Project: The effects of line breeding on the antipredator behavior and personality of the terrestrial isopod, Porcellio scaber (a.k.a., the rough woodlouse)

Co-researchers:

• Emily Scoggins (Psychology major at the University of Findlay)
• Sam Waldman (Psychology and Animal Science double-major at the University of Findlay)
• Maggie Devan (Pre Vet major at the University of Findlay)
• Annabelle McMillan (Forensic Biology major at University of Findlay)
• Kate Caster (Animal Science major at the University of Findlay)
• Brandan Gray (Professor of Biology at the University of Findlay)

Summary: Beginning in fall 2023, our lab will be investigating the effects of line breeding (artificial selection/captivity) on turn alternation (an antipredator escape behavior) and personality (boldness/shyness) in wild-caught versus line-bred ("Spanish orange") Porcellio scaber. The relationship between turn alternation and personality will also be investigated.

Project: Neuropathological aging in pigeons (Columba livia)

Co-researchers:

• Emily Scoggins (Psychology major at the University of Findlay)
• Justin Reed (Psychology major at the University of Findlay)
• Verner P. Bingman (Professor of Psychology at Bowling Green State University)

Summary: To the best of our knowledge, only two studies exist reporting amyloid-pathology (a neuropathology typical of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy) in birds: one was of a single, captive great spotted woodpecker that lived for approximately 16 years and another that found organochlorine pesticide levels in the liver to correlate with amyloid pathology in wild Sparrowhawks. Our lab is currently processing the brain tissue from a number of old pigeons (ranging from 13 to 20 years old) for congophilic (amyloid-beta) plaques.