August 2025 Newsletter
Message from the Department
Greetings from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. On behalf of the students, faculty and staff, we are pleased to welcome you to our latest departmental newsletter. Much is happening around the department these days. The Anatomy and Physiology team and the Neuroscience Program are moving from their homes in French Hall and Rieveschl Hall, respectively, to the newly renovated Old Chemistry Building. In the past year, several faculty celebrated milestones, including Dr. LaSharon Mosley (15 years), Dr. John Layne (20 years) and Dr. Ken Petren (25 years). We wish all of our recent graduates of the undergraduate and graduate programs congratulations and very best wishes for the future. In this newsletter, we showcase recent accomplishments around our department community, including alumni. We would love to connect, or re-connect, with you. So please follow us on social media and reach out as we would love to get an update on your life and career.
Joshua Gross, Ph.D. Professor and Head
Department of Biological Sciences
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News from Biological Sciences
Professor Daniel Buchholz
The Billings Gazette recently featured the work of University of Cincinnati Biology Professor Daniel Buchholz, focusing on his fascinating research into the complex hormonal mechanisms that orchestrate metamorphosis in frogs. Learn more about Prof. Buchholz's work.
Associate Professor Takuya Konishi
Dr. Takuya Konishi, Associate Professor at UC Biological Sciences and international collaborators have identified a new mosasaur species with unique adaptations for swimming, including elongated rear flippers and a shark-like dorsal fin that allowed for swift, agile movement—distinguishing it from other extinct marine reptiles. Read more about Dr. Konishi's work.
Biology Meets Engineering
The National Science Foundation awarded $3.4 million to expand UC’s Biology Meets Engineering program, an innovative STEM education initiative led by Professor Stephanie Rollmann with collaborators Anna DeJarnette, John Layne, Dieter Vanderelst, and Program Manager Erin Deeds. The program introduces high school students to interdisciplinary learning, specifically (sensory) biology and (robotics) engineering. This is achieved through educational experiences in Tri-State high school classrooms, through a UC 3-week summer program, and through multi-university paid student summer research experiences. With the new funding, the program expands the research experiences to Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, and the University of Akron. Read more about the Biology Meets Engineering program.
Dr. Ruma Chatterji
Dr. Ruma Chatterji (former student in the Layne Laboratory) was awarded the University of Cincinnati Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence. This prestigious award honors those who exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, service, and the university's core values.
Congratulations Ruma!
Associate Professor Nathan Morehouse
UC Associate Professor Nathan Morehouse explores the surprisingly complex color vision of jumping spiders. With funding from the National Science Foundation, his team used innovative gaze-tracking and behavioral experiments to show that these spiders may use advanced color vision to avoid dangerous prey. Learn more about Professor Morehouse's work.
Stephen Mergner
Stephen Mergner, the Department of Biological Sciences Instrumentation Specialist, recently restored a historic arch at Rawson Woods Bird Preserve in the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati. Mergner spent many hours restoring the arch after discovering the fallen structure, which was donated by the Rawson family over a century ago. Although the 10.7-acre preserve remains closed to the public, Mergner’s work, which was supported by the Cincinnati Park Board, has renewed interest in this hidden local landmark. Read more about Mergner's work in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Alumni Showcase
Dr. James (“Jim”) George
We were delighted to hear from Dr. James (“Jim”) George, who earned his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Cincinnati in 1987, having trained in the lab of Professor Emeritus Richard Karp. Recalling those formative years with appreciation, Jim credits Dr. Karp’s mentorship for preparing him for a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Max D. Cooper at the University of Alabama at Birmingham—where he has remained ever since. Over the decades, Jim's lab has focused on heart and lung transplantation, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of acute and chronic kidney injury. Jim is currently a Professor and Vice Chair of Research and holds the Cardiovascular Surgical Research Endowed Chair in the Department of Surgery at University of Alabama, Birmingham. As retirement nears, Jim reflects fondly on his time at UC and the supportive environment that shaped his scientific journey.
Transitions
Happy Retirement Tangie!
After 46 years of employment at the University of Cincinnati, Senior Laboratory Associate Tangie Welton has retired. We are extremely grateful to Tangie for her many years of dedicated service to the department. Tangie worked alongside fellow staff and faculty members to ensure that our large number of laboratory sections ran smoothly. Thank you Tangie, we wish you the best for the next step!
Dr. Ralph Meyer
We offer our condolences to the family of Dr. Ralph Meyer, 85, who passed away March 5 in Cincinnati. Dr. Meyer was a distinguished molecular geneticist and beloved professor at the University of Cincinnati. He was also an accomplished teacher of both Biology and French, a passionate advocate for AIDS education, and a devoted supporter of social justice causes. Dr. Meyer is remembered for his intellect, humor, and love of music, and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and brother.
Calling All Alumni!
We would love to hear from you – how you are doing and news you wish to share with us. Please email us at biology@ucmail.uc.edu and give us an update!
Support UC Biology
Consider making a meaningful impact in our department by supporting UC Biological Sciences today. Contributions to the Biological Sciences Discretionary Fund creates scholarships, drives innovation, and helps our community thrive in every way.