Assistant Professor of Biology

Office: SC 210
Phone: (574) 535-7205
Email: aammons@goshen.edu

Education

BA, Berea College, 2003
PHD, Purdue University West Lafayette, 2007

Current Projects

  • Exploring variations in DNA structure/sequence for ethanol sensitivity candidate genes in honey bees (Peter Martin and Lisa Weaver)
  • Dissecting frozen bee brains and extracting mRNA for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assay gene expression (Peter Martin, Lisa Weaver, and Mike Zehr)
  • Investigating differences in physiological ethanol tolerance and alcohol preference between Carniolan and Italian subspecies of honey bees (Greg Thiessen and Lynn Weaver)
  • Studying the effects of both ethanol vapor exposure and ethanol consumption on honey bee behavior and physiology (Greg Thiessen and Lynn Weaver)
  • Identifying native bee species and correlating their presence or species composition to habitat characteristics at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center (Josh Yoder)

Research

I have various research interests, including the biology of addiction, honey bee behavioral genetics, the evolution of social behavior, and insect biology (entomology). Many of these research avenues can be integrated in a discussion of “stress:”

Stress is a phenomenon that we have all experienced, although that stress should usually be characterized as psychological stress.  However, even psychological stress can result in detrimental physiological stress (headaches, nausea, etc.).  All living organisms undergo physiological stress due to the pressures of numerous internal and external stressors.  These stressors can include the chronic effects of aerobic metabolism (reactive oxygen species) that lead to aging, in addition to the negative impacts of many drugs and chemicals that organisms are exposed to.  Many humans, in fact, either inhale, imbibe, or absorb a myriad of harmful substances in daily life.  These substances include nicotine, caffeine, UV rays, and alcohol among many others.

It is therefore imperative that we have a basic understanding of how these substances affect the physiological and genomic functioning of biological systems.  Model organisms have been invaluable in deciphering many of these biological secrets.  One model, the honey bee (Apis mellifera), has been an important model for determining how ethanol (the basic form of alcohol) influences neurophysiological systems (Ammons and Hunt, 2008).  Through the design of an “inebriometer” and QTL (quantitative trait loci) genetic mapping, many genes influencing ethanol sensitivity in honey bees have been identified (Ammons and Hunt, 2008).  The honey bee is an excellent biomedical model because this species is easy to culture and able to produce thousands of clonal individuals.  It is also, however, a relevant ecological model that cannot be bred in the laboratory – retaining its unique genetic and behavioral identity.  Researching the physiology and genomics of ethanol sensitivity is a necessary step to understanding how ethanol affects the body, which could lead to pharmaceutical approaches to treating alcohol addiction and the effects of overconsumption of alcohol (hangovers).

Courses

Human Biology
A biological study of how the body functions, of the diseases/disorders that can disrupt the normal functioning of the body and of strategies for the prevention of disease.  Includes an exploration of human genetics and its role in disease.  Current issues related to human health are discussed.
Biological Principles I/II
A two-course sequence emphasizing the basic principles underlying all fields of biology, including diversity/evolution, water biology, energy flow, inheritance/DNA, life cycles, and communication.  Surveys plant and animal taxa, with special emphasis on vascular plants and vertebrate animals (including humans).
General Zoology
A survey of representative animal groups from Protozoa through the Chordata.  Includes anatomy, morphology, systematics, life histories, behavior, and ecology.  Labs include field surveys and experiments at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.
General Entomology
A general study of insect structure, development, classification, societal importance, behavior, and ecology.  Laboratory sessions particularly directed at identification of insects, culturing of insect species, and experimental use of insects.
Molecular Cell Biology
Examination of the structure and function of cells with emphasis on the molecular organization of eukaryotic cells.  Topics include intracellular transport, cell:cell interactions, cell division, cytoskeleton organization, tissue/cell culture and staining, western and northern blots, and proteomics.
Sociobiology: Social Behavior of Animals
A special topics course, directed at understanding the diversity, evolution, and classification of social behaviors that have arisen in the animal kingdom.  Survey of social insects, other social invertebrates, and the social vertebrates.  Particular emphasis on the sociality of humans, and what makes social behavior in humans both unique among and related to the sociality of other animals.
Biology Senior Seminar
An exploration of the interactions between biology and other areas of human concern, especially ethics and theology.  Includes the study of a complex societal issue.  Career planning/building is also discussed with practice in CV/resume writing, portfolio preparation, and interviewing.

Selected Publications

Ammons, A. and G. Hunt.  2008.  Identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes influencing ethanol sensitivity in honey bees.  Behavior Genetics, 38: 531-553.

Ammons, A. and G. Hunt.  2008.  Characterization of honey bee sensitivity to ethanol vapor and its correlation with aggression.  Alcohol, 42: 129-136.

Ammons, A.  December  2006.  A Hive of Activity: The 2006 XV Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects (IUSSI).  Bee Culture, 134, 12: 17-19.

Ammons, A. and G. Hunt.  May 2005.  Is there a connection between defensive behavior, alcohol sensitivity, and learning in honey bees?  In “Proceedings of the American Bee Research Conference.”  American Bee Journal, 145, 5: 428.