Biology

Dr. Mark Gunderson, Assistant Professor of Biology

Contact

208-459-5657

mgunderson@collegeofidaho.edu

AREAS OF FOCUS

Animal/Environmental physiology

Reproductive Endocrinology/Endocrinology

EDUCATION AND DEGREES

• Post Doctoral Fellow (May 2005 – May 2007): University of Victoria, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Victoria B.C. Canada

• Ph.D.: University of Florida (Fall 1998-Spring 2005) - Gainesville FL 32611
“Alteration in the hepatic biotransformation of steroid as a potential mechanism for contaminant induced changes in plasma testosterone concentrations in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)”Advisor L.J. Guillette Jr., Ph.D.

• BA:  St. Olaf College (Fall 1991-Spring 1995) - Northfield, MN  55057

• High School: Lawrence Academy (1988-1991) - Groton, MA 01450

AWARDS/HONORS

 
• Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society May 2005
• Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society April 1995
• Graduated Magna Cum Laude May 1995
• Recognized in St. Olaf Honors Day 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE

College of Idaho INBRE Program Director
April 1, 2010- present

Assistant Professor of Biology, The College of Idaho, Caldwell Idaho
September 2007 - present

Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Victoria, Victoria B.C.
May 2005-May 2007

As a post doctoral fellow, I worked in the laboratory of Dr.Caren Helbing examining the impacts of components of pesticides and cosmetic products on thyroid hormone dependent processes related to bullfrog tadpole (Rana catesbeiana) metamorphosis using quantitative real time PCR to measure gene expression of a wide range of molecular biomarkers that include thyroid hormone receptors α and β (TRα, TRβ), steroidogenic factor -1 (SF-1), aromatase (CYP19), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)..
• Research techniques:
o Quantitative real time PCR
o Agarose gel electrophoresis
o Primer proofing
o RNA isolation using Trizol
o cDNA synthesis (reverse transcription reaction)
o Genomic DNA isolation

Graduate student at the University of Florida Department of Zoology
Fall 1998-May 2005

As a graduate student, I studied reproductive endocrinology and endocrine disruption in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) under the instruction of Dr. Louis J. Guillette Jr.  I was specifically interested in examining the effects of environmental contaminants on the hepatic biotransformation of steroids and circulating plasma concentrations of hormones.  I was also involved in several collaborative projects examining the impacts of pesticide exposure (both field and laboratory studies) on stress responses, thyroid hormone mediated processes, sex determination, morphology, and development.  

• Research techniques:
o Field capture of both adult and juvenile alligators.
o Blood collection and field measurement sampling
o Radioimmunoassay (RIA) (Estrogen, -corticosterone, Testosterone, Thyroid hormone)
o Measuring hepatic biotransformation of testosterone
 Testosterone hydroxylase activity using TLC
 Testosterone conjugation activity (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and sulfotransferase activities)
o Gel electrophoresis and western blotting for vitellogenin in alligator plasma
o Histology examining morphology of alligator gonads (work and learning of techniques in progress)
o Quantitative real time PCR examining the relative gene expressions of cytochrome P-450 enzymes (CYP3A77 and aromatase (CYP19)), nuclear receptors (estrogen receptors α and β (ERα, ERβ), androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), progesterone receptor (PR), and steroid-xenobiotic receptor (SXR)), as well as proteins and transcription factors related to steroidogenesis (steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)).  The genes were examined in the context of variation among populations of alligators exposed to different degrees of environmental contaminants as well as in laboratory exposure studies.

Okazaki Research Institute, Okazaki Japan
Summer 2003
As a graduate student, I was funded by a National Science Foundation fellowship in conjunction with JSPS to conduct research in Japan for the summer.  I traveled to Japan during the summer of 2003 to work in Dr. Taisen Iguchi’s laboratory where I ran much of the quantitative real time PCR described above.

• I learned and used molecular techniques that included:
o RNA isolation
o Reverse transcription to generate cDNA
o Quantitative real time PCR to measure the transcriptional regulation of hepatic genes related to the metabolism of testosterone in American alligators.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville Florida
May 2001-August 2001
This was a temporary position that I held as a graduate student which involved the analysis and compilation of alligator egg contaminant data that had been collected from several lakes in Florida throughout the 1990s.

Lab Technician (40hrs/wk) After graduating from St. Olaf College in 1995, I worked as a laboratory technician under the instruction of Dr. David Evans, both in the Department of Zoology at the University of Florida (during the academic school year) and the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Salisbury Cove Maine during the summer months.
 
 University of Florida, Department of Zoology, Gainesville, FL 32611  
September 1, 1995 - May 1998

 Project #1: I worked to characterize the endothelin receptors present in the gills and on the ventral aorta of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias.  We were interested in identifying the mechanisms involved in regulating vascular tone in this vessel as its diameter plays a key role in supplying blood to the gills of fishes. One important finding resulting from this work is that sharks differ markedly from mammals in that prostaglandins and not nitric oxide are responsible for endothelium mediated dilation of the ventral aorta.

• Related techniques/experience
o Radioreceptor binding assays
o ELISA (enzyme linked immunoabsorbaent assay)  for prostaglandins
o SDS-Page gel electrophoresis
o Inositol triphosphate (IP3) radioimmunoassays
o Column chromatography to isolate IP3
o Histology
o Protein concentration determination (Bradford assay)
o Autoradiography
• Radiation Short Course: I was certified to work with radioactive material by University of Florida Radiation Control (assays, weekly swipe tests, maintain isotope log, etc.) which was required for this position.

 Project #2: I was also involved in a project to clone the natriuretic peptide C receptor (NPR-C) present in the toadfish gill, Opsanus beta.
• I  gained exposure to the following molecular techniques:
o Agarose gel electrophoresis
o DNA isolation  (DNA exctraction from agarose gels)
o RNA isolation
o Building cDNA library  and DNA sequencing
o PCR
o Membrane Hybridization

Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory Salisbury Cove, ME 04672
June-August 1994/ 1995/1996/1997/1998

 Summer research projects in Maine: During the summer months, I worked with Dr. David Evans who conducts research at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Salisbury Cove Maine from June- August.  I worked to characterize the muscarinic, endothelin, and prostaglandin receptors present on the ventral aorta of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias

• Related techniques:
o Tissue collection, preparation, and data collection
o Vascular smooth muscle tension measurement 
o Concentration response (CR) curves
o Other species studied: Hagfish (Myxine glutinosa), eel (Anguilla rostrata), skate (Raja erinacea), sculpin(Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus), toadfish(Opsanus beta).

TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE

• Courses taught at The College of Idaho
o Animal Physiology  BIO 374 Fall 2007, 2008,2009
o Diversity of Life BIO 260 Fall 2007, Winter 2008, Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009
o Biology of Reproduction BIO 199.2-01 Winter 2008
o Organismal Biology BIO 220 Spring 2008, Spring 2009

• Courses taught at University of Florida (1998- 2005)
o Biology of Reproduction ZOO 4926: Instructor (Spring 2004)
o Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior BSC 2008: Instructor (Spring 2005)

• Teaching assistantships at University of Florida (1998 –2005)
o Introductory Biology BSC 2010 laboratory: Teaching assistant, (Summer 2004, Spring 2002, Fall 1998)
o Introductory Biology BSC 2010: Discussion leader for lectures (Fall 2004, Spring 2003, Fall 2001, Fall 2000)
o Biology of Reproduction ZOO 4926: Teaching Assistant, (Spring 2001)
o General Ecology PCB 4044: Teaching Assistant, (Spring 2000)
o Functional Vertebrate Anatomy ZOO 3713: Teaching Assistant, (Fall 1999, Spring 1999)
o Animal Physiology PCB 4723: Teaching Assistant (Fall 2003) 

• Off-campus trips
o Florida - Winter 2008 Diversity of Life BIO 260
o Australia –Winter 2009 (BIO-325-01 Natural History: Australia, BIO-341-01 Tropical & Subtropical Ecology, BIO-344-01 Coral Reef Ecology)

• Undergraduate students supervised (17 students)

1. Derik Haggard (Fall 2009/ Spring 2010): The goal of  Derik’s  project is to screen redband trout living in ecosystems impacted by agricultural and mining activity for alterations in physiological biomarkers that are indicative of contaminant exposure.  This project began as a research project in the Animal Physiology Lab that I teach (Fall 2009) and four members of the lab have continued it on their own with the goal of submitting the results to a regional journal this summer (2010).

2. Kaylie Shaver (Fall 2009/ Spring 2010): Kaylie is working as a member of the team examining the impact of agricultural and mining activities on the physiology of redband trout. 

3. Maximilian Padilla (Fall 2009/ Spring 2010):  Maximilian is working as a member of the team examining the impact of agricultural and mining activities on the physiology of redband trout. 

4. Melissa Pickett (Spring 2010): Melissa is working on three projects.  In the first project she is investigating the impact of contaminant exposure during development on the expression of biomarkers at later life stages.  In the second and third projects, she is examining the expression of biomarkers indicative of contaminant exposure in wild caught juvenile alligators and redband trout collected from reference and contaminated sites.

5. Liz Hulse (2009/2010 academic school year): Currently examining whether phyochemicals present in sage brush regulate detoxification enzyme expression in HEPG2 cells (human liver cell line).

6. Kelsey Jesser (2009/2010 academic school year): Currently working to examine the disruption of SaOS-2 osteoblast cell physiology by Triclosan.

7. Joshua Meyers (Fall 2009): Characterized the sensitivity of microsomes prepared from trout and alligator livers to freeze thaw cycles.  Specifically he examined the effects of freeze and thaw cycles on glutathione-s-transferase activity.  This information is critical for us to know since we need to understand how the preparation and handing of samples effects the endpoints we are interested in measuring.

8. Kim Stucker (Summer 2009): Is currently working as a NIH INRE fellow examining the effects of the antibacterial agent Triclosan on bone physiology and health.

9. Justin Martin (Summer 2009;  2009/2010 Academic School Year): Is currently working as a NIH INBRE fellow examining the effects of environmental contaminants on normal American alligator physiology.

10. Quinton Dowling (Spring 2009): Worked to develop techniques for measuring heavy metal concentrations present in trout tissues.

11. Hayley Talboy (Fall 2008/ Spring 2009): Worked on assays used to measure glutathione-s-transferase activity in guppies exposed to sediments collected from reference and contaminated sites in Idaho.

12. Martine Troy (Summer 2008; Fall, Winter Spring 2008/2009): worked as a M.J. Murdoch Charitable Trust fellow to develop assays that will be used to measure biomarkers for exposure to contaminants in redband trout exposed to heavy metals and pesticides.

13. Rand Kline (Summer 2008; Fall, Winter Spring 2008/2009): is presently working as a NIH INBRE fellow to examine the effects of the bactericide triclosan on osteoblast activity in SaOS-2 cells.

14. Stacey Maher: worked on a senior thesis under my supervision examining the effects of galaxolide, a musk found in personal care products as well as sewage effluent, on gene expression as well as metamorphosis in premetamorphic bull frog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles.

15. Lauren Stern: worked on histology of gonadal tissue from Lake Okeechobee and Everglades juvenile alligators.

16. Tom Breza: worked on detecting the presence of vitellogenin in juvenile alligators collected from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.  Tom co-authored a manuscript with me (see publications listed below).

17. Kelly Fox: helped me isolate hepatic microsomes from alligators exposed to various pesticides.

FUNDING

• NIH INBRE Award #P20RR016454 Summer Mentor (2009 – Present)
• NIH/NCRR Award #P20RR016454  Summer Mentor (2008)
• Start up funds for my research program at the College of Idaho provided by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust (Awarded Fall 2007)
• National Science Foundation International Fellowship (EASI 2003 NSF Fellowship) (NSF Award # INT-0310001; Summer 2003)
o Awarded to conduct research at the Okazaki National Research Institute, Okazaki Japan during the summer of 2003
• Grinter Fellowship: University of Florida Department of Zoology (1999, 2000, 2001).
• Maine Affiliate of the American Heart Association
o Student fellowship granted for research at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Salisbury Cove Maine (Summer 1995) under the instruction of Dr. David Evans.
• Burroughs Welcome Student Fellowship
o Granted for conducting summer research at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Salisbury Cove Maine (Summer 1994) under the instruction of Dr. David Evans.

PUBLICATIONS (23 total, 7 first author)

1. Helbing, C. H., Maher, S. K., Han, J., Gunderson, M.P., Borchers, C.  2010. Peering into molecular mechanisms of action with frogSCOPE. General and Comparative Endocrinology (Accepted, In Press)

2. Helbing C.C., Bailey C.M., Ji L., Gunderson M.P., Zhang F., Veldhoen N., Skirrow R.C., Mu R., Lesperance M., Holcombe G.W., Kosian P.A., Tietge J., Korte J.J., Degitz S.J.  2007.  Identification of gene expression indicators for thyroid axis disruption in a Xenopus laevis metamorphosis screening assay. Part 1. Effects on the brain.  Aquatic Toxicology 82 (4): 227-241.

3. Veldhoen, N., Skirrow, R.C., Osachoff, H., Wigmore, H., Clapson, D.J., Gunderson, M.P., van Aggelen, G., and Helbing, C.C. 2006.  The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran development.  Aquatic Toxicology 80: 217-227.

4. Gunderson, M.P., Kohno, S., Blumberg, B., Iguchi, T., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2006. Up-regulation of the alligator CYP3A77 gene by toxaphene and dexamethasone and its short term effect on plasma testosterone concentrations. Aquatic Toxicology 78: 272-283.

5. Milnes, M.R., Bermudez, D.S., Bryan T.A., Edwards, T.M., Gunderson, M.P., Larkin, I. L.V., Moore, B.C., and Louis J. Guilette Jr. 2005.  Contaminant-induced feminization and demasculinization of nonmammalian vertebrate males in aquatic environments.  Environmental Research 100: 3-17.

6. Milnes, M.R., Bryan, T.A., Medina Gates, J., Gunderson, M.P., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2005.  Developmental alterations as a result of in ovo exposure to the pesticide metabolite p,p’-DDE in Alligator mississippiensis.  General and Comparative Endocrinology 144: 257-263.

7. Milnes, M. R., Bermudez D.S., Bryan, T.A., Gunderson, M.P., and Guilette, L.J. Jr. 2005.  Altered neonatal development and endocrine function in Alligator mississippiensis associated with a contaminated environment.  Biology of Reproduction 73: 1004-1010.

8. Bermudez, Dieldrich S., Milnes, M.R., Bryan, T.A., Gunderson, M.P., Tubbs, C., Woodward, A.R., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2005.  Seasonal variation in plasma thyroxine concentrations in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from three Florida lakes.  Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology part A 141: 8-14.

9. Gunderson, M.P., Oberdörster, E., and Guillette. L.J. Jr. 2004.  EROD, MROD, and GST activities in juvenile alligators collected from 3 sites in the Kissimmee-Everglades drainage, Florida (USA).  Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C 139: 39-46.

10. Katsu, Y, Bermudez, D.S., Braun, E., Helbing, C., Miyagawa, S., Gunderson, M.P., Kohno, S., Bryan, T.A., Guillette, L.J. Jr., and Iguchi,T. 2003. Molecular cloning of the estrogen and progesterone receptors of the American alligator.  General and Comparative Endocrinology 126:122-133.

11. Gunderson, M.P., Bermudez, D.S., Bryan, T.A., Degala, S., Edwards, T.M., Kools, S.A.E., Milnes, M.R., Woodward, A.R., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2003. Variation in sex steroids and phallus size in juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) collected from 3 sites within the Kissimmee-Everglades drainage in Florida (USA).  Chemosphere 56: 335-345.

12. Edwards, T. M., Gunderson M.P., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2003.  Gonadotropin-induced testosterone response in peripubertal male alligators.  General and Comparative Endocrinology 135(3): 372-380.

13. Gunderson, M.P., Kools, S. A. E., Milnes, M. R. and Guillette, L. J. Jr. 2003. Effect of acute stress on plasma -corticosterone, estradiol-17, and testosterone concentrations in juvenile American alligators collected from 3 sites within the Kissimmee-Everglades Drainage. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C, 135(3): 365-374.

14. Gunderson, M.P., Breza, T.S. Jr., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2003. Screening for xenoestrogen-induced vitellogenin in juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Environmental Science 10: 193-204.

15. Hewitt, E.A., Crain, D.A., Gunderson, M.P., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2002.  A histological analysis of thyroid glands in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississipiensis) from contaminated and reference sites on Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA. Chemosphere 47: 1129-1135.

16. Gunderson, M.P., Bermudez, D.S., Bryan, T.A., Crain, D.A., Degala, S., Edwards, T.M., Kools, S.A.E., Milnes, M.R., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2002. Temporal and spatial variation in plasma thyroxine (T4) concentrations in juvenile alligators collected from Lake Okeechobee and the northern Everglades.  Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21: 914-921.

17. Guillette, L.J. Jr. and Gunderson, M.P. 2001. Alterations in the development of the reproductive and endocrine systems of wildlife exposed to endocrine disrupting contaminants.  Reproduction 202: 857-864.

18. Gunderson, M.P., LeBlanc, G.A., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2001.  Alterations in sexually dimorphic biotransformation of testosterone in juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from contaminated lakes. Environmental Health Perspectives 109 (12): 1257-1264.

19. Guillette, L.J., Jr., Crain, D.A., Gunderson, M.P., Kools, S., Milnes, M.R., Orlando, E.F., Rooney, A.A., and Woodward, A.R. 2000.  Alligators and endocrine disrupting contaminants: A current perspective.  American Zoologist 40: 438-452.

20. Evans, D.H. and M.P. Gunderson. 1999.  Characterization of an endothelin ETB receptor in the gill of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias.  The Journal of Experimental Biology 202(24): 3605-3610.

21. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M.P. 1998. Functional Characterization of a Muscarinic Receptor in the Smooth Muscle of the Shark (Squalus acanthias) Ventral Aorta. Experimental Biology On Line 3: 3 (ISSN 1430-3418) http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00898/fpapers/8003001/80030003.htm

22. Evans, D.H and Gunderson, M. 1998.  A prostaglandin, not nitric oxide, mediates endothelium dependendent dilation in the ventral aorta of the shark, Squalus acanthias.  American Journal of Physiology 274: R1050-1057.

23. Evans, D. H., Gunderson, M.P., and Cagelis, C. 1996.  ETB-Type receptors mediate endothelin-stimulated contraction in the aortic vascular smooth muscle of the spiny dog fish shark, Squalus acanthias. Journal of Comparative Physiology 165(8): 659-664.

BOOK CHAPTERS

• Guillette, Louis J. Jr., Stefan A. E. Kools, Mark P. Gunderson and Deildrich S. Bermudez, 2006. DDT and its analogues: New insights into their endocrine disruptive effects on wildlife.  In “Endocrine Disruption: Biological basis for health effects in wildlife and humans”.  D.O. Norris and J.A. Carr, Eds.  Oxford University Press, NY, pp. 332-355.

MANUSCRIPTS IN PREPARATION

1. Gunderson, M.P., S. Kohno, T. Iguchi, B. Blumberg, M.R. Milnes, L.J. Guillette Jr. Organizational regulation of hepatic CYP3A77 and nuclear receptors in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) liver by ethanol & organochlorine compounds. 

2. Gunderson, M.P., GA Binczik, ND Denslow, L.J. Guillette, Jr., and EF Orlando.  Intralake variation in the reproductive biology of the Florida gar, Lepisosteus platyrhincus.  For:  Archives of Environmental Contamination

3. Gunderson M.P., Skirrow, R.C., vanAggelen, G., Helbing, C.C.  Effects of the herbicide atrazine and its metabolite DEA on SF-1 and aromatase gene transcripts in pre-metamorphic bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpole brains after 48 hours of exposure.

4. Gunderson, M.P., B. Moore, H. Hamlin, L.J. Guillette, Jr..  Short term effects of  hepatic enzyme induction on plasma steroid concentrations in female juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)

5. Martin, J. T., Smith S.S., Boggs, A., Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette L.J. Jr., Gunderson, M.P.  Screening American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) inhabiting reference and contaminated sites for alterations in normal physiological function.

RECENT GUEST LECTURES/SEMINARS

• Endocrine Disruptors: From the Swamp to the Bench.  Presented at the Idaho NIH INBRE conference.  Boise State University, Boise Idaho.  April 4, 2009.

• Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants in Aquatic Ecosystems: Lessons from the Swamp; Presented at Faculty Forum, The College of Idaho, Caldwell Idaho. November 20, 2008.

• Alterations in the hepatic biotransformation of steroids as a potential mechanism for contaminant induced changes in plasma testosterone concentrations in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississiensis); Presented to: Cell and Molecular Biology research: Trainee Summer Presentation Series, Department of Biology,University of Victoria June 8, 2006.

• Endocrine disrupting contaminants in aquatic ecosystems: A population to gene approach; Presented to: Endocrinology class, Biology Department University of Victoria, March 28, 31, 2006.

• Alterations in the biotransformation of sex steroids as a biomarker for contaminant exposure in juvenile Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis); Presented to: Department of Zoology, University of Florida March 24, 2006.

ABSTRACTS (14 co-authored)

1. Kohno, S., Moore, B.C., Gunderson, M.P. , Bryan, T.A., Guillette, L.J. Jr.  2006.  Androgen receptor in the female reproductive tract of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis.  Biology of Reproduction 118-119 Sp Iss.  SI, 2006.

2. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M.P. 1999. Pharmacologic characterization of an ETB receptor in the gills of the shark Squalus acanthias. FASEB J. 13: A748.

3. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M.P. 1999. Pharmacologic characterization of an ETB receptor in the gills of the shark, Squalus acanthias. Bull Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 38: 34.

4. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M.P. 1998. Initial characterization of vasoactivity in the ventral aorta of the eel (Anguilla rostrata). Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 37: 107.

5. Evans, D.H., Gunderson, M.P., and Hawkins, Y. 1998. Nitric oxide induced dilation in the pneumatic duct of the eel (Anguilla rostrata). Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 37: 106.

6. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M.P. 1998. PGI2, not PGE, is the endothelium-derived relaxing factor in the shark (Squalus acanthias) ventral aorta. Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 37: 105.

7. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M.P. 1997. Prostaglandin E, not nitric oxide, is the endothelium-derived relaxing factor in the shark ventral aorta. The FASEB J. 11: A93.

8. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M. 1997. Initial characterization of vasoactive receptors in the posterior intestinal vein of the shark, Squalus acanthias. Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Lab. 36:105.

9. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M. 1997. Prostaglandin E is the endothelium derived relaxing factor in the shark (Squalus acanthias) ventral aorta.  Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 36:104.

10. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M. 1996.  Cadmium inhibits endothelin-induced, but not acetylcholine induced, contraction of the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) ventral aortic vascular smooth muscle. Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 35:95. 

11. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M. 1996.  A prostaglandin, not nitric oxide, is the endothelium-derived relaxing factor in the shark (Squalus acanthias) ventral aorta.  Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 35:94.

12. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M. 1995. Further characterization of muscarinic and endothelin receptors in the aortic vascular smooth muscle of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias. Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Lab. 34:110.

13. Evans, D.H. and Gunderson, M. 1995.  Apparent lack of nitric oxide/soluble guanyl  cyclase axis in the aortic vascular smooth muscle of the shark, Squalus acanthias. Bull. Mt. Desert Isl. Biol. Lab. 34:109.

14. Evans, D.H., Cegelis, C. and Gunderson, M. 1994. Functional characterization of endothelin receptors in aortic vascular smooth muscle of the shark, Squalus acanthias. The Physiologist 37: A-62

POSTERS PRESENTED (31 total, 3 first author)

1. Haggard, D.E., McCutchen, K., Padilla, M., Pickett, M. A., Shaver,K.M., Valdes, E.M., Smith, S.S., Walser, C.A., Gunderson, M.P. 2010. Comparison of Biomarkers in Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdani) Between North Fork Owyhee River and Jordan Creek, Southwestern Idaho Reveals Physiological Differences Suggestive of Contamination. 5th Annual College of Idaho Student Research Conference, Caldwell Idaho. May 15, 2010.

2. Martin, J. T., Smith, S. S.,Boggs, A. , Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette, L. J. Jr., Gunderson M. P. 2010. Screening American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, Inhabitating Reference in Contaminated Sites for Alterations in Normal Physiological Function. 5th Annual College of Idaho Student Research Conference, Caldwell Idaho. May 15, 2010.

3. Haggard, D.E., McCutchen, K., Padilla, M. , Pickett, M. A., Shaver,K.M., Valdes, E.M., Smith, S.S., Walser, C.A., Gunderson, M.P. 2010. Comparison of Biomarkers in Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdani) Between North Fork Owyhee River and Jordan Creek, Southwestern Idaho Reveals Physiological Differences Suggestive of Contamination. 35th Annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference, Santa Clara University. April 24, 2010.

4. Martin, J. T., Smith, S. S.,Boggs, A. , Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette, L. J. , Gunderson M. P. 2010. Screening American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, Inhabitating Reference in Contaminated Sites for Alterations in Normal Physiological Function. 35th Annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference, Santa Clara University. April 24, 2010.

5. Martin, J. T., Smith, S. S.,Boggs, A. , Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette, L. J. , Gunderson M. P. 2010. Screening American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, Inhabitating Reference in Contaminated Sites for Alterations in Normal Physiological Function. 52nd Annual
Symposium of the Idaho Academy of Science, College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho. March 11-13, 2010.  Awarded 3rd Place*

6. Haggard, D.E., McCutchen, K., Padilla, M., Pickett, M. A., Shaver,K.M., Valdes, E.M., Smith, S.S., Walser, C.A., Gunderson, M.P. 2010. Comparison of Biomarkers in Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdani) Between North Fork Owyhee River and Jordan Creek, Southwestern Idaho Reveals Physiological Differences Suggestive of Contamination. 52nd Annual Symposium of the Idaho Academy of Science, College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho. March 11-13, 2010.

7. Martin, J. T., Smith, S. S.,Boggs, A. , Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette, L. J. , Gunderson M. P. 2010. Screening American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, Inhabitating Reference in Contaminated Sites for Alterations in Normal Physiological Function. The College of Idaho Day (at the capitol), Boise Idaho. January 2010.

8. Haggard, D.E., McCutchen, K., Padilla, M. , Pickett, M. A., Shaver,K.M., Valdes, E.M., Smith, S.S., Walser, C.A., Gunderson, M.P. 2010. Comparison of Biomarkers in Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdani) Between North Fork Owyhee River and Jordan Creek, Southwestern Idaho. The College of Idaho Day (at the capitol), Boise Idaho. January 2010.         

9. Martin, Justin T., Smith S.S., Boggs, A., Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette L.J. Jr., Gunderson, M.P.  Screening American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) Inhabiting Reference and Contaminated Sites for Alterations in Normal Physiological Function.  M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Annual Research Conference.  Gonzaga University.  Spokane WA. October 2009.

10. Martin, Justin T., Smith S.S., Boggs, A., Kohno, S., Moore, B., Guillette L.J. Jr., Gunderson, M.P.  Screening American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) Inhabiting Reference and Contaminated Sites for Alterations in Normal Physiological Function.  8th Idaho INBRE Annual Research Conference.  Idaho State University, Pocatello Idaho.  August 3, 4 2009.

11. Stucker, Kimberly, Smith, S.S., Gunderson, M.P.  Examining the Effects of the Anti-Microbial Agent Triclosan on Estrogen and Vitamin D3 Activity in the SaOS-2 Osteoblast Cell Line.  8th Idaho INBRE Annual Research Conference.  Idaho State University, Pocatello Idaho.  August 3, 4 2009.

12. Talboy, Hayley, Kudrna, R., Dowling, Q., Martin, J, Smith, Spenser, Walser, C., Gunderson, M.P.  Hepatic Biomarker Screening in Redband Trout (Orcorhynchus mykiss gairdneri) Inhabiting Contaminated Sited in Southwestern Idaho.  4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

13. Padilla, M.R. and Barker, Z. (M.P. Gunderson Faculty Sponsor). Effects of New Development on House Mice, Mus muscus, Populations.  4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

14. Kudrna, R., Dowling, Q., Smith, S., Gunderson, M.P.  Screening Sediments Collected from Indian Creek for Biologically Active Compounds.  4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

15. Kline, R., Heggland, S., Gunderson, M.P.  2008.  Examining the effects of the anti-microbial agent triclosan on SaOS-2 human osteoblastic  cell activity.  4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

16. Dowling, Q., Truksa, S., Walser, C., Gunderson, M.P.  Analysis of Heavy Metals in Redband Trout, Orcorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, Exposed to Mine Runoff by Graphite Furnace Atomic Asborption Spectrometry. 4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

17. Dowling, Q., Gunderson M.P., Lee, B. Development of a High Throughput Metabolome Analysis Package for Thermoacidophilic Bacateria.  4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

18. Rachel S. Kudrna, Quinton M. Dowling, Spenser S. Smith, and Gunderson, M.P.  Guppy GST activity as a biomarker for biologically active compounds in Indian Creek. 4th Annual C of I Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho.  Caldwell Idaho.  May 2, 2009.

19. Dowling, Q., Gunderson M.P., Lee, B. 2009.  Development of a High Throughput Metabolome Analysis Package for Thermoacidophilic Bacateria.  34th Annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference.  Point Loma Nazarene University.  San Diego CA. April 18, 2009.

20. Kline, R., Heggland, S., Gunderson, M.P.  2008.  Examining the effects of the anti-microbial agent triclosan on SaOS-2 human osteoblastic cell activity.  M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Annual Research Conference.  University of Pudget Sound.  Tacoma WA. November 7,  2008.

21. Kline, R., Heggland, S., Gunderson, M.P.  2008.  Examining the effects of the anti-microbial agent triclosan on SaOS-2 human osteoblastic  cell activity.  7th Idaho INBRE Annual Research Conference.  Boise State University, Boise Idaho. August 4, 5, 6, 2008.

22. Crecelius,B.,  Oswald, S., Troy, M.,  Frost,S., Hayashida, K., Packebush,S.,  Reimers,A.,  Smith, S.,  Gunderson, M.P. 2008. The effects of triclosan exposure on the routine metabolic rates of male Zebrafish (Danio rerio). 2nd Annual ACI Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho. April 28, 2008. 

23. Helbing, C.C., Bailey, C., Ji, L., Gunderson, M.P., Zhang, F., Veldhoen, N., Mu, R., Lesperance, M., Holcombe, G.W., Kosian, P.A., Tietge, J., and Degitz, S.J. 2006.  Differential gene expression profiles in Xenopus laevis tadpole brains exposed to thyroid hormones (THs) and inhibitors of their synthesis in a metamorphosis assay. Presented by CC Helbing at SETAC 2006.

24. Katsu, Y., Bermudez, D.S., Miyagawai, S., Gunderson, M.P., Bryan, T.A.,
Guillette, L.J. Jr. and Iguchi, T. Molecular cloning of steroid hormone receptors of the American Alligator. 2002.  16th Annual Crocodile Specialist Meeting, Gainesville, FL. October 2002.

25. Bermudez D.S., Katsu, Y. , Miyakawa, S., Bryan, T.,  Gunderson, M.P. ,  Milnes, M.R., Iguchi, T., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2001.  Aromatase and SF-1 expression in alligator gonad tissue from 3 Florida lakes and NO3 exposure.  International Symposium for Endocrine Disruptors, Tsuba, Japan.  December 2001.

26. Gunderson, M.P., Breza, T.S., Milnes, M.R., Kools, S.A.E., and Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2001. Spatial variation in phallus size, sex steroids, and vitellogenin in juvenile alligators collected from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Presented as a poster at the E. Hormone symposium in New Orleans, LA.  October 2001.

27. Edwards, T.M., Gunderson, M.P., Orlando, E.F., Guillette, L.J., Jr. 2000.  Gonadotropin induction of testosterone synthesis in alligators from contaminated and uncontaminated environments.  Presented as a poster at the E. Hormone symposium in New Orleans, LA. October 2000.

28. Milnes, M.R., Bryan, T.A., Gunderson, M.P., Guillette, L.J., Jr. 2000.  Altered neonatal development and endocrine function in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from a contaminated lake in Florida.  Presented as a poster at the E. Hormone symposium in New Orleans, LA. October 2000.

29. Bryan, T., Gunderson, M.P., Milnes, M.R., Guillette, L.J., Jr. 2000.  Shell Thickness of alligator eggs from contaminated and reference lakes.  Presented as a poster at the E. Hormone symposium in New Orleans, LA. October 2000.

30. Gunderson, M.P., Bermudez, D.S., Bryan, T.A., Edwards, T.M., Milnes, M.R., Woodward, A.R., Guillette, L.J. Jr. 2000.  Plasma thyroxine [T4] levels in juvenile alligators collected from Lake Okeechobee and the Northern Everglades.  Presented as a poster at the E. Hormone symposium in New Orleans, LA. October 2000.

31. Gunderson, M.P., LeBlanc, G.A., Guillette, L.J.,Jr. 2000. Sexually dimorphic patterns of hepatic biotransfromation of testosterone in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from three Florida lakes.  Jackson Laboratory Meeting (MERI).

RECENT MEETINGS ATTENDED

1. 5th Annual College of Idaho Student Research Conference, Caldwell Idaho. May 15, 2010.

2. 35th Annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference, Santa Clara University. April 24, 2010.

3. 52nd Annual Symposium of the Idaho Academy of Science, College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho. March 11-13, 2010

4. 34th Annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference.  Point Loma Nazarene University.  San Diego CA.  April 18, 2009.

5. 4rd Annual College of Idaho Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho.  May 2009.

6. Idaho INBRE Annual Research Conference.  Boise State University, Boise Idaho.  April 4, 2009.

7. 7th Idaho INBRE Annual Research Conference.  Boise State University, Boise Idaho.  August 4, 5, 6, 2008.

8. 3nd Annual ACI Student Research Conference.  The College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho.  April 28, 2008.

9. 16th Annual Murdock College Science Research Program Conference.  Willamette University, Salem, Oregon.  November 2-3, 2007

10. 2006 Invertebrate Interdisciplinary Workshop.  University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC Canada.  December 1 & 2, 2006

11. 2006 Pesticide Information Exchange.  Environment Canada, Pacific and Yukon region.  Simon Fraser University at Harbor Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC Canada. November 30, 2006

REGISTERED GENBANK SEQUENCES

• Kohno, S., Gunderson, M.P., Katsu, Y., Iguchi, T., and Guillette L.J. Jr.  Alligator mississippiensis cyp3A mRNA for cytochrome P450 3A, partial cds. Accession # AB186129 (submitted August, 2, 2004)

REVIEWER FOR THE FOLLOWING JOURNALS

• Environmental Health Perspectives (Summer 2002)
• Journal of Experimental Biology (Spring 2004)
• Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology (Spring 2006, Fall 2008, Spring 2009)
• Cell and Tissue Research (Spring 2006)
• Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Spring 2007)
• Reproduction, Fertility, and Development (Fall 2007)

OTHER EXPERIENCE

• Veterinary Assistant (8 hrs/week) at Newberry Animal Hospital, Spring 1997
• Veterinary Technician (6-12hrs/week) at AA-Pet Emergency Clinic April 1997-October 1997.
o Animal care and restraint, administration of injections and IV fluids, x-rays, computer invoice and billing, surgical assistance.
• St. Olaf Biology Department (Spring 1995): I served on the 4-year tenure track student review committee for a faculty member in the biology department.

VOLUNTEER WORK

▪ AA-Pet Emergency Clinic, Newberry Animal Hospital, and University of Florida foal unit: (February1997-April 1997) 230 hrs working as volunteer before I was hired part time at the AA-Pet Emergency Clinic and the Newberry Animal Hospital.

▪ Boyz Rock! (Spring 2002) (Through Planned Parenthood): “Boys Rock!” is a mentoring program.