VCU Rice Center Showcases Environmental Research

By Sathya Achia Abraham

Tracking the Atlantic sturgeon, restoring wetlands and understanding the impact of nutrients and bacteria on water quality in the James River were some of the latest research efforts in conservation ecology and the environment highlighted during the Virginia Commonwealth University Rice Center Fourth Annual Research Symposium.

The symposium, which was held last week, brought together faculty, students and researchers from cooperating universities, agencies and organizations to share the latest research in river ecology, wetland and stream ecology, and plant and vertebrate ecology.

Former graduate student John R. Furry was one of nearly 60 participants taking part in the symposium, which included a mix of oral and poster presentations. Furry presented his thesis work looking at bacteria found in the James River - right here in Richmond.

In the pilot study, which included 24 water samples taken over a six-month period, he used molecular genetic assays including PCR to detect bacteria that are known to cause gastrointestinal illnesses in humans. While Furry found there to be a significant level of potentially pathogenic bacteria in a whopping 88-percent of samples, he said more work based on a larger number of samples and more statistical evidence would be needed before definitive conclusions could be drawn.

Ultimately he hopes that findings from his work could translate into being used to create a public warning system to alert patrons of the James when there are high levels of bacteria that could make them sick.

“Microbial ecology effectively combines my interests in ‘useful’ science, experimentation and ecology. This is a field of research that most people never hear about, even though it has so many beneficial applications,” said Furry.

And Furry’s research isn’t the only example of science with benefits being made possible through research conducted through the Rice Center. Much of the work highlighted at the symposium lends to a greater knowledge and understanding of the living world around us and the importance for each of us of being stewards of the planet.

Research that matters
Many of the students who presented at the event, including Furry, are partnered with a dedicated faculty mentor or mentors who provide a good amount of guidance but also enable students to learn and explore at their own pace.

Furry began working in the lab of his mentor, Rima Franklin, Ph.D., assistant professor in the VCU Department of Biology, as an undergraduate in 2008. He said the experience has opened his eyes and his mind to getting involved with research that could make an impact.

“I have always preferred applicable science, and I realized I could use what I had learned with Dr. Franklin to develop methods to look for pathogenic bacteria in water to keep people safe,” said Furry, who is now a research assistant in Franklin’s lab.

He said he has learned a great deal from his time in Franklin’s lab, but what has stood out the most is the experience with actual hands-on, exploratory science.  Additionally, he has gained expertise with a number of basic and state-of-the-art laboratory techniques.

“I think the greatest part was the feeling of accomplishment (and relief!) when I finished my master’s thesis.  After that, I feel like a professional researcher, and, with the right help, that I can make a real difference,” said Furry.

Franklin said being able to partner and work alongside faculty to gain a more in-depth understanding of scientific issues and how science is done is a huge advantage for students and faculty alike.

“John started with me as an undergrad volunteer, so I have really been able to watch him develop as a scientist,” Franklin said. “He’s now in a position where he can make meaningful contributions to environmental science. It’s satisfying to me to have been a part of that development.”