Biology
August 3, 2023
PORTLAND, OR – The expanding human footprint has altered more than 80 percent of the earth’s surface, with urbanization the most drastic form of alteration, leading to an unprecedented loss of species. While past research has focused on ecological factors to analyze the decline of wildlife populations, University of Portland (UP) professors and students have embarked on a three-year study to explore this biodiversity crisis through a physiological lens.
Backed by a $635,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), University of Portland Assistant Biology Professor Laurie Dizney, Ph.D. will lead a multi-disciplinary collaboration with Gonzaga University and Carroll College. The team will study the impacts of urbanization on numerous aspects of wildlife health — including stress, immune function and the gut microbiome. These factors all interact and play essential roles in the health and longevity of humans, but they have not been studied in wildlife.
“Our research will gather critical information on the globally important impacts of urbanization and will advance the understanding of wildlife immunology and zoonotic disease regulation — a vital concern highlighted by the recent pandemic,” Dizney says. “We hope this novel multi-disciplinary approach will enable a more complete interpretation of complex phenomena, ultimately leading to more informed and proactive decisions regarding wildlife management and conservation.”
“Dr. Dizney’s research on stress in animals has strong significance for the field of ecology by creating new methods to advance wildlife conservation,” says Valerie Banschbach, Ph.D., Dean of UP’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Our students will have access to groundbreaking wildlife project opportunities with Dr. Dizney — learning about her research in biology courses and fieldwork.”
With more than a quarter-million dollars in NSF grant funding dedicated to UP’s portion of this project, the University of Portland College of Arts and Sciences has now amassed over $2.5 million in major grant funding since 2022. These funded initiatives include:
· An M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust grant for UP researchers to study increasingly harmful algal and bacteria blooms in Oregon waterways.
· A National Institutes of Health grant for UP to conduct research on immune responses in prostate cancer treatment.
· A National Endowment for the Humanities grant to connect UP students with the community through engaged study in the humanities.
· A National Science Foundation grant to support professional development of K-12 STEM teachers.
· A Howard Hughes Medical Institute excellence grant to support faculty in their efforts to transform STEM education and make it more inclusive.
· A National Science Foundation grant for UP chemistry and physics students to explore energy conversation and storage.
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