1. Project Title: A walk on the wild side: Exploiting wild cereal species for cultivated wheat and barley
improvement. 2 positions
Research Description: Since the time of first domestication, genetic diversity in cereal crop species has
been seriously eroded. This has resulted in genetic vulnerability to many pathogens and insect pests.
The wild progenitors of wheat and barley are a virtual treasure trove of diverse alleles that can be
exploited for use in improving the cultivated species. We have obtained large collections of various
wheat and barley progenitor species from across their native habitats in the Near East, North Africa, and
Central Asia. These collections are being phenotyped for many traits of economic importance (yield,
disease resistance, agronomic traits, etc.) and genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
markers to map genes underlying these traits through association genetics. This information will be
valuable for transferring important genes into cultivated wheat and barley.
UROP Project: Two UROP positions are available. The first involves the wild wheat species Aegilops
longissima and second the wild barley species Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum. UROP students will
characterize the respective species for traits of their interest (disease resistance, agronomic traits,
abiotic stress tolerance etc.) and analyze genetic diversity (see Olivera et al. Crop Science 2010. 50:636–
648). Students will also assist in the SNP marker analyses for association mapping studies. Research will
be based both in the greenhouse and in the laboratory.
Professor Brian Steffenson
Lieberman-Okinow Endowed Chair
Department of Plant Pathology
495 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
E-mail: bsteffen@umn.edu
Phone (612) 625-4735
FAX (612) 625-9728
http://cerealdisease.cfans.umn.edu/
SKYPE address: briansteffenson
2. Biodiversity Research
Research Description: The island of New Guinea is one of the largest remaining tropical wilderness areas
in the world and little is known about its plant, fungal, and insect diversity. We have collected plants,
fungi, and insects in New Guinea over many years to describe species new to science and to study
genetic diversity. These studies aim to document patterns of biodiversity and understand the ecological
and evolutionary processes that lead to the formation of new species. We study the pollination of fig
trees by specialized insects as a particular case of coevolution (http://geo.cbs.umn.edu).
UROP Projects: Opportunities for undergraduate research include: (1) the study of plant specimens in
the University of Minnesota herbarium (Saint Paul), (2) DNA isolation, gene sequencing, DNA
fingerprinting, and phylogenetic or population genetic analysis of plants, fungi, or insects in our
laboratory (Saint Paul), (3) experiments with fig trees on display in a rainforest exhibit at the Bell
Museum of Natural History (Minneapolis), or (4) digitial imaging and databasing to make biodiversity
information available on-line (Saint Paul). Beyond tropical rainforest diversity, the latter opportunity
could focus on Minnesota flora.
Contact:
George Weiblen
612-624-3461
gweiblen@umn.edu
3. Back-porch hydroponics for growing salad greens
We are developing a non-circulating hydroponics system for growing salad greens in a small (2’x4’)
space as a way of encouraging urban and suburban families to grow their own all year long. So far we
have found that leaf and romaine lettuces work great, chard and spinach are ok, but we are having
particular difficulty with brassicas like leafy mustard and kale that help add nutritional diversity and
interesting flavors to salads. We think that some varieties of greens might be better adapted to this
hydroponic system than others, and we would like to find them before next summer so we can make
solid recommendations to potential growers. We have a number of other issues that need tweaking
too, like identifying the best nutrient solutions and the best plant spacings. We are also interested in
generating more data on how this non-circulating system compares in productivity to aerated systems
and to potting mix salad tables. You can check out what we were up to over the summer at
https://sites.google.com/site/saladtableshootout/.
You could help us with this urban agriculture effort by developing a UROP project to evaluate varieties
of salad greens in the non-circulating system, to compare systems, and/or to tweak the nutrient solution
and planting density. You don’t need experience with hydroponics, but you do need reasonable
confidence that you can grow plants, the ability to work steadily rather than in irregular spurts,
independently rather than with fully time supervision, and above all, you need a curiosity about how
things work. One of the benefits of this research project, in addition to the experience, is that you can
eat what you grow, and it is good for you!
4. Development of Highly Controlled HPLC Stationary Phases by 3D Printing
Background: Samples from living organisms can contain hundreds of thousands of small molecules (or
“metabolites”). While large molecules like DNA and protein direct the function of cells, most of the time,
it is the metabolites that produce phenotypes. If we could comprehensively measure their concentration
and distribution throughout an organism, we could make great advances in our understanding of
diseases and design effective treatments for them. Unfortunately, even with state-of-the-art analytical
techniques, we can separate and identify only a small fraction of them.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is one of those state-of-theart techniques. HPLC-MS is composed of two parts: the HPLC, which separates compounds by their
chemical properties, and the MS, which separates compounds by their mass and then detects them. The
HPLC separation is currently one of the greatest limiting factors. It often cannot separate compounds
well enough to distinguish them from one another. This is a very important problem: HPLC is a very
widely used tool in commercial and research labs. In fact, more money is spent on HPLC than any other
piece of laboratory equipment.
Currently, the materials used to separate compounds in the HPLC are fabricated using old technologies
that are only capable of making porous, spherical particles. However, using new high-resolution 3D
printing technology, one could fabricate HPLC separation media with far greater control, possibly
enabling HPLC separation media to be developed with considerably better separation efficiency.
Research Opportunity: The researcher will explore new HPLC stationary phase geometries, create them
in CAD software, print them on a 3D printer, and test their separation efficiency on an HPLC-MS system.
Contact: Paul Boswell
328 Alderman Hall
1970 Folwell Ave.
612-250-5188
bosw0011@umn.edu
5. Factors threatening a prairie skipperling with extinction
The Poweshiek skipperling was the most abundant day flying Lepidopteran in the north central prairies,
but in the past 10 years, its populations have plunged dramatically, and the US-FWS is working to list it
as an endangered species. This project will be to improve the data base of skipperling records and to
map factors possibly associated with the decline of Poweshiek skipperling. Some previous experience
with ArcGIS is necessary.
Contact: Elise Rosengren, rose0096@umn.edu, 612-624-3423, 219 Hodson Hall
6. Title: Phenological Observations as Indicators of Climate Change in Minnesota
Research Description: Among the most reliable signals of a changing climate are shifts in the timing of
annual natural phenomena, such as the first appearance of certain migratory bird species and first
bloom of various flowers. A former professor at the University of Minnesota, Dr. A.C. Hodson, kept such
records beginning in 1941 and continuing for several decades thereafter. These data provide a
potentially valuable baseline record that can be compared to current observations to clarify the extent
to which Minnesota’s climate has changed over the past 70 years.
Research Project:
A student on this project would work with the digitized copies of Dr. Hodson’s notes to develop a data
set of selected phenological indicators, and would subsequently compare those data to current
observations to determine if temporal trends are detectable, and consistent with other Minnesota
climate indicators. The student will also be given access to Dr. Hodson’s original notebooks, with the
assistance of staff in the University Archives Office.
Contact: Prof. John Baker (jbaker@umn.edu) 612-625-4249
7. Research description: By the late 21st century, global mean annual temperatures are projected to
rise by 1.1-6.4ºC with innumerable likely effects on terrestrial systems. Changes in phenology, the timing
of seasonal biological events such as budburst, blossom dates, bird migration and insect development,
have emerged as one of the most consistent signals of organismal response to climate
change. Phenology is critical to understanding species interactions (e.g. pollination, herbivory,
competition, food availability); determines growing season length in many terrestrial ecosystems; and
can play a role in determining species range limits. Research and engagement efforts in my lab focus on
examining trends in phenology over the last century using historical datasets, using experiments to
understand mechanisms that influence plant phenological events (e.g. budburst, flowering, budset, leaf
fall) and developing cyberinfrastructure for citizen science observations of phenology.
UROP opportunities: There are a number of opportunities for projects including (1) extracting data on
timing of flowering from herbarium records (collaboration with Bell Museum of Natural History
herbarium curator) (2) examining the role of winter chilling, day length and spring warming for
dormancy and budburst in a variety of tree species and (3) digitizing and analyzing historical long-term
phenology records
Contact:
Rebecca A. Montgomery
Associate Professor
Department of Forest Resources
email: rebeccam@umn.edu
Office phone: 612/624-7249
Lab phone: 612/624-3485
Office location: Green Hall 330G
8. UROP
Fall 2012
Research Description: Two plant collections at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum have
been recently been approved for the North American Plant Collection Consortium, NAPCC, status: the
Pine and the Ornamental Grass Collection. These large living collections are in the process of being
catalogued with voucher herbarium specimens. We are seeking undergraduate students to assist with
taxonomic verification of current herbarium specimens, inventorying herbarium specimens in the
collection, and beginning a digital inventory of herbarium specimens from these two living collections.
Work is predominately needed at the Arboretum, but can be coordinated with the herbarium on the St
Paul campus. Transportation to the Arboretum in Chanhassen is essential. Prior work with herbarium
specimens is not required.
Contact: Mary Meyer, 424 Alderman Hall, meyer023@umn.edu
9. Topic: How does outdoor recreation contribute to quality of life?
Background: Recreation is often linked to high quality of life, but what are the perceptions of
Minnesotans and how does recreation compare to other quality of life areas?
Project: The student will work with others to analyze and write about the importance of outdoor
recreation to quality of life broadly and then hone in on the importance of access to trails as it relates to
quality of life among different segments of the MN population.
Contact: Ingrid Schneider; ingridss@umn.edu; 61 2 624 2250
10. Topic: Sustainable tourism: progress and challenge in MN’s tourism industry
Background: Sustainable tourism is increasingly common and of increasing importance to consumers. If
and how does Minnesota’s tourism industry practice sustainable practices?
Project: The student will work with others to refine and administer an electronic questionnaire related
to sustainable tourism business practices and compare findings to other years. Updating literature on
sustainable tourism practices would be helpful.
Contact: Ingrid Schneider; ingridss@umn.edu; 61 2 624 2250
11. Topic: Eco-hydrological investigation of sandbar vegetation, hydrology and sediment interactions
Background: This study will focus on how hydrologic alteration has influenced riparian tree species’
establishment, growth and composition in southern Minnesota rivers. There have been large increases
in flow in the region and associated sediment changes that have impacted riparian vegetation dynamics,
in particular affecting the timing and areas in which successful plant establishment occurs.
Research Opportunity: The study would be carried out on rivers in southern Minnesota building on the
extensive hydrologic, geomorphic and ecological research done in the BBE Department. The UROP
student would carry out a literature review and conduct field data collection on hydrology, sediment
and riparian vegetation in and around sandbars. Data collection will include seed fall, vegetation
sampling, soil borings and hydrologic analysis. The work may focus on measurement of deposition on
point bars and soil particle size in vegetated vs. non-vegetated areas. However hydrologic and/or
geomorphic research could be done in addition to characterizing the eco-hydrologic interactions of
riparian vegetation.
Contact: Chris Lenhart (lenh0010@umn.edu ), Environment and Ecology Group, BBE Department
12. UROP: Study of Soil Erosion and Soil Organic Matter in Agricultural and Grassland Ecosystems.
Problem Description: It is commonly asserted that land cover conversion from native prairies to
agricultural land use has resulted in broad-scale losses of soil organic carbon (SOC) through increased
respiration of SOC resulting from disturbance and losses due to wind and water erosion. Recently, that
conceptual framework has been challenged; in part, because downslope deposition of eroded soil can
be an effective sink for SOC. This research focuses on characterizing and quantifying these processes in
Minnesota cropland and grassland ecosystems.
Research Opportunity: A large set of soil samples from a suite of agricultural and grassland sites in
Southern Minnesota have been collected over the past 2 years. Students will have the opportunity to
select a subset of these samples for further study of soil organic matter, soil erosion, and/or additional
areas of interest to the student. Students will learn about analytical techniques related to elemental
analysis of soil carbon and nitrogen as well as measurement of 137Cesium for determining rates of
erosion.
Contacts:
Brent Dalzell (Research Associate – Soil, Water, and Climate)
bdalzell@umn.edu
612-625-0445
Ed Nater (Professor – Soil, Water, and Climate)
enater@umn.edu
612-625-9734
13. Title: Genetic mapping of stem rust resistance genes in wheat
Research Description: Stem rust disease of wheat is one of the major challenges threatening wheat
production worldwide. Our team is developing genomics tools that would allow wheat breeders to
effectively deploy resistance genes and combat the stem rust disease.
UROP Project: As part of national and international research projects to mitigate the losses to due the
highly potent Ug99 race of stem rust, we have identified a number of sources of resistance. Genetic
mapping populations are being developed to map the location of effective genes and identify DNA
markers that can be used to assist breeding programs to select for their presence. The UROP student
would gain experience in stem rust inoculation and scoring, DNA extraction, molecular marker
genotyping, and genetic mapping.
Contact:
James A. Anderson, Professor
Dept. of Agronomy & Plant Genetics
308 Hayes Hall
PH. (612) 625-9763
ander319@umn.edu
14. Title: Effects of homeopathics on wheat disease symptoms and progression
Research Description: Homeopathy is one of the most prominent systems of medicine worldwide, and
is integrated into the national health systems of many countries including Germany, India, Brazil,
Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. The use of potentized homeopathic ultra-dilutions
has been studied in humans, animals, plants and in vitro. Plants have been suggested as an ideal system
for the study of the effects of ultra-dilutions due to the ability to use large numbers of replicates under
highly controlled experimental conditions, and the lack of possible placebo effect (Betti, L., Trebbi, G.,
Nani, D. et al. 2008. Models with Plants, Microorganisms and Viruses for Basic Research in Homeopathy.
In Signals and Images Springer Netherlands, pp. 97-111). A significant body of research has been
conducted in this area, and includes studies using wheat as a model. The review by Betti et al. (2008)
gives a good overview of homeopathic research in plants to date. Homeopathics do not pose any threat
to human health or the environment, and are compatible with organic and sustainable cropping
systems.
UROP Project: Homeopathic remedies are inexpensive and available, and custom remedies can be
produced by homeopathic pharmacies at low cost. The UROP program could offer an opportunity to
explore innovative research ideas that could potentially yield novel solutions for some problems of
disease and pest management in agriculture. A UROP student could perform a variety of experiments
on the effects of potentized ultra-dilutions including: tests on the effects of various homeopathic
substances at various dilution factors throughout the wheat life cycle, or preparation of a custom
isopathic remedy from diseased wheat tissue, inoculating plants with the same disease, then applying
the remedy to study the effects on disease symptoms and progression. This would be a low-cost project
that would require only growth chamber or greenhouse space, inoculum if a disease is to be studied,
homeopathic remedies that can be obtained at a cost of <$10 each, and diseased tissue, if a custom
remedy is to be prepared.
Contact:
James A. Anderson, Professor
Dept. of Agronomy & Plant Genetics
308 Hayes Hall
PH. (612) 625-9763
ander319@umn.edu
15. Conservation Biology: Conservation of bumblebees
Lab of Dr. Vera Krischik, Department of Entomology, 5-7044, krisc001@umn.edu
Rationale: Research on the effects of imidacloprid on established bumblebee colonies is part of a
research program of Dr. Vera Krischik and graduate student Jamie Scholer in the Department of
Entomology. We would like to have a UROP student work on a new study on the effects of imidacloprid
on recenlty emerged queen bees. It is important for students in conservation biology to understand the
risks to wildlife of standard urban management practices.
Past UROP students:
2002 Emily Tenczar, published her UROP in Hort Science, went on to get a MS degree
2012 Rafael De Los Rios Boulton, effects of imidacloprid on foraging worker bees, research report, and
poster finished
Bumblebees are important native pollinators of wild flowers and fruits. Bumble bees are in decline due
to loss of habitat, lack of seasonal phenology of flowers, pathogens, and pesticides. Imidacloprid is a
systemic insecticide that is used on most nursery, greenhouse, and backyard plants. Imidacloprid is
applied to the soil and translocated throughout the plant to leaves, pollen, and nectar. The agricultural
rate is 0. 625 mg on a corn seed and 4 mg/sg ft for field agriculture. However, the dose approved in
landscapes for a 3 gallon pot or planted rose is 300 mg or 75 times that agricultural rate. Also,
imidacloprid is used at much higher concentrations on flowering linden trees for Japanese beetle or ash
trees for Emerald ash borer. A 16 in DBH tree can have 45g of active ingredient applied to the soil, which
is 11, 000 times the agricultural rate. Certainly these uses in landscape are threatening the survival of
pollinators such as bumble bees.
It is not known how these higher landscape doses of imidacloprid affect the foraging ability of queen
bumblebees that have recently emerged from hibernation. Antidotal evidence in 2012 from an
extension agent in Maine found dead queen bumble bees under hanging baskets in nurseries treated
with imidacloprid.
We propose a study on the effects of imidacloprid on foraging and nest initiation of recently emerged
overwintering queen bumblebees in large cages (3x3X 6m) in the greenhouse. We can purchase the
queens from Koppert biological control (Romulus, MI). We record queen foraging with vides placed over
treated flowers in the cage. We can analyze the videos to see the effects of landscape rates of
imidacloprid on queen survival and nest building. We will use 4 cages, 2-controls and 2-50 ppb
imidacloprid and place 5 queens in each cage with sufficient pollen and nectar and nest sites.
-Dr. Vera Krischik
Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
University of Minnesota
1980 Folwell Avenue #219
St. Paul, MN 55108
phone: 612.625.7044
fax: 612.625.5299
email: krisc001@umn.edu
CUES: www.entomology.umn.edu/cues
ENT 4015 Turf and ornamental entomology: www.entomology.umn.edu/cues
HORT 5009 Pesticides and their use and misuse:
archive.moodle.umn.edu/spring09/course/view.php?id=4212
16. Possible UROP projects, Venterea Lab
General Topic: Management practices to reduce emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide
following nitrogen fertilizer application to soil.
Background: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is 300 times as potent as CO2 in absorbing IR radiation and is
commonly the most important component of the greenhouse gas budget of individual cropping systems
and for the US agricultural sector as a whole. Reduction of N2O emissions from fertilized cropping
systems is problematic since it is produced by several naturally occurring soil processes that convert
nitrogen fertilizer which is a key input for maintaining crop yields.
Experiments and activities: We have a range of laboratory and field experiments examining possible
strategies for reducing N2O emissions, including variation in the chemical form, timing and /or
placement of fertilizer and the use of soil amendments to stabilize the nitrogen fertilizer for more
efficient use by the crop. All of these experiments could benefit from input of an enthusiastic and
energetic undergraduate student.
Contact: Please contact Dr. Rodney Venterea, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, 170 Borlaug Hall,
venterea@umn.edu, 4-7842.
17. 2013 Spring Semester UROP Project:
Hydraulic Flow Characteristics of Bioreactor Media
Problem Statement:
Nitrogen in the form of nitrate-nitrogen is carried from agricultural lands the Upper Midwest to the Gulf
of Mexico, contributing to a large hypoxic zone off Louisiana’s coastline. One promising technique to
mitigate the loss of nitrogen involves sending subsurface tile drainage through a denitrifying bioreactor
using wood chips as the bed medium. Agricultural residue materials are also candidates for the
bioreactor medium. More work is needed to characterize the hydraulic flow properties of both the
wood chips and other media.
UROP Research Opportunity:
We have a lab apparatus (permeameter) built to test
hydraulic conductivity in a 30-cm diameter by 2.5-m
long PVC tube. We seek a UROP student who is
willing to take the initiative to learn to operate the
system, including loading/unloading the column,
running the test, analyzing the data, and determining
a next course of action. A couple of starting points
for the investigation include checking the effect of
packing density on conductivity and running tracer
tests to check for preferential flow within the
column. This project promises to be hands-on, fun,
and a great learning experience in fluid mechanics.
Contact:
Dr. Gary Feyereisen
Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Engineering
gfeyer@umn.edu
18. Factors Influencing Productivity and Activity of Antimicrobial Compounds Obtained from Wild
Plant Species.
Background: Extracts obtained from a wide range of both wild and crop plant species possess
antioxidant or antimicrobial activity. In previous research conducted on a subsample of the extracts
from plant stems, leaves, and roots of three plant species; Staghorn sumac( Rhus typhina), Purple
Loosestrife (Lythrum salicornia), and Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), our group demonstrated that these
extracts are effective agents for inhibiting the growth of the oomycetes, Pythium spp. and Phytophthora
sojae, which are widespread soilborne pathogens of soybean. This assay was conducted on whole crude
extract. The objectives of this research are: 1) To determine if fractionation techniques enables isolation
and quantification of an active constituent of these compounds and 2) to determine if differences exist
in the concentration of the active constituent among plants of the same species.
Methods;
1) Fractionation of the extract from a single plant species and further testing of activity.
2) Comparison of amount and activity of active fractions from different plants of same species.
Justification: The results obtained in this research will facilitate efforts to obtain antimicrobial
compounds from wild plant species. Genotypic variation in antimicrobial compound concentration and
activity would indicate that planting breeding can be used to increase productivity or activity of
antimicrobial compounds.
Contact: Jim Kurle, kurle001@umn.edu, 612-625-3467, 314 Stakman Hall
19. Fusarium solani, a Seedling Pathogen or Beneficial Endophyte?
Fusarium solani, a soilborne fungus, is considered to be one of the most important seed, seedling, and
root pathogens of soybean. The most severe symptoms, seed rot, damping off, and seedling mortality,
are seen when soils are cold and wet. Infection during germination and emergence is thought to reduce
soybean plant stands. However, previous research has determined that infection increases as
temperatures increase and that soil moisture has little effect on the amount of infection. Plants that
survive this period of early stress and continue growing to maturity frequently produce greater yields,
more prolific root systems, and greater above-ground plant growth than uninoculated, uninfected
plants. The effects of temperature and moisture may be caused by susceptibility to abiotic stress rather
than pathogen infection. The objective of this research is to determine if Fusarium solani infection is
present in the roots of the mature plants and is associated with the enhanced plant growth, in other
words ‘is infection by Fusarium solani endophytic and beneficial’?
Methods:
1) Compare effects of inoculation with Fusarium solani on soybean plant seedlings and on plants
grown to maturity. with and without Fusarium solani inoculation.
2) Conventional culturing techniques and molecular techniques will be used determine if Fusarium
solani infection is present in mature plants.
Justification: Efforts to limit losses to early season root rots emphasize control of infection by Fusarium
solani with fungicidal seed treatments. Breeding for improved tolerance to abiotic stress such as low
temperatures and saturated soils would exploit the mutualistic association of Fusarium solani and
soybean for enhanced yields.
Contact: Jim Kurle, kurle001@umn.edu, 612-625-3467, 314 Stakman Hall
20. Topic: The activity or auxin conjugates
Background: Auxins (indoleacetic acid, IAA) are important growth hormones in plants, responsible for
cell elongation, root formation, vascular development and tropisms. Auxin exists in plants in the form of
the free active hormone as well as in a variety of conjugated forms. The exact role of the conjugated
forms still has unresolved issues. In the reference plant Arabidopsis two conjugates appear to be
involved in degradation of the auxin, leading to the erroneous conclusion in the literature that these
conjugates are not reversible to yield the free hormone.
Project: The metabolic fate of two conjugates, IAA-aspartate and IAA-glutamate, will be compared in
Arabidopsis and soybean using advanced analytical techniques. Previous biological studies have shown
these two conjugates have little or no biological activity when applied to Arabidopsis while they have up
to 70% of the activity of the free hormone when applied to soybean seedlings. We can follow the
different fate of these compounds using LC-MS and GC-MS as the primary analytical techniques to give a
clear picture if the difference across different plant species, thus resolving a problem in the current
literature.
Contact: Jerry Cohen, cohen047@umn.edu, 612-624-9212, 252 Alderman Hall
21. UROP Proposal---Age Analysis of Trout From Samples of Scales
Research description:
We are studying the relative importance of diet composition to overwinter growth and survival of brown
trout in southeast MN streams, with an emphasis on the importance of specialized cold adapted insects
that are only available to trout during the winter months. If winter diets are variable between streams it
may help explain some of the documented variation in growth rates and trout yield of streams in
southeast MN. If populations of cold adapted invertebrates vary as a function of trout growth and
survival, then we can expect to see diets reflect the pattern of increasing cold adapted insects across an
increasing gradient of trout growth and yield.
Background:
While summer diet patterns of brown trout are relatively well documented, little is known about winter
foraging habits of trout and their importance to growth and survival. In recent years, an insect fauna
capable of growing at low water temperatures has been discovered. Several species are fast-growing
and appear to be capable of producing multiple generations in winter, and this fauna is especially wellrepresented in trout streams. These invertebrates have the potential to increase abundance of winter
forage for trout relative to streams that do not support these cold adapted invertebrates.
UROP Project Objectives:
This UROP will focus on quantifying seasonal age and growth dynamics of brown trout in southeast
Minnesota streams. Scale samples will be collected from brown trout during standardized sampling
efforts in the field. Samples will be analyzed in the lab by slide mounting and microscope analysis as well
as aging software. Back calculated length at age as well as incremental growth measurements will be
used to compare growth and age structure of trout between streams.
Contacts:
Professor Bruce Vondracek: Bvondrac@umn.edu
Will French: fren0104@umn.edu
22. Landscape Attributes Affecting Stenotherms in SE MN, A UROP Proposal
1. Research Description: Southeastern Minnesota has unique karstic and sandstone geology along with
trout streams that are economically, recreationally and ecologically valuable. In these streams, the DNR
has found that brown trout (Salmo trutta) either loose mass, gain mass or maintain mass during winter
months. This is believed directly related to the presence or absence of ultra-coldwater stenotherms
(UCS) that inhabit cold, groundwater fed streams to remain within their critical thermal tolerance range.
It is hypothesized that global warming, and other factors, will have an enormous impact on UCS and
brown trout in these streams. One objective of our research project is to determine which landscape
attributes influence the thermal buffering capacity of these streams and hence their ability to sustain
these UCS.
2. UROP Project: We have an opportunity for an undergraduate research assistant (URA) to aid in the
mapping of various landscape attributes affecting the cold water insects (i.e., stenotherms) and trout of
12 stream reaches, using arcGIS. The URA would need to have the ability to obtain GIS data from various
sources, and to effectively create data layers in arcGIS. The URA will also aid in synthesizing
management implications based upon the associations revealed by these data and help compile a
summarizing report of findings. The person will have the opportunity to submit an abstract of their
project for presentation at a local conference and perhaps at a national UROP conference. The position
is temporary (12-13 weeks) at approximately 10 hours per week. A grade of B or higher in an
introductory GIS course is required; previous work related GIS experience and junior or senior status is
desired.
Faculty contact:
Len Ferrington, ENT, 306 Hodson Hall, ferri016@umn.edu, 612-624-3265 or
Jim Perry, FWCB, 320 Hodson Hall, Jperry@umn.edu, 612 625-4717
23. PROPOSAL FOR: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Spring 2013
PROJECT TITLE: Multimedia Environmental Education for Non-Scientists
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION: Our research goal is to stimulate non-science-oriented students and
the local and international communities to learn more about issues of water quality, volunteer
monitoring, and climate change.
UROP PROJECT: We are seeking a creative UROP student interested in environmental education,
foreign language, and digital media development to fulfill two objectives of our project. Preferred
languages for this UROP are: Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Mandarin, Portuguese, French,
German, Italian, Mongolian and Hmong.
Objective 1: To create two audio-visual modules of about three minutes each, comprising multi-tasked
listening, speaking and writing experiences, built around a video of a public discussion of a topic of
interest, which will serve as online learning modules for University of Minnesota first-year language
classes. The UROP student will design the videos by writing a series of dialogues about two topics and
filming the conversations in a public place. The first one will introduce the topic of “Citizen Volunteer
Monitoring Programs” and the second will focus on discussions of the changing thermal regimes of
surface waters and the potential implications for trout sport fisheries.
Objective 2: To design two educational pamphlets that will be printed as well as posted online. Each
pamphlet will be written in a foreign language and English. The first one will introduce “Citizen
Volunteer Monitoring Programs” and the second one will discuss the changing thermal regimes of
surface waters and the potential implications for trout sport fisheries.
Our preference is for a student with advanced skills in speaking, reading, and writing one or more of the
languages listed above and interest in digital media and web page development. The UROP student will
be paired with and work in collaboration with a graduate student in the Department of Entomology to
choose the content and style of the modules and pamphlets. Both the online modules and pamphlets
will educate the University and non-University communities and national and international public about
complex ecological issues and how data are used to make decisions about water quality conditions. The
UROP project will run from January to May 2013, but the start date is flexible.
CONTACT:
Leonard Ferrington Jr., Ph.D.
Department of Entomology
Phone: (612) 624-3265
Email: ferri016@umn.edu
(Note: Persons interested in learning more about this UROP can also contact Ms. Petra Kranzfelder by email for more information. kranz081@umn.edu)
24. UROP Proposal--- How Does Water Temperature Influence Growth of an Ultra-Cold Stenothermic
Aquatic Insect?
Research Description:
We are studying the winter dynamics of trout streams in southeastern Minnesota, with a focus on ultracold stenotherm (UCS) insects. UCS fauna are capable of, and restricted to, growth and emergence
during cold winter temperatures. These species are also often fast growing, producing many generations
over one winter season. Because of their prevalence in these conditions, they likely provide a key
component of winter trout diet.
Background:
Previous research on larvae of the ultra-cold stenotherm Diamesa mendotae (Chironomidae) has
focused on the supercooling points and lower lethal temperatures of the species (Bouchard, Carillo, et
al. 2006). Additionally, their weighted mean emergence temperature (6.11oC) has been measured by
Bouchard and Ferrington (2009). However, the timing of these winter growth dynamics is not well
understood.
UROP Project Objectives:
This project will study how water temperature influences the growth & development dynamics of
Diamesa mendotae. Larvae will be raised in the lab under different thermal conditions, and their survival
and development times to emergence will be measured. Size and mass of adults will also be estimated.
These data will be used to model the impact of water temperature on development, growth, voltinism
and emergence timing.
Contact:
Professor Leonard C. Ferrington Jr.
ferri016@umn.edu
(The student researcher will work interactively with Ms. Jane Louwsma, a graduate student in the Water
Resources Sciences Program. She can be contacted at: louws002@umn.edu)
25. UROP Project
Breeding and Genetics of Soybean--Investigate the variability and breeding for increased essential
amino acid concentration in soybean germplasm for more efficient animal production.
Jim Orf
Agronomy and Plant Genetics
orfxx001@umn.edu
612-625-8275
26. Undergraduate Research Projects:
Plant reproduction:
Pollination is a key step in the production of seeds and fruits. It is also a process where cell:cell
interactions occur between the male and female, which determines sexual compatibility. This research
will use pollen tube growth to determine the mechanism that determine whether hybridization and
seed set occurs. The student has the opportunity to develop skills in horticulture, plant physiology and
biochemistry.
Plant Improvement:
The goal of this project is to increase environmental quality by understanding the invasive potential of
plants and producing non-invasive varieties of well-known landscape plants. The project could involve
several breeding approaches and measurements of invasive characteristics. The student has the
opportunity to develop skills in horticulture, plant breeding, ecology and invasive species management.
Contact information:
Alan Smith
Department of Horticultural Science
Email: smith022@umn
27. UROP Project Idea For Fall 2012
Research Opportunity – Orphan Crops Research
Background: The Orphan Crops Project is a collaboration between Compatible Technology International
(CTI) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) to grow cultivars of selected less-known crops on the UMN’s
Saint Paul campus. With assistance from Professor Paul Porter and a UROP student, CTI grew tef,
sorghum, fonio, pearl millet, grain amaranth, and groundnuts in the summer of 2012 for processing.
Although some of these crops are often unheard of by those living in more developed countries, they are
commonly grown in different parts of the world, where millions of people depend on them for their daily
sustenance. CTI will use the harvested crops to develop and test post-harvest tools for subsistence
farmers. Growing the crops so close to CTI’s headquarters allows their engineers to more easily refine
new equipment to suit a particular crop. This way, when CTI brings new prototypes to developing
countries, they can minimize last minute "surprises" and reduce the time needed to reach user-acceptable
solutions. Ultimately, this means they will be able to deliver more appropriate technologies faster and at a
lower cost to their donors and their end-users. For further information on the project see
http://www.compatibletechnology.org/.
Research Project: In the summer of 2012 these crops were grown on the St. Paul Agricultural Experiment
Station. We learned a lot about the production and agronomics of these crops. We now seek a UROP
student to assist with research related to the threshing, stripping and winnowing of one or more of these
crops.
.
Contact: Paul Porter (Agronomy and Plant Genetics) pporter@umn.edu 612-625-6719