Brumbaugh Bytes
These UMU research-based student worksheets highlight student research projects at the University of Mount Union and guide learners through the content using thought-provoking questions, graphing exercises, and the claim-evidence-reasoning framework. Each set includes a teacher guide to support classroom implementation.
Beach Leaf Disease at the HBNC
Hannah Mitchell, a Brumbaugh Scholar at the University of Mount Union, investigated how the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii—the cause of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)—might be spreading through the air. Using spore traps placed near healthy American beech trees, she collected airborne particles and tested them for nematode DNA using PCR and gel electrophoresis. Her results consistently showed the presence of nematode DNA on the traps, suggesting that aerial transmission is possible. To further explore this, she also monitored uninfected saplings placed near the traps for signs of infection. While her findings support the idea that nematodes or their genetic material is airborne, more research is needed to determine whether they travel independently or with a vector. Hannah’s work helps scientists better understand how BLD spreads and opens new questions about its transmission pathways.
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Do Ticks Carry More Than One Passenger?
Emily Krizner, a student researcher at the University of Mount Union, investigated co-infection in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) at the HustonBrumbaugh Nature Center. Her study focused on whether ticks could carry both Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium that causes Lyme disease) and Wolbachia, a microbe known to influence disease transmission in other insects. Using PCR and gel electrophoresis, Emily tested 40 tick samples for the presence of three genes: CO1 (to confirm DNA extraction), 16S rRNA (Wolbachia), and OspA (Borrelia). She found that while co-infection was possible, there was no clear pattern indicating that Wolbachia prevents Borrelia infection. Most ticks carried neither bacterium, and only a few carried both. The results suggest that these microbes may coexist independently, and further research is needed to explore their interactions and implications for disease transmission.
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Jumping Worms and Forest Floor Impact
Lizzie Regovich, a student researcher at the University of Mount Union, studied the spread and ecological impact of invasive jumping worms (Family Megascolecidae) at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. These worms rapidly consume leaf litter, disrupting nutrient cycling and altering soil structure, which can negatively affect native plants and animals.
Lizzie surveyed three locations across the property and found that jumping worms were widespread in disturbed areas but absent in the Research Reserve. Soil in affected areas appeared granulated, leaf litter was reduced, and native invertebrates and salamanders were noticeably absent. Worms reached maturity midsummer, and their spread seemed to follow drainage patterns. The findings suggest that jumping worms pose a significant threat to forest floor health and biodiversity, especially in areas with human disturbance.
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Measuring Raccoon Intelligence
Sage Warner’s research explores the cognitive abilities of wild raccoons in response to increasing habitat loss and urbanization. With a 17% decline in U.S. tree cover since 2000, raccoons are adapting to urban environments by altering their behavior and foraging strategies. To investigate their intelligence, sage conducted three tests: mirror self-recognition, bowl puzzle solving, and tool use. The results revealed that raccoons demonstrated problem-solving skills, exploratory behavior, and in some cases, signs of self-awareness. These findings suggest raccoons are more intelligent and behaviorally flexible than commonly perceived. Understanding their cognitive traits can inform conservation efforts and promote coexistence between humans and urban wildlife.
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Mouthwash Treatments on Biofilms
Abigail Stack, a student researcher at the University of Mount Union, investigated the effectiveness of two natural mouthwash products in reducing Streptococcus mutans biofilms, which are a major contributor to tooth decay. Biofilms are protective bacterial communities that resist treatment and are difficult to eliminate with standard oral hygiene products. Abigail tested Hello Peace Out Plaque (HPOP) and Tom’s Maine Wicked Fresh (TMWF) using disk diffusion and biofilm assays. HPOP showed strong antibacterial activity, producing a 34 mm zone of inhibition and reducing biofilm growth by up to 72% in short treatments, while TMWF showed no measurable effect. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were calculated for HPOP, confirming its potency. The study highlights the importance of scientifically evaluating natural products and suggests that not all “natural” mouthwashes are equally effective against harmful oral bacteria.
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Multiflora Rose Stems Grow Back Stronger
Breanne Welsh, a student researcher at the University of Mount Union, studied the effects of mowing and pesticide spraying on the regrowth strength of multiflora rose stems at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. Multiflora rose is an invasive shrub known for its aggressive spread and resistance to removal. Using a 3-point bending test and an Instron machine, Breanne measured the elastic modulus of stems from untreated, mowed, and sprayed plants to assess their stiffness. Her results showed that stems from mowed and sprayed plants had significantly higher elastic modulus values, indicating stronger regrowth. This suggests that common control methods may unintentionally enhance the plant’s resilience. The findings emphasize the need to evaluate management strategies carefully when dealing with invasive species.
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Are Antibiotic Resistance Genes Present in Soil at HBNC?
Chessie Misja, a student researcher at the University of Mount Union, investigated the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil samples from four locations at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. She tested for three types of ARGs—erythromycin (ermB), sulfonamide (AEW9, SEW2, SEW5), and tetracycline (AEG3, SEG6)—using PCR and gel electrophoresis. Her results showed that ARGs were most prevalent in areas with high human and animal activity, such as the Huston Barnyard and Brumbaugh Woods Trail, while the remote Big Valley Trail had minimal ARG presence. Tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes were the most widespread, with some appearing in over 85% of samples. These findings support the hypothesis that human and animal interactions contribute to the spread of ARGs in soil environments. The study highlights the importance of monitoring environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance to better understand and mitigate public health risks.
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