Th recent volume of Herpetological Review featured results of surveillance for two wildlife diseases, ranavirus and the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, conducted by Dr. Rachel Goodman and HSC student Yonathan Tarekegne Ararso ’13.  This study found the fungus, which has been implicated in global amphibian declines, in low prevalence among frogs from campus ponds and a nearby Wildlife Management Area.  However, no frogs showed any symptoms of disease.  The survey failed to detect ranavirus in area frogs, despite the presence of this pathogen in a co-occurring turtles species.

5 of Hampden-Sydney’s graduating biology seniors recently completed their year-long independent Honors studies.  First, 4 of these students presented Department Honors projects.  Ian Giles presented his project, which was advised by Dr. Herb Sipe of the department of Chemistry and focused on the chemistry of kava root extracts:

Ian Giles

Next, Osric Forrest presented a multi-year study on cancer immunology that was advised by Dr. Kristian Hargadon.

Osric Forrest

Stewart Neifert presentation on the genetics behind human evolution was advised by Dr. Alex Werth:

Stewart Neifert

Finally, Jonathan Park gave a talk on the molecular basis of herbivory defense in plants based on his project advised by Dr. Mike Wolyniak

Jonathan Park

The department’s final Honors student, Barron Frazier, presented his Senior Fellowship project on Cherokee medical practices and its potential application to Western medicine, a project co-advised by Drs. Sharon Goad of the Department of Anthropology and Mike Wolyniak.  Senior Fellows devote half of their academic workload to immerse themselves in the pursuit of an interdisciplinary project.

Barron Frazier

These projects are the culmination of many months of hard work on the part of motivated and passionate scientists…..congratulations to all of our Honors students!