and location data going back to 2014 in comparison to the locations of different anthropogenic food sources and drey locations across campus. We also set up camera traps to document the frequency with which squirrels forage in garbage cans when campus is in and not in session. Our hypothesis is that access to anthropogenic food sources will influence the foraging habits of urban squirrels, particularly by increasing the interactions with these food sources, influencing their movement patterns and nest use.

Authors: Grace Nieukirk, Mark Berhow, Korey Brownstein, Jackson Edwards
Chapter: Phi
School: Eureka College
Area: Physical Sciences

Isolation and characterization of cucurbitacins in extracts prepared from melon and buffalo gourd for use as biopesticides

Abstract withheld