Life Sciences
Ecology and Environmental Science and Molecular Genetics
This is certainly an exciting time to study life sciences at Notre Dame. On September 14th, 2006, the University formally opened and dedicated the new Jordan Hall of Science, a state-of-the-art facility which features new undergraduate laboratory spaces, a Digital Visualization Theatre, an Observatory, and The Museum of Biodiversity. Students in the Summer Scholars Life Science track will use these facilities to engage in two major areas of study: Ecology and Environmental Science and the Molecular Genetics of Disease.
The topics covered within these areas will highlight both basic research conducted by Notre Dame faculty and the connection of this research to applied fields in industry, medicine, and environmental management. Students will investigate these topics using a variety of formats including interactive lectures (given by coordinators and guest speakers), laboratory work, collaborative learning, computer and video material, group discussions, and field trips. Field trips include biodiversity and ecosystem management studies at Michigan’s Warren Dunes and a visit to some of Chicago’s science-related museums.
Both content areas will expose students to the philosophy of scientific investigation, current techniques used in field and laboratory research, and analysis and communication of experimental results.
Ecology and Environmental Science
Perform assessments of environmental quality in a local stream (Juday Creek) ecosystem and review published scientific literature on management strategies with the authors (Notre Dame faculty members and DNR scientists).
Investigate unique local ecosystems: Warren Dunes, Michigan (ecological succession, geologic history and ecosystem management) and Warren Woods, Michigan (ecology of rare, old growth forest).
Molecular Genetics
Initiate laboratory study using molecular genetics techniques. Possible projects include genetics of retinal degeneration in Drosophila and the molecular basis of colon cancer.
Analyze DNA sequence data and identify molecular basis of disorder.
Review and discuss relevant scientific literature with Notre Dame faculty members.
Academic Directors
Kristin M. Lewis, Coordinator for the General Biology Laboratory, received her B.S. in Pre-Professional Studies (Biology/Pre-med) in 1991 from the University of Notre Dame. Following graduation, she taught Advanced Placement and Regents Biology at Immaculate Heart Central High School in Watertown, NY. In 1994, she returned to Notre Dame as a graduate student in the lab of Dr. Jeffrey Feder. Here she worked on the population genetics of the exotic zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and earned her M.S. in Biology in 1997. Since the fall of 1997, Kristin has served as the Laboratory Coordinator for sophomore-level General Biology at Notre Dame. In the Fall of 2006, the BIOS 20201 Lecture and Laboratory course which Ms. Lewis teaches with Professor Joe O’Tousa was recognized as an outstanding introductory biology course by the Center for Educational Policy Research (CEPR). Ms. Lewis is a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers and the Association for Biology Laboratory Education.
Mark Olsen, Coordinator for Introductory and Honors Biology Laboratory Program, conducted his undergraduate studies at St. Michael’s College in Vermont (B.S. in biological sciences, 1981) and his graduate work at the University of Notre Dame (M.S., 1989; Ph.D, 1994). He is a member of the Indiana Academy of Sciences and the Association for Biology Laboratory Education. Dr. Olsen’s Master’s degree research explored the impact of an introduced crayfish on the community ecology of lakes in northern Wisconsin and his doctoral work explored behavioral, physiological, and biochemical adaptations that allow for natural sub-zero temperature tolerance in invertebrates. Since 1994, Mark has been a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences where he is Coordinator of the Introductory Biology Program (Honors and First Year students intending to major in biological sciences). Mark has enjoyed instructing children and adults of all ages at an environmental education center in upper New York State and currently teaches a lecture course for non-major students at Notre Dame entitled “Ecology and Environmental Issues.”
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