COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
1. Two ongoing projects with Woodford High School and Wolf County High
School. These schools have take on a thematic approach to science
education. They are using the crayfish as a model organism in studying,
behavior, life cycle, environmental impact on crayfish, and economic use
in modeling of shrimp farming. I will be working closely with the teachers
and their students on their projects over the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008
terms. See www site: http://www.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/cooper/TFC/crayfish.htm
2. Bluegrass Chapter - Society for Neuroscience- Brain Awareness Week.
Participation in educating parents and children at the Children's explorium
in how the brain works and functions. Individual stations were designed
to teach children about sensory and the different parts of the brain,
as well as reflexes and ways to help in healthy brain development.
3. Children's Explorium - Participation in educating parents and
children by designing and conducting a presentation. The presentation
demonstrates evolutionary traits in two differing populations of crayfish,
as well as teaches about sensory adaptations.
4. Bluegrass Chapter - Society for Neuroscience - Town-hall Meeting.
5. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass - Participation in
helping a child with individual attention.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
(● indicates mentored undergraduate, * indicates presenting author)
● Liberty, B.*, ●Bocook, E., ●McQuerry, J., Bierbower,
S.M., and Cooper, R.L. (2009) Comparative study of quantifiable environmental
factors modulating intrinsic behavior in crayfish . 4th Annual Showcase
of Undergraduate Scholars, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
●Kelly, B.*, Bierbower, S.M. and Cooper, R.L. (2009) Paralytic
effect of carbon dioxide on an identified behavior: Role of CNS. 4th Annual
Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, University of Kentucky, Lexington,
Kentucky.
●Gilberts, A.*, Bierbower, S.M. and Cooper, R.L. (2009)
CNS control of scaphognathite patterns during a 'sympathetic-like' response
in crayfish. 4th Annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
●Forsythe, L.*, Bierbower, S.M. and Cooper, R.L. (2009)
Environmental factors influencing motor task learning and retention in
crayfish. 4th Annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, University of
Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
●Galperin, V.*, ●Kelly, B., Bierbower, S.M. and Cooper,
R.L. (2009) Stress response due to inhibiton of completing a learned motor
task in crayfish. 4th Annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
●Baker, M.*, ●Robinson, M., Bierbower, S. M., and
Cooper, R. L., (2009 ). Across species comparison of the autonomic response
of multiple sensory modalities in crayfish. 4th Annual Showcase of Undergraduate
Scholars, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2009) Crayfish Learning and Task
Retention. Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Conference
on Friday April 10th at Indiana University.
●Robinson, M. *, ●McLaurine, T., ●Spence, T., Bierbower,
S.M. and Cooper, R.L. (2009) Comparison of the autonomic response
of multiple sensory modalities in crayfish. Society for Neuroscience Bluegrass
chapter. March 18, 2009 Univ. of KY
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2009) Motor Task Learning in Crayfish:
Task Retention. 2nd Annual UK Cognitive Science Symposium. March 7, 2009.
●Robinson, M. *, ●Mando, J.,●Baker, M., Bierbower,
S.M. and Cooper, R.L. (2009) Across species comparison of the autonomic
response of multiple sensory modalities in crayfish. 23rd National Conference
on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La
Crosse, Wisconsin. April 17, 2009.
●Robinson, M.*, ●Baker, M., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper,
R.L. (2009) Across species comparison of the autonomic response of multiple
sensory modalities in crayfish. 23rd National Conference on Undergraduate
Research (NCUR), University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin.
April 17, 2009
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2009) Motor Task Learning in Crayfish:
Task Retention. Cognitive Science Symposium. Annual meeting. March 7,
2009, Lexington, KY (Univ. of KY campus).
Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L.* (2009) Effect of exercise and environment
on the autonomic response in crayfish, Procambarus clarkia. Society for
Integrative and Comparative Biology. Annual meeting. January 2-6, 2009,
Boston, Mass.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2008) The effect of CO2 on the
neural circuitry of an identified behavior. Society for Neuroscience Annual
Meeting, Washington, D.C.
●Robinson, M.*, ●McLaurine, T., ?Spence, T., Bierbower,
S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) Comparison of the autonomic response of
multiple sensory modalities in crayfish. Society for Neuroscience Annual
Meeting, Washington, D.C.
●Bocook, E. *, ●Liberty, B., ●Mcquerry, J., Bierbower,
S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) Social Interactions: Influence of sensory
cues and environmental conditions on fighting strategy in blind crayfish.
Kentucky Academy of Sciences. Annual meeting. November 1, 2008, Lexington,
KY (Univ. of KY campus).
●Liberty, B. *, ●Mcquerry, J., ●Bocook, E., Bierbower,
S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) The role of sensory cues and environmental
conditions on the fighting strategy in sighted crayfish. Kentucky Academy
of Sciences. Annual meeting. November 1, 2008, Lexington, KY (Univ. of
KY campus).
●Allen, C. *, ●Naik, S., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper,
R.L. (2008) Can blind crayfish learn a motor task? Kentucky Academy of
Sciences. Annual meeting. November 1, 2008, Lexington, KY (Univ. of KY
campus).
●Robinson, M. *, ●Mando, J., ●Baker, M., Bierbower,
S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) Across species comparison of the autonomic
response of multiple sensory modalities in crayfish. Kentucky Academy
of Sciences. Annual meeting. November 1, 2008, Lexington, KY (Univ. of
KY campus).
●Boyechko, Y. *, ●Galperin, V., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper,
R.L. (2008) Long-Term Memory Retention in Crayfish. Kentucky Academy of
Sciences. Annual meeting. November 1, 2008, Lexington, KY (Univ. of KY
campus).
●Kelly, B. *, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) The Effects
of CO2 on Behavior and Physiology in Crayfish. Kentucky Academy of Sciences.
Annual meeting. November 1, 2008, Lexington, KY (Univ. of KY campus).
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2008) Comparative study of environmental
modulation of intrinsic behavior in blind and sighted crayfish. 15th Annual
meeting. Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Conference.
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2008) The mechanistic effects
of CO2 on physiology and behavior in Procambarus clarkii. Annual meeting
of the BlueGrass Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. University of
Kentucky.
●McLaurine, T.*, ●Robinson, M., ●Spence, T., Bierbower,
S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) The role of olfactory: comparison of the
autonomic response of multiple sensory modalities in crayfish. Univ. of
KY, Showcase of Scholars (3rd annual undergraduate research event).
●Stephens, D.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) The
effect of CO2 on behavior and physiology in crayfish. Univ. of KY, Showcase
of Scholars (3rd annual undergraduate research event).
●Allen, C.*, ●Naik, S., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L.
(2008) Learning and memory in blind crayfish, Orconectes australis packardi.
Univ. of KY, Showcase of Scholars (3rd annual undergraduate research event).
●Wright, M.C.*, ●Bocook, E., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper,
R.L. (2008) Effects of olfaction and environment on agonistic behavior
in the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii. Univ. of KY, Showcase of Scholars
(3rd annual undergraduate research event).
●Holmes, K.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) Effects
of exercise duration and environment on the autonomic response in crayfish,
Procambarus clarkii. Univ. of KY, Showcase of Scholars (3rd annual undergraduate
research event).
●Naik, S.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) Learning
and memory in crayfish. Univ. of KY, Showcase of Scholars (3rd annual
undergraduate research event).
●Bocook, E.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2008) A quantifiable
measure of interaction intensity influenced by environmental factors in
blind crayfish. Univ. of KY, Showcase of Scholars (3rd annual undergraduate
research event).
●Stephens, D.*, Bierbower, S.M., Kolasa, J., Adami, M.,
Cooper, R.L. (2008) Heart and ventilatory measures in crayfish during
altered environments. Annual meeting of the BlueGrass Chapter of the Society
for Neuroscience, University of Kentucky.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2008) The mechanistic effects
of CO2 on physiology and behavior in Procambarus clarkii. Annual meeting
of the BlueGrass Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, University of
Kentucky.
●Spence, T.*, ●McLaurine, T., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper,
R.L. (2008) Chemosensory induced behavioral and physiological responses
in crayfish. NCUR- National Council on Undergraduate Research. Salisbury
University, Salisbury, MD.
●Spence, T.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2007). Chemosensory:
Identification of the Physiological Response during Chemical Introduction.
Kentucky Academy of Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2007) The mechanistic effects
of CO2 on physiology and behavior in Procambarus clarkii. Society for
Neuroscience Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. 359.1
Chaffins, G.*, Bierbower, S.M., Lund, J. (2007) Identification
of genes affe3cting stress resistance and lifespan in C. elegans. 16th
International C. elegans Meeting, University of California, Los Angeles,
CA.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2007) Behavior and Physiology:
Now We Have A Complete Picture. University of Kentucky Department of Biology
Graduate Student Association Poster Session, Lexington, Kentucky.
●Spence, T.*, ●McLaurine, T., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper,
R.L. (2007) Sensory: Do Some Species Do It Differently? Showcase for Undergraduate
Scholars, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
●Stephens, D.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2007) Crayfish:
Let's Get Physical. University of Kentucky, Showcase of Scholars (2nd
annual undergraduate research event).
Kolasa, J.*, Bierbower, S.M., Adami, M., Cooper, R.L. (2007) Physiological
Acclimization in crayfish among environment alterations and social interactions.
Southeastern Nerve Net, Orlando, Florida.
●McLaurine, T.*, Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L. (2007) CO2:
How Bad Could It Be? Showcase for Undergraduate Scholars, University of
Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2007) Behavior and Physiology:
Now We Have A Complete Picture. University of Kentucky, Department of
Biology Graduate Student Association Poster Session, Lexington, Kentucky.
Kolasa, J.*, Bierbower, S.M., Adami, M., Cooper, R.L. (2006) Heart
and ventilatory measures in crayfish during altered environments and social
interactions. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
Badre, N.*, Hayden, B., Kolasa, J., ●Hughes, G., Bierbower,
S.M., Adami, M., Desai, M. (2006) Research in Neurophysiology: Calcium's
role in Synaptic Transmission, Facilitation, and Behavioral Regulation.
Poster's at the Capital, Frankfort, Kentucky.
●Hughes, G.*, Kolasa, J., Bierbower, S.M., Adami, M., Cooper,
R.L. (2006) Heart and ventilatory measures in crayfish during altered
environments and social interactions. Kentucky Academy of Sciences, Moorehead,
Kentucky.
Bierbower, S.M.*, Cooper, R.L. (2006) Evidence for the autonomic
nervous system in decapod crustaceans: a historical perspective. Annual
Meeting of Society for Neuroscience, Atlanta, Georgia
Bierbower, S.M.*, Sparkes, T.C. (2006) Parasite-mediated sexual
selection in an intermediate host, Caecidotea intermedius (Isopoda): effects
of male mating response. Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience, Atlanta,
Georgia
Bierbower, S.M.*, Sparkes, T.C. (2006) Parasite-related changes
in the mating behavior of the intermediate host, Caecidotea intermedius
(Isopoda): is modification dependent on ecological context? Annual Meeting
of the Animal Behaviour Society, Snowbird, Utah
Bierbower, S.M.*, Sparkes, T.C. (2006) Parasite-mediated sexual
selection in an intermediate host, Caecidotea intermedius (Isopoda): male
mating response, sperm viability and energetic state. Midwest Ecology
and Evolution Conference, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
Bierbower, S.M.*, Sparkes, T.C. (2006) Parasite-mediated sexual
selection in an intermediate host, Caecidotea intermedius (Isopoda): effects
of male mating response, sperm production and energetic state. Annual
Meeting of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, Orlando,
Florida
Bierbower, S.M.*, Sparkes, T.C. (2005) Parasite-related changes
in male mating behavior in an intermediate host; effects of sperm supplies.
Annual Meeting of the Animal Behaviour Society, Snowbird, Utah
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
The Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society
AAAS
Society for Neuroscience
Animal Behavior Society
American Society for Parasitologists
Society for Conservation Biology
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Research Assistant: University of Georgia – Complex
Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC), Athens, GA. Harpin Z protein
produced by the plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv.
Syringae. Harpin Z elicits the hypersensitive response (HR)
in plants. The ultimate target of Harpin Z is unknown; however,
past studies have shown that it binds the plant cell wall. We developed
an efficient protocol to isolate the protein in large quantities, and
performed preliminary analyses to determine the cell wall component that
binds Harpin Z. Harpin Z was shown to associate with a plant cell-wall
component present in a pectic preparation. In addition, it was found
that the cell wall component is EPG sensitive.
Research Assistant: University of Georgia –
Psychology Department, Athens, GA. The research examined
Capuchin monkey motor task skills and the correlation with memory.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Statistical Analysis Software
Data Analysis Software (SigmaPlot, Chart, Scope)
Organismal Dissections
DNA and RNA Isolation techniques
Western Blot Analysis
DNA Gel Electrophoresis
SDS-PAGE Protein Gel Electrophoresis
PCR
Gas Chromatography
HPLC
Organism Sectioning Techniques
Ability to design and conduct field-based experiments
Electrophysiology
Physiology: Automonic Response experimentation
Learning paradigm development and experimentation
PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE APPOINTMENTS
2004 TAP Pharmaceuticals, Research and Development
2002 Pinnacle Priority Group, Research and Development
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Neurophysiology
Neuroethology
Behavioral Ecology
Animal Behavior
Parasite-Host Relationships
REFERENCES
Robin L. Cooper, Ph.D
Department of Biology,
University of Kentucky
101 T.H. Morgan Building
Lexington, KY 40506
Ph: 859-257-5950
Email: rlcoop1@email.uky.edu
Website: http://www.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/cooper/cooper.htm
Ph.D Advisor
Mark Prendergast, Ph.D
Department of Psychology
University of Kentucky
Biomedical Biological Sci Rsrc 0509
Lexington, KY 40506
Ph: 859-257-6120
Email: prender@pop.uky.edu
Website: http://www.uky.edu/AS/Psychology/faculty/mprender.html
Committee Member
Philip Bonner, Ph.D
Department of Biology
University of Kentucky
101 T.H. Morgan Building
Lexington, KY 40506
Ph: 859-257-3117
Email: pbonner@uky.edu
Website: http://www.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/bonner/bonner.htm
Committee Member
Craig Sargent, Ph.D
Department of Biology
University of Kentucky
101 T.H. Morgan Building
Lexington, KY 40506
Ph: 859-257-8742
Email: csargent@uky.edu
Website: http://www.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/sargent/sargent.htm
Committee Member
