Ohio University Student Exploring DNA in
Ohio River Walleye
Contact: Cy Stober or Matthew White, (740) 593-2413
ATHENS, Ohio (July 17, 2000) -- Ohio University student Cy Stober of Milford, Ohio, is conducting research this summer that both bolsters his academic experience and provides useful information regarding the conservation of fish in the Ohio River. Stober, a biological sciences major, is using DNA fingerprinting to establish the geographic origins of the river's walleye and determine whether walleye from the upper Ohio River evolved in that section of the river or the river's other regions.
"This research has broadened my educational experience and has given me a more complete picture of biology by tying together concepts from the classroom and the laboratory," Stober said. "Applying techniques I've developed in the lab furthers what I've learned in the classroom, and the background information and basics I learned in class were needed before I could effectively begin the lab work."
The results could have important applications for wildlife biologists.
"This work is interesting from a fishery standpoint because there are ways the Division of Wildlife can make use of the research to protect resources," said Matthew White, associate professor of biology and Stober's faculty adviser for the project. "It's also interesting from a conservation standpoint because here's a form of fish that evolved in the Ohio River that can be protected as part of an effort to maintain biodiversity."
For Stober, the summer research has increased his appreciation of scientific methods and measures. "I've come to realize how universal and versatile DNA is and how it can be used to study traits within a species or between species," Stober said. "In the lab, I've been able to go more in depth than I would otherwise."
The work itself evolves from research undertaken by White concerning the Ohio River basin. The work is part of a study concerning Ohio River fishes and is supported by a grant from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Geologic evidence suggests that the Upper and Lower Ohio River have separate histories. White is investigating what the fish can tell us about the history of the river.
"A genetic marker has been discovered that distinguishes fish that evolved in the upper Ohio River, from Portsmouth to Pittsburgh, from fish that evolved in other places, such as the Great Lakes," White said.
"We've developed a technique to use DNA to identify the fish and distinguish between Ohio River and Great Lakes forms of walleye. From this study, we'd like to find, for example, in what areas of the river the native fish can be found and determine whether the native and Great Lakes fish are pure or if they are hybrids."
Stober's work is supported by a research apprenticeship from Ohio University that provides meaningful research experience to students enrolled in the Honors Tutorial College. Ohio University has further demonstrated a commitment to research experiences for all undergraduate students by allocating $50,000 to establish an undergraduate research fund that will be available to students beginning fall quarter.
Stober has been named a Voinovich Center Research Scholarship recipient for the upcoming academic year. The Voinovich Center Research Scholars Program provides an opportunity for outstanding undergraduate students to participate in research projects with faculty associated with the center. Stober will work in White's lab, continuing his research on Ohio River walleye and sauger.
Stober, a graduate of Milford High School, is preparing for a career in molecular genetics. He is the son of Wendy and Edward Stober of Milford.
