As a Loyola student, you have the opportunity to work alongside our talented professors to partner in collaborative research. Learn more about some recent research and projects currently underway.
Biology Research Seminar Series
Before exploring the various research programs of our faculty below, note that the Department of Biological Sciences holds a series of seminars each Fall and Spring semester in which guest speakers from around the country present their latest research findings. Attending these talks provides a great opportunity to learn about different kinds of research currently being conducted in of life sciences.
A list of this semester's lineup and an archive of past research seminars is provided here. Seminars are typically on Tuesday at 12:30 in Monroe Hall 610.
Molecular mechanisms of arthritis - Mix Lab
Arthritis is a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The heterogeneity of these chronic diseases presents therapeutic challenges and joint replacement surgery remains the only viable strategy to restore joint function in advanced disease. Research led by Dr. Kim Mix aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular events driving cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation in arthritis. Learn more about this research here.
Conservation of imperiled Okaloosa Darters - Jordan Lab
Since 1992, Professor Frank Jordan and students from the Department of Biological Sciences and the Environment Program have been collaborating with stakeholders from the US Geological Survey, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the US Air Force to study the biology, ecology, and conservation of imperiled Okaloosa Darters. This species of small fish is geographically limited to six small streams that are located primarily on Eglin Air Force Base in northwestern Florida. These studies included annual population monitoring surveys at a network of about 20 sites; periodic range-wide surveys at over 50 sites; development of sampling statistics and evaluation of visual sampling methods; characterization of microhabitat abundance and use; restoration of impounded stream sections; analysis of population genetic structure; analysis of movement and longevity; and most recently quantifying effects of canopy removal. Collectively, results of these studies largely informed the decision to remove (delist) the species from the Endangered Species List is July 2023. This is a significant conservation milestone because – once listed – few species are recovered enough to come off the List. Read more about this research here.