Cloning — Stem cells — Developmental neurobiology — Research on the development of neurons and neurotransmitters — Analysis of neurotransmitters, sympathetic neurons, and target tissues
Stephen E. Asmus Elizabeth Molloy Dowling Associate Professor of Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
B.S., Cleveland State University; Ph.D., University of Michigan
859-238-5318 steve.asmus@centre.edu
Special expertise in the field of developmental neurobiology. Research on the development of neurons and neurotransmitters. Analysis of neurotransmitters being produced in sympathetic neurons that reach different target tissues, addressing the question of how these neurons "know" which of the many types of transmitters to produce, and more specifically, whether different target tissues influence this "decision" process during development. Asmus strongly encourages his Centre students to collaborate with him on research. He has authored or co-authored professional papers for journals including Brain Research, Journal of Comparative Neurology, and Developmental Biology.
Biological conservation — Fisheries biology — Population dynamics
Christine K. Barton Professor of Biology
B.A., University of Vermont; M.S., Ph.D., Oregon State University
859-238-5322 chris.barton@centre.edu
Areas of expertise include genetics, evolutionary biology, aquatic ecology, and human anatomy and physiology. Research interests focus on predatory-prey interactions in aquatic systems. Committed to working closely with area schools to improve science education at the pre-college level.
Biology of vertebrates — Fishes: ecology, physiology, aquarium keeping, habitat — Spanish mission system in North America
Michael Barton H.W. Stodghill Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of Biology
B.A., University of California; M.A., California State University; Ph.D., Oregon State University
859-238-5320 mike.barton@centre.edu
Special expertise on fish and their habitat. Involved in on-going research on speciation of fish in the Bahamas; has investigated the Bahamian crested goby and pupfish. Recipient of a grant to study the effects of fish predators and predation in Kentucky's North Rolling Fork and Green Rivers. Personal interest in the history of the Spanish mission system of colonial California, including a consideration of cultural, ecological and environmental issues.
Undergraduate instruction in biochemistry and biomolecular biology — Web as a tool in undergraduate science — Research on vitamin A metabolism
Stephanie Dew Associate Professor of Biology
B.A., Centre College; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
859-238-5316 stephanie.dew@centre.edu
Long-term research on the proteins and enzymes required for the transport and metabolism of vitamin A, especially in freshwater fish. Role of vitamin A in development. Collaborative research with students - two John C. Young Scholars in four years.
Anne E. Lubbers Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; Ph.D., Duke University
859-238-5321 lubbers@centre.edu
A plant ecologist with expertise on factors affecting seed production. Articles published in the American Journal of Botany. Regularly involves her Centre students in collaborative research. One recent project focused on a plant, the eastern eulophus, that has reached threatened status in Kentucky; Lubbers and her students documented the few sites in central Kentucky where the plant grows and began the process of studying how soil conditions, sunlight and pollination affect the plant's ability to produce seed. Interested in invasive plants and teaches one biannual course on ecological invasions and one on plant-herbivore interactions.
Biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of plant disease — Long-term research on Fusarium solani, a fungus that attacks soybeans — Undergraduate science education and research
Margaret G. Richey Professor of Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Kentucky
859-238-5319 peggy.richey@centre.edu
Expertise on the biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of plant disease. Long-term research on a particular fungus that attacks soybean crops (Fusarium solani). An active proponent of student research. Research published in journals including Phytopathology, Journal of Bacteriology, and Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology.
Marine ecology and behavioral ecology — Reef-associated organisms — Integration of science and humanities through marine field studies
Paul C. Sikkel Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., University of California-San Diego; M.S., Ph.D., Oregon State University
859-238-5298 paul.sikkel@centre.edu
Current research focuses on reproductive ecology, diel activity patterns, and host-parasite-cleaner interactions on coral reefs, and how climate-induced changes in the reef environment influence these activities. Sikkel has involved undergraduates in coral reef research and taught field courses in marine ecology for the past 15 years. Sikkel's research has appeared in professional journals such as Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, and Marine Ecology Progress Series. His work has also appeared in popular outlets such as Natural History and National Geographic magazines, the award-winning film Seasons in the Sea, and the television series National Geographic: Wild Chronicles.
