GSRA Position F09-02
Chronic pain in an underserved population within the Urban Health and Wellness Center
Faculty Name: Ernest Szuch
Department: Biology
Campus Address: 264 MSB
Email: eszuch@umflint.edu
Phone: 8107623360
Project Description: It has been well documented that plethodontid salamanders can both detect and avoid territory which has been marked with conspecific chemical alarm cues (Lutterschmidt et at., 1994; Hucko and Cupp 2001). This is likely a function of predator avoidance since avoiding an area where a conspecific has been injured may aid an individual in avoiding injury. Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander) exudes a toxic substance which serves as an important anti-predator mechanism and has been known to prey upon plethodontids (Hamning et al., 2000). Desmognathus fuscus (Northern Dusky Salamander) is an interspecific food competitor of Plethodon cinereus (Red-backed Salamander) and D. fuscus exudes a chemical compound which does not contain toxic substances. These sympatric salamanders exhibit strong interspecific competition and territoriality (Jaegar, 1984; Ducey and Retsima, 1988) and are rarely found sharing the same natural cover. This study will examine the effects of presence of chemical cues from A. maculatum and D. fuscus on substrate selection by P. cinereus. At the conclusion of this study we hope to generate a statistical model that predicts presence/absence of P. cinereus based on presence/absence of A. maculatum and D. fuscus and their chemical markings.
Semesters Desired: Fall 2009
GSRA Position Description: Collect chemical secretions from Spotted Salamanders and Northern Dusky Salamanders in the field; collect Red-backed Salamanders from the field as needed for laboratory avoidance experiments; conduct laboratory avoidance experiments; return Red-backed Salamanders to site of field capture unharmed; enter data into computer databases, analyze data, and prepare presentations for professional conference and thesis defense.
Specific Day/Time Requirements: None specified
Special Requirements: Must be able to: 1) identify salamanders of Michigan; 2) conduct field work in rugged terrain under a variety of weather conditions; 3) demonstrate experience in handling and working with amphibians; 4) care for salamanders in a laboratory environment; 5) use various computer programs, including Excel and PowerPoint; 6) work effectively and appropriately with others.
Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply: Position has candidate in mind