Student
Research
Biology students at Mesa State College have the opportunity
to conduct research in a variety of areas. Currently, students
are conducting research on molecular evolution, vertebrate
and invertebrate phylogenetics, tropical plants, ant-plant
associations, microbial floras, and embryonic development.
Collaborative work on tropical ecosystems is conducted with
Lee Dyer's lab at Tulane University. If you are interested
in doing research, please contact the faculty
member that is working in your area of interest.
Departmental Resources
Western Colorado Center for Tropical Research 
The Western Colorado Center for Tropical Research (WCCTR)
was formed by a group of scientists dedicated to studying
tropical ecosystems. The overall goal of the center is
to contribute to understanding, preserving, and ultimately
managing tropical ecosystems in an appropriate manner;
the focus of Mesa State Researchers has been in Costa
Rica, but current research is being conducted in Ecuador.
Several scientists and naturalists are actively involved
in the research conducted by the Center; each year, student
and Earthwatch volunteers also assist with the field research.
Results from our work are published in international,
peer-reviewed journals and are shared with colleagues
in Costa Rica and Ecuador. Education is also an important
part of the WCCTR goals; this is why courses on tropical
ecosystems are offered at Mesa State College. The work
at WCCTR is funded by the National Science Foundation,
Earthwatch, and many other small funding sources. Inquiries
may be directed to Dr. Tom
Walla, Director of the WCCTR.
Molecular Genetics Laboratory 
The focus of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory here has
been to pair experienced researchers with undergraduates
who are interested in learning skills such as DNA extraction,
gel electrophoresis, DNA amplification, and DNA sequencing,
Students work to contribute to the research projects initiated
by their faculty mentors while they receive the training
in using molecular techniques. Many of our students have
gone on to publish papers on the research that they have
conducted in collaboration with faculty members here at
Mesa State. Thermal cyclers, DNA/RNA and protein electrophoresis
set-ups, centrifuges, and an automated DNA sequencer (ABI
310) are some of the items available for students to use
as they work with their faculty mentors. Inquiries about
the lab may be directed to Dr.
Denise McKenney, Dr. Kyle McQuade, Dr. Kristy Duran, Dr.
Steve Werman, or to Dr.
Aparna D.~Nageswaran Palmer.
Electron Microscopy Facility
Located on the first floor of the Science Laboratory
Annex building in suite 103, the electron microscopy facility
is equipped with two scanning electron microscopes, a
focused ion beam microscope, and a transmission electron
microscope. The Introduction to Electron Microscopy
course is open to junior and senior students and once
students have completed the course they may use the instruments
for structured and independent research projects. The
EM facility is also involved with several companies within
the Grand Junction area and assist in research, quality
control, manufacturing, and elemental analysis.
The electron microscopes are available for commercial
use. Inquiries concerning the EM facility at Mesa State
College should be directed to Dr.
Rick Dujay, Facility Manager, at 970-248-1690.
Histology Laboratory
The Histology and Histological Techniques courses utilize
research microscopes and other equipment presently located
in the Electron Microscopy facility (SL103F). This equipment
includes an AUTO-TECHNICON tissue processor, BAXTER AUTOMATED
SLIDE STAINER, TISSUE-TECH EMBEDDING STATION, and additional
support equipment. Students who have taken these course
are allowed to use these instruments for structured and
independent research projects.
Inquiries concerning the Histology and Histological
Techniques courses at Mesa State College should be directed
to Dr. Rick Dujay at 970-248-1690.
Flow Cytometry
The department houses a Becton-Dickinson FACScan flow
cytometer capable of 5-parameter cell analysis. The instrument
allows single-cell analysis for 3-color phenotype, proliferation,
DNA content, and cell size and shape.
The instrument is available for commercial use and inquiries
should be directed to Dr.
Denise McKenney. Dr. McKenney can be reached at 970-248-1015.
Tissue Culture
MSC possesses a biosafety level 2 laboratory with a
laminar flow biosafety cabinet for working with infectious
agents. The laboratory also has a CO2
incubator for the growth of cell lines and hybridomas.
Inquiries may be directed to Dr.
Denise McKenney.
