b'BiologyAn NaOH-based DNA Extraction Protocol for the Detection of Dirofilaria immitis in MosquitoesKinsley Marie WhiteSponsor: Dr. Eric W. Chambers, Department of BiologyDirofilaria immitis is a filarial nematode worm transmitted by mosquitoes that is the primary cause of canine heartworm disease. Identifying mosquito species, they serve as obligate vectors of D. immitis will allow for a better understanding of pathogen transmission and epidemiology. Traditionally infected mosquitoes were identified using dissection, but molecular methods employing PCR-based assays have been developed to more easily identify mosquito vectors. Traditionally, this involved preforming DNA extractions using silica-based spin columns, but these kits are often expensive and time consuming. In our study, however, we utilized a recently developed technique that uses an inexpensive NaOH-based protocol to extract parasitic DNA. To determine the sensitivity of this method, we used varying ratios of uninfected control mosquitos to mosquitoes known to be infected with D. immitis. Interpreting these results, we determined that this method was able to successfully identify infection in mosquito pools containing up to 10 mosquitoes. We then demonstrated effectiveness of this method by screening wild populations of Anopheles crucians s.l. for D. immitis infection. This inexpensive and effective technique should prove valuable to resource limited labs and institutions that are conducting research on this important veterinary pathogen.Female Fertility Announcement: Do Female House Wrens(Troglodytes aedon) Adjust Singing Behavior Prior to Clutch Initiation?Danielle Dunmon Sponsor: Dr. Erin Grabarczyk, Department of BiologyDespite evidence that many male songbirds adjust their vocal behavior when their mate is fertile, few studies have explored whether females also adjust patterns of singing during early stages of breeding. For females, increased song output prior to clutch initiation and during egg laying may increase the likelihood of fertilization success. In this study, we test the hypothesis that female house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) that increase song output during their fertile period have higher fitness. We recorded the songs of females breeding in nest boxes, quantified song output, and defined reproductive success as the number of eggs laid and offspring fledged. Our study is an important step towards understanding the fitness causes and consequences of female singing behavior.16'