News and Notes
MS (or PhD) Student Opportunity – Zebrafish Health and Mycobacteriosis
The Whipps Fish and Wildlife Disease lab (http://whippslab.weebly.com/) at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (https://www.esf.edu/efb/) is seeking MS applicants (or possibly suitable PhD applicants) to investigate mycobacteriosis in zebrafish. The project is part of ongoing research into controlling infectious diseases in this important laboratory model.
The successful applicant will carry out a studies on developing a natural exposure model for Mycobacterium chelonae in zebrafish and the role of fish age and diet on the prevalence and severity of infection. Potential PhD applicants would additionally develop their own research questions.
During the academic year, the applicant will be supported on a departmental teaching assistantship (20 hrs/week) and will be assigned to support courses based on background and interest. The teaching assistantship also covers tuition. Summer support is through research aide position (40 hrs/week).
The successful applicant will develop a MS thesis from their field research, write reports to funders, and produce 1-2 scholarly peer reviewed papers (3-4 for PhD).
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology or related fields. Experience with fish husbandry (e.g., laboratory, hatchery, or hobbyist). Experience or strong interest in microbiology methods, DNA sequencing and sequence analysis. Strong organization and communication skills. Interest in undergraduate teaching. GPA and GRE scores competitive for acquiring departmental teaching assistantship.
Preferred Qualifications (preferred but not required): Background in Microbiology and Fish Health. Experience with zebrafish husbandry. Statistical analyses appropriate for characterizing and comparing differences in disease outcomes in experimental groups. Experience with PCR, bacterial culture and other diagnostic methods.
Term of Position: Seeking an applicant to begin in either the summer of 2021 or the Fall 2021 semester (late August start). Support for 2 years (MS) or 3 years (PhD), with extension possible. Summer support as technician. Academic year (Sept-Apr) support on departmental teaching assistantship.
Application Deadline: Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, candidates should submit their application by February 15, 2021 to assure optimal consideration. Send the following to cwhipps@esf.edu : CV, cover letter addressing requirements and fit for the position, and unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores. References will be solicited for top applicants. The email should contain the subject line "zebrafish health position".
The Whipps Fish and Wildlife Disease lab (http://whippslab.weebly.com/) at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (https://www.esf.edu/efb/) is seeking MS applicants (or possibly suitable PhD applicants) to investigate mycobacteriosis in zebrafish. The project is part of ongoing research into controlling infectious diseases in this important laboratory model.
The successful applicant will carry out a studies on developing a natural exposure model for Mycobacterium chelonae in zebrafish and the role of fish age and diet on the prevalence and severity of infection. Potential PhD applicants would additionally develop their own research questions.
During the academic year, the applicant will be supported on a departmental teaching assistantship (20 hrs/week) and will be assigned to support courses based on background and interest. The teaching assistantship also covers tuition. Summer support is through research aide position (40 hrs/week).
The successful applicant will develop a MS thesis from their field research, write reports to funders, and produce 1-2 scholarly peer reviewed papers (3-4 for PhD).
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology or related fields. Experience with fish husbandry (e.g., laboratory, hatchery, or hobbyist). Experience or strong interest in microbiology methods, DNA sequencing and sequence analysis. Strong organization and communication skills. Interest in undergraduate teaching. GPA and GRE scores competitive for acquiring departmental teaching assistantship.
Preferred Qualifications (preferred but not required): Background in Microbiology and Fish Health. Experience with zebrafish husbandry. Statistical analyses appropriate for characterizing and comparing differences in disease outcomes in experimental groups. Experience with PCR, bacterial culture and other diagnostic methods.
Term of Position: Seeking an applicant to begin in either the summer of 2021 or the Fall 2021 semester (late August start). Support for 2 years (MS) or 3 years (PhD), with extension possible. Summer support as technician. Academic year (Sept-Apr) support on departmental teaching assistantship.
Application Deadline: Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, candidates should submit their application by February 15, 2021 to assure optimal consideration. Send the following to cwhipps@esf.edu : CV, cover letter addressing requirements and fit for the position, and unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores. References will be solicited for top applicants. The email should contain the subject line "zebrafish health position".
August 19, 2019
Mycobacteria can be transmitted to zebrafish within live feed vectors!
Transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum in laboratory zebrafish through live feeds
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jfd.13071
Mycobacteria can be transmitted to zebrafish within live feed vectors!
Transmission of Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium marinum in laboratory zebrafish through live feeds
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jfd.13071
June 11, 2019
Our new paper on Cottontail parasites is out!
Gastrointestinal parasites of the New England cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) in the Hudson Valley, New York
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-019-06351-5?wt_mc=Internal.Event.1.SEM.ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst&utm_source=ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst&utm_medium=email&utm_content=AA_en_06082018&ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst_20190611
Our new paper on Cottontail parasites is out!
Gastrointestinal parasites of the New England cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) in the Hudson Valley, New York
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-019-06351-5?wt_mc=Internal.Event.1.SEM.ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst&utm_source=ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst&utm_medium=email&utm_content=AA_en_06082018&ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst_20190611
January 4, 2019
First paper of the year!
Multiple evolutionary routes of the single polar capsule in Thelohanellus species (Myxozoa; Myxobolidae)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.006
First paper of the year!
Multiple evolutionary routes of the single polar capsule in Thelohanellus species (Myxozoa; Myxobolidae)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.006
August 11, 2018
Paper on amphibian ranavirus and environmental parameters now available!
Environmental Drivers of Ranavirus in Free-Living Amphibians in Constructed Ponds
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10393-018-1350-5
Paper on amphibian ranavirus and environmental parameters now available!
Environmental Drivers of Ranavirus in Free-Living Amphibians in Constructed Ponds
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10393-018-1350-5
October 23, 2017
Disinfection of spawning chambers for Pseudoloma neurophilia now available!
Transmission of Pseudoloma neurophilia in Laboratory Zebrafish (Danio rerio) When Using Mass Spawning Chambers and Recommendations for Chamber Disinfection
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29048998
Disinfection of spawning chambers for Pseudoloma neurophilia now available!
Transmission of Pseudoloma neurophilia in Laboratory Zebrafish (Danio rerio) When Using Mass Spawning Chambers and Recommendations for Chamber Disinfection
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29048998
April 21, 2017
Created by our own Alice Fox: A music video explaining our genetic work on cottontail rabbits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZYZ8uEOm_Q
Created by our own Alice Fox: A music video explaining our genetic work on cottontail rabbits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZYZ8uEOm_Q
February, 2017
Paper In Press!
Chang, C.T., Doerr, K.M., Whipps, C.M. (In Press) Antibiotic treatment of zebrafish mycobacteriosis: tolerance and efficacy of treatments with tigecycline and clarithromycin. Journal of Fish Diseases.
Treated fish (panels a-c) showed overall decrease in numbers of acid fast bacteria relative to controls (panel d)
Paper In Press!
Chang, C.T., Doerr, K.M., Whipps, C.M. (In Press) Antibiotic treatment of zebrafish mycobacteriosis: tolerance and efficacy of treatments with tigecycline and clarithromycin. Journal of Fish Diseases.
Treated fish (panels a-c) showed overall decrease in numbers of acid fast bacteria relative to controls (panel d)
July, 2016
Evaluating effects of iodine on zebrafish embryos. Levels that are bacteriocidal for mycobacteria are safe for fish.
Chang, C.T., Amack, J.D., Whipps, C.M. 2016. Zebrafish embryo disinfection with povidone iodine: evaluating an alternative to chlorine bleach. Zebrafish. 13 (Suppl 1): S96-S101.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27351620
Evaluating effects of iodine on zebrafish embryos. Levels that are bacteriocidal for mycobacteria are safe for fish.
Chang, C.T., Amack, J.D., Whipps, C.M. 2016. Zebrafish embryo disinfection with povidone iodine: evaluating an alternative to chlorine bleach. Zebrafish. 13 (Suppl 1): S96-S101.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27351620
June 5, 2016
New paper on intraspecific morphological differences in myxozoan spores
Intraspecific morphometric variation in myxosporeans
Zhai Y, Whipps CM, Gu Z, Guo Q, Wu Z, Wang H, Liu Y.,
Folia Parasitol (Praha)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27189017
New paper on intraspecific morphological differences in myxozoan spores
Intraspecific morphometric variation in myxosporeans
Zhai Y, Whipps CM, Gu Z, Guo Q, Wu Z, Wang H, Liu Y.,
Folia Parasitol (Praha)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27189017
December 15, 2015
Paper released:
Alger, K.E., Bunting, E., Schuler, K., Jagne, J., Whipps, C.M. (2015) Diagnosing Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus in Live Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Using Whole Blood. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 46(4):806-814.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26667537
Paper released:
Alger, K.E., Bunting, E., Schuler, K., Jagne, J., Whipps, C.M. (2015) Diagnosing Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus in Live Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Using Whole Blood. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 46(4):806-814.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26667537
September 21, 2015
NEW PAPER ACCEPTED!
A team effort spanning several years:
Evaluating the effectiveness of common disinfectants at preventing the propagation of Mycobacterium spp. isolated from zebrafish.
Carolyn T. Chang, Erica G. Colicino, Elizabeth J. DiPaola, Hadi Jabbar Al-Hasnawi, Christopher M. Whipps
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology!
NEW PAPER ACCEPTED!
A team effort spanning several years:
Evaluating the effectiveness of common disinfectants at preventing the propagation of Mycobacterium spp. isolated from zebrafish.
Carolyn T. Chang, Erica G. Colicino, Elizabeth J. DiPaola, Hadi Jabbar Al-Hasnawi, Christopher M. Whipps
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology!
March 25, 2015
Will Helenbrook's paper on Blastocystis in primates was officially accepted! Congrats Will.
Helenbrook, W.D., Shields, W.M., Whipps, C.M. (In Press) Characterization of Blastocystis species infection in humans and mantled howler monkeys, Alouatta palliata aequatorialis, living in close proximity to one another. Parasitology Research.
Will Helenbrook's paper on Blastocystis in primates was officially accepted! Congrats Will.
Helenbrook, W.D., Shields, W.M., Whipps, C.M. (In Press) Characterization of Blastocystis species infection in humans and mantled howler monkeys, Alouatta palliata aequatorialis, living in close proximity to one another. Parasitology Research.
February 26, 2015
Congratulations to Carolyn Chang who won Syracuse University's Three Minute Thesis competition. She'll present again in the championship “face-off” during the SU Research symposium on March 21, 2015.
Congratulations to Carolyn Chang who won Syracuse University's Three Minute Thesis competition. She'll present again in the championship “face-off” during the SU Research symposium on March 21, 2015.
February 24, 2015
Good news for more cottontail rabbit work. Our USDA McIntire-Stennis grant was accepted!
“Assessing Use of Newly-Restored Early Successional Forest by the Imperiled New England Cottontail, Using Genetic Dispersal Analysis” Jonathan Cohen, Sadie Ryan, and Christopher Whipps
Thanks to Amanda Cheeseman (MP Cohen) for being the main driver of this work.
Good news for more cottontail rabbit work. Our USDA McIntire-Stennis grant was accepted!
“Assessing Use of Newly-Restored Early Successional Forest by the Imperiled New England Cottontail, Using Genetic Dispersal Analysis” Jonathan Cohen, Sadie Ryan, and Christopher Whipps
Thanks to Amanda Cheeseman (MP Cohen) for being the main driver of this work.
February 13, 2015
More on Turkey LPDV!
Tier’s turkey recovery success facing new threats
http://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/2015/02/11/turkey-wild-habitat-wildlife-dec/23232563/
SUNY-ESF student takes part in research looking into virus that hurts wild turkeys
http://survey.dailyorange.com/2015/02/suny-esf-student-takes-part-in-research-looking-into-virus-that-hurts-wild-turkeys/
More on Turkey LPDV!
Tier’s turkey recovery success facing new threats
http://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/2015/02/11/turkey-wild-habitat-wildlife-dec/23232563/
SUNY-ESF student takes part in research looking into virus that hurts wild turkeys
http://survey.dailyorange.com/2015/02/suny-esf-student-takes-part-in-research-looking-into-virus-that-hurts-wild-turkeys/
February 12, 2015
Congrats to Will Helenbrook on the official acceptance of his paper on howler parasites! Looking forward to seeing it in print.
Helenbrook, W.D., Wade, S.E., Shields, W.M., Stehman, S.V., Whipps, C.M. (In Press) Gastrointestinal parasites of Ecuadorian mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata aequatorialis) based on fecal analysis. Journal of Parasitology.
Congrats to Will Helenbrook on the official acceptance of his paper on howler parasites! Looking forward to seeing it in print.
Helenbrook, W.D., Wade, S.E., Shields, W.M., Stehman, S.V., Whipps, C.M. (In Press) Gastrointestinal parasites of Ecuadorian mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata aequatorialis) based on fecal analysis. Journal of Parasitology.
January 23, 2015
Katrina Alger's work on Turkey LPD virus is mentioned this AP article
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/scientists-tumor-causing-virus-widespread-wild-turkeys-28324797?singlePage=true
Katrina Alger's work on Turkey LPD virus is mentioned this AP article
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/scientists-tumor-causing-virus-widespread-wild-turkeys-28324797?singlePage=true
January 12, 2015
Carolyn Chang's first paper with the Whipps lab is in Press (Activity of antibiotics against Mycobacterium species commonly found in laboratory zebrafish).
Look for it in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Aquatic Animal Health http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/uahh
Carolyn Chang's first paper with the Whipps lab is in Press (Activity of antibiotics against Mycobacterium species commonly found in laboratory zebrafish).
Look for it in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Aquatic Animal Health http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/uahh