Category: News

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December 7, 2021

Mosquitoes are responsible for the loss of thousands of lives each year as carriers of deadly pathogens such as malaria, dengue virus, and West Nile virus. Because treatments and vaccines remain unavailable for many of mosquito-vectored diseases, especially in less developed nations, mosquito control is one of the main strategies to limit populations and consequently pathogen transmission. Methods of mosquito control can include removing breeding habitats, introducing predators, or use of insecticides. Unfortunately, many of these methods can have negative impacts on non-target species that are ecologically important and beneficial to society. For example, insecticides used in mosquito control can also kill dragonflies who are themselves predators of mosquitos. In order to address this wicked problem, the World Health Organization has urged for the development of novel control strategies that are cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The lab of GCC Affiliate Dr. Chloé Lahondère focuses on studying insects that vector pathogens including multiple mosquito species that are in need of better control strategies. This is of particular importance in the face of climate change. Global changes in weather patterns and increased extreme weather events can facilitate mosquito species invading new areas along with the diseases they may carry. In order to tackle this growing issue, Lahondère enlisted the efforts of two previous recipients of the GCC Undergraduate Research Grant– Lauren Fryzlewicz and Ashlynn VanWinkle. Fryzlewicz, a 2020 award recipient, and VanWinkle, a 2021 award recipient, teamed up to study the invasive mosquito species Aedes j. japonicus, a potential vector of West Nile virus. Aedes j. japonicus was introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1990s, and now ranges from the American Midwest to the eastern seaboard.

“With warming climates,” VanWinkle said, “the active range for mosquitoes is growing, and we hypothesize that drier climates will encourage more mosquito activity.”  Using the GCC grant funds, Fryzlewicz and VanWinkle addressed this problem by creating and testing novel attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) for mosquito control. ATSBs are composed of three elements: an attractive odor to draw mosquitos into a container, a sugar solution, and a toxic chemical. Containers can be fashioned out of old plastic bottles making them an economic and sustainable choice with readily available resources.

While ATSBs have been shown to be successful methods of control in other mosquito species, they have yet to be tested in Aedes j. japonicus. To assess this, boric acid, which is lethal to mosquitoes but low in toxicity to most fish, birds, and honey bees, was mixed with various fruit solutions to use in feeding assays. Fryzlewicz and VanWinkle found that, regardless of the fruit used, mosquitoes who fed on solutions containing boric acid died within 48 hours, proving the efficiency of ATSBs in this invasive species.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”40291″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”59244″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A recently published Journal of Medical Entomology article showcases their work and is an important milestone for both Fryzlewicz and VanWinkle. “This project gave me so much experience with the process of research, and it’s ultimately what influenced me to pursue my master’s degree at Virginia Tech” VanWinkle said. “This is the first paper I’ve been a part of so it’s a huge milestone to see it published!” But this isn’t only an important triumph for the Lahondère Lab. Developing an effective mosquito trap has global benefits as Aedes j. japonicus has become an invasive species in Europe as well. “The impact of this paper is that it is providing an inexpensive option to trap insects” remarked Fryzlewicz. “Many traps are very expensive and complicated to use, while this bait is easily accessible and very easy to produce.”

After completing her MS in Biochemistry this year, Fryzlewicz is now a staff Scientist in the Biomarker and Flow Cytometry Department at PPD Bioanalytical Lab in Richmond, Virginia. “It is a very different type of science than what I was doing in my Masters,” she said.  “But the multi-disciplinary research approach of Dr. Lahondère really taught me how to learn and shaped me into a better scientist. She helped me see a new side of Biochemistry.”

As for the future of the project, the next steps will be optimizing the ATSB and testing it in local areas. Carrying on the legacies of Fryzlewicz and VanWinkle, Helen Oker was recently awarded a 2021-2022 GCC Undergraduate Research Grant to do just that. “I am really grateful to the GCC for supporting undergraduate research and for supporting this project in particular,” Lahondère remarked. Inspired by her work in the Lahondère lab, VanWinkle started her MS in the Biochemistry program this semester, and is currently rotating in different labs to get more experience before deciding on which lab to join for her thesis.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Global Change Center at Virginia Tech, with support from the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, is proud to sponsor undergraduate students and their research projects that align with our mission for advancing collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to address critical global changes impacting the environment and society. Supported projects address basic and/or applied aspects of global change science, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities and are sponsored by a GCC Faculty mentor.

Read more about the GCC Undergraduate Research Grant program here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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After 16 years of service and leadership at Virginia Tech, Matt Hulver is leaving next week for a tremendous opportunity to serve as the Vice President of Research at Arizona State University.

During Matt’s tenure as the Executive Director of The Fralin Life Sciences Institute (FLSI) he worked tirelessly to develop strategic direction for the new Institute after the merger of University resources from the former Fralin Life Science Institute and the Biocomplexity Institute. Over the last two years, he was instrumental in facilitating the charters of two new centers, The Center for Zoonotic, Emerging, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens and The Center for Translational Plant Sciences. Formation of these new centers was part of a larger strategy to bring cohesiveness and visibility to one of Virginia Tech’s greatest strengths, the environmental-related sciences. Matt also effectively worked with his leadership team to support and develop cross-campus initiatives to make Virginia Tech a more diverse and inclusive community, including new partnerships with the Graduate School, the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, and the Virginia Tech Recovery Community. Matt’s efforts improved operations of Virginia Tech Core Services, created new communities of collaboration in Steger Hall, provided support and infrastructure for a new NSF-funded center and multiple training grant programs, created several new live animal research facilities, and generated new collaborations with the Institute of Society, Culture, and Environment that benefit the entire University. Matt regularly worked cooperatively with academic units to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, and to acquire new state-of-the-science equipment to foster team science and innovative research.

In a short time, Matt’s accomplishments, vision, character, and thoughtful approach to leadership garnered the attention and respect of faculty, University leaders, and key external stakeholders around the Commonwealth. Matt, thank you for providing FLSI with a strong foundation and launch-point for a vibrant future! We will miss you, but your legacy will live on and we wish you well with your exciting new endeavors.

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November 30, 2021

Jeff Walters joined the Virginia Tech community in 1994 as the Harold H. Bailey Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. He has served on the editorial boards of multiple journals and has published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on subjects pertaining to conservation biology, behavioral ecology and population biology.  Walters received the 2002 Elliott Coues Award from the American Ornithologists’ Union, the 2013 Virginia Tech Alumni Research Award for Research Excellence, the first annual Global Change Center Faculty Service Award in 2019, and two awards from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for his conservation and teaching activities. Walters acts as the graduate director for the Department of Biological Sciences and is a member of the Integrative Organismal Biology group.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Walters is also a founding member of the Global Change Center. Helping to lay the framework of what is now an 80+ faculty-strong program in 2014, he remains an integral leader in the community. He currently advises Interfaces of Global Change (IGC) Fellows David Millican, Noah McNeill, Leah Novak, and Amber Wendler and advised Alumna Fellow Maya Wilson. Drawing from his own experiences, Walters is also an active contributor to the IGC curriculum, to include leading Fellows through science arbitration exercises.

Specializing in the behavioral ecology and conservation of birds, Walters has worked effectively with government agencies, NGOs, and the public to achieve and promote conservation of bird populations. His research of endangered birds has taken him across the world from the pine forests of the Bahamas to Namibian Dry Savanna. And while his research has taken him to far lands, much of his efforts have been closer to home with the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Walters has studied populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers in the North Carolina Sandhills since 1980, and in Florida since 1995. His work has provided  insight into the species’ unique cooperative breeding, allowed him to develop science-based population management strategies, and has emphasized the impact of climate change on the species’ survival.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”59124″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”59123″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Along with his research, Walters is also actively engaged in the science-policy interface, frequently serving on panels that evaluate relevant science to inform important policy decisions and in management applications of research. He has served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s Committee on Everglades Restoration Progress six out of nine times that the committee has convened since 2004. As part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan seeks to return the Everglades to its natural beauty and create a water system that serves both the natural and the human needs of South Florida. The most recent report, Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The Eighth Biennial Review – 2020, was made public in August. More about his work with the committee can be read in this recently published article.

For more information about Walter’s research and engagement in science policy, please visit the Walters Lab Website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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November 23, 2021

Earlier this month, the Department of Geography in the College of Natural Resources and Environment invited climate advocate Dr. Jeremy Hoffman to take part in their Geography Diversity and Inclusion lecture series. Dr. Hoffman is a climate scientist and resilience specialist at the Science Museum of Virginia, and affiliated faculty in the Center for Environmental Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University. His lecture, “Mapping climate inequity and fostering climate action,” focused on the effect of climate change on vulnerable populations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58995″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58994″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During his visit, seven Interfaces of Global Change (IGC) Fellows had the opportunity to meet with Hoffman and discuss climate change in the Old Guard Room at Preston’s Restaurant. Over a steaming cup of coffee and a warm breakfast, the Fellows shared their research interests, experience in science advocacy, career goals, and more. In turn, Hoffman was able to share his unique perspective and experience at the interface of society and science.  Dr. Hoffman has interacted with our global change community multiple times over the years, including a jointly sponsored public lecture by the GCC and Hahn Garden, and a guest appearance in one of our IGC seminar courses.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Professional development experiences such as this are an important part of the IGC IGEP and all Fellows are encouraged to participate in future events. Reach out to the IGC Graduate Student Organization for more information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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November 16, 2021

The Virginia Tech Science Festival has returned to campus this year with free hands-on learning interactive booths and activities that showcase dozens of science education and research programs throughout the university. Once again, IGC Fellows volunteered to teach local students important lessons in global change science. This year, Gaëlle Blanvillain, Sam Lane, Chloe Moore, Melissa Burt, (pictured above) and Alaina Weinheimer teamed up to help 3rd graders from Gilbert Linkous Elementary understand what a watershed is and what happens to the rain that falls on the mountainous land around us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58851″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58850″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The educational activity, created by Expedition Northwest, allowed students to visualize how water travels through an ecosystem similar to our own. During the activity, students crumpled pieces of paper to simulate the surface of an ecosystem with a mountainous terrain and then drew a river with water-soluble markers. After completing their drawing, they sprayed the piece of paper with water to simulate rain and watched the colors bleed in a way that resembles how water and its particulates (e.g. soil particles, pollutants, etc.) move.

“The students were about to hypothesize where they thought the water would flow if it rained, and then test their theory in real-time” Alaina Weinheimer said. “The activity is a great opportunity to build discussion of potential issues that global change (e.g. habitat loss, pollution, etc) might cause by using watersheds as a starting point,” added Melissa Burt.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58845″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58847″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58849″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58856″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thank you Gaelle, Melissa, Sam, Chloe, Alaina, and the IGC Graduate Student Organization for representing the GCC with another superb Science Festival exhibit![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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November 16, 2021

Graduate students from across the Virginia Tech community recently gathered for the opportunity to improve their science communication and poster-making skills. IGC Fellows Abby Lewis, Amanda Hensley, Heather Wander, and Emma Bueren partnered with the Virginia Tech Center for Communicating Science to organize this event in anticipation of their upcoming IGC capstone project: Flip the Fair.

Flipped science fairs literally flip the traditional science fair format on its head by having elementary school student judges evaluate graduate students presenting their research. Local elementary students learn about important scientific concepts from real scientists in a small-group setting, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and participate in hands-on demonstrations. The presenters, in turn, learn to tailor their research pitch to a general audience, with emphasis on keeping things exciting, understandable, and relevant.

In order to prepare the graduate students for the fair, two workshops were held simultaneously at the Blacksburg and the Roanoke campuses. Training focused on building skills for presenting to broader audiences, which is easier said than done. “Human beings gain ability and confidence by practicing difficult skills,” said Patty Raun, Director of the Virginia Tech Center for Communicating Science. “Too often in higher education we are expected to learn how to do challenging things by reading about them or listening to lectures. The communicating science experiences we provide in our workshops allow participants to expand their comfort zones and develop confidence by practicing communication skills in a safe and creative way.  Participants don’t have to imagine it . . . they do it!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58838″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”58837″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Initial funding for the idea came from an American Geophysical Union Sharing Science Grants awarded to Lewis earlier this Fall. It has since grown to a large collaborative project with stakeholders including the Global Change Center, The Center for Communicating Science, the Virginia Tech Communicating Science Club, The Center for Educational Networks and Impacts, and the Roanoke Public Libraries.

“Our Flip the Fair event is an opportunity for graduate students to practice science communication and receive feedback from the toughest audience—children,” said Lewis. “At this initial workshop, participants received training in science communication, started thinking about how to design posters for the event, and discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion with assistant director for the Graduate School Office of Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion Justin Grimes,” she added.

Initially anticipating 25 participants, interest in the workshop was so great that organizers had to find larger accommodations for the 34 in attendance. For Abby and the other fellows, it was a moment to savor. “After months of planning, it was so exciting to finally meet all of our participants!” Abby shared.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”58834″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The flipped science fair will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 1-3 p.m. at the Melrose Branch Library in Roanoke and is open to the public. The event will require registration and more information will be available in the coming months.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]