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Focussing Review
Collaborative Research in Invertebrate Biology and Analytical Chemistry at Lafayette College |
| Joseph Sherma 1) and Bernard Fried 2)* |
| Departments of Chemistry 1) and Biology 2), Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, USA |
Abstract:
This paper describes a unique collaborative undergraduate research program in analytical chemistry and invertebrate biology that was begun at Lafayette College in the 1980s by Sherma (an analytical chemist) and Fried (a parasitologist). The program has resulted in 64 publications co-authored with 76 undergraduates in various peer-reviewed chemical and biological journals. Most of our collaborators have been junior and senior chemistry, biology, and biochemistry majors. The research has involved mainly studies on the chemical content, i.e., lipids, phospholipids, pigments, sugars, amino acids, and metals, of parasitic flatworms and medically important snails. We have also analyzed pheromones released by parasites and snails and the chemical constituents of various food items. Numerous analytical techniques have been used, including thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, GC/mass spectrometry and atomic emission and absorption spectrometry, along with microscopic techniques such as cryostat microtomy and transmission electron microscopy. The students have assumed a major role in all aspects of the collaborative work, including modifying research protocols, most of the hands-on work, data analysis, literature searching, preparation of figures, and writing of initial drafts of papers for publication. The operation of our program and its numerous benefits to both the students and their mentors are discussed in the article.
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| Keywords: | invertebrate biology, analytical chemistry, parasitology, malacology, Lafayette college, undergraduate research,TLC |
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