Veteran summer science researcher Amber Gillis '06 (Clifton Park,
N.Y.) and newcomer Kathryn Hansen '07 (Montpelier, Vt.) are working
with Professor of Biology David Gapp on a biology research project this
summer. Gillis and Hansen are studying the effects of different
hormones, drugs and neurotransmitters on the smooth muscle contractions
in turtles at various temperatures in a project titled "The Contractile
Effects of Extracellular Calcium on Smooth Muscle of Trachemys
scripta."
"We are looking at smooth muscle contractions in
Trachemys scripta (Red-Eared Sliders)," Hansen explains. They will
examine the effects of calcium on the upper and lower intestines,
looking specifically at how extracellular calcium interacts with
stimulants (like Carbachol or Bradykinin). They hope to determine which
calcium source, extracellular or intracellular, produces the greatest
muscle tension. The girls travel to Westmoreland and the Utica Marsh,
their trap sites, several times a week to trap turtles.
Both
Gillis and Hansen admit that the research has been rewarding;
unfortunately, they have had a little difficulty outside of the lab.
"We've been having a lot of problems catching turtles," Gillis says.
"Diabetes has been found in Painted Turtles from the Utica Marsh,"
Hansen adds. "We have been trying to capture some turtles to test their
glucose levels. Whereas in previous years, Professor Gapp and his
students have had luck catching turtles, our traps have only caught one
snapping turtle," she explains. Gillis and Hansen are not sure if the
turtles have migrated elsewhere, due to habitat changes.
Hansen,
also a biochemistry major and an aspiring veterinarian, wanted to
conduct hands-on research this summer with animals. "I wanted to work
with animals and expand my limited knowledge about physiology," she
explains. "I figured I couldn't ask for a better person than Professor
Gapp to help me in this endeavor."
Gillis, who has spent the
last two summers conducting computational chemistry research with
Winslow Professor of Chemistry George Shields. Gillis, a biochemistry
major, became interested in conducting biology research after taking a
class with Professor Gapp. As an aspiring secondary biology teacher,
she focuses her energy on biology research during the summer months.
According to Gillis, summer research has allowed her to gain a
completely different academic experience. "It's very different from
what you do in a regular classroom" she explains. "It truly is a
wonderful experience." Gillis hopes to continue her research with
Professor Gapp for her senior thesis this coming academic year.
-- by Emily Lemanczyk '05
