Research Highlights

From ecology to oncology, new research conducted by CSU faculty is making significant contributions to science.

How sperm and egg defects affect infertility, cancer

Aaron Severson, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences will lead a research team in exploring how defects in sperm and egg formation lead to infertility. Those cellular defects are also present in many forms of cancer, making the research particularly relevant in ongoing oncology discoveries. Dr. Severson received a $445,500 award by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to fund the project.

Understanding spinal cord injuries

Injury to the central nervous system has profound long-term physiological consequences due to the tissue’s low regenerative ability. Associate professor Chandra Kothapalli, Ph.D., of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, will conduct research to better understand spinal cord injuries and the effect of scar formation on injured tissues. The project is a collaborative research effort in partnership with Nic Leipzig, Ph.D., from the University of Akron. Kothapalli was awarded a $299,991 grant by the National Science Foundation in support of the project.

Promoting sustainable rural infrastructure

A new study by Emily Rauschert, Ph.D., assistant professor of plant ecology and environmental science, and a global team of researchers details how maintenance of rural roads affects the surrounding ecology. The study is the culmination of ten years of collective research and will be distributed to government and park officials, municipal managers, and policy makers. Rauschert’s particular focus highlights the impact that rural roads can have on spreading invasive plant species into natural areas.

Potential new treatments for prostate cancer could be on the horizon

A new research project led by Girish Shukla, Ph.D., in the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, will work to identify new approaches to develop therapies for prostate cancer patients. The National Cancer Institute is funding the 3-year project with a $412,416 grant.