Biology Student First at EWU to Win Prestigious STEM Scholarship
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Ricardo Ely, McNair Scholar, and Judd A. Case Publish New Findings!
Phylogeny of a new gigantic paravian (Theropoda; Coelurosauria; Maniraptora) from the Upper Cretaceous of James Ross Island, Antarctica
Ricardo Ely, McNair Scholar (read more about Ricardo)
Mentor: Dr. Judd A Case, Dept. of Biology at Eastern Washington University
Abstract:
A description with phylogenetic analyses is provided for Imperobator antarcticus, gen. et sp. nov., an early Maastrichtian, basal paravian (Theropoda; Maniraptora) from the Naze Peninsula, James Ross Island, Antarctica. In 2003, researchers uncovered the remains of a theropod later referred to Dromaeosauridae. Dromaeosaurids are a clade of maniraptorans including well-known members such as Velociraptor and Deinonychus. The specimen displays a case of gigantism in paravians, a condition best documented in the dromaeosaurids Achillobator, Austroraptor, Dakotaraptor, and Utahraptor. In addition to certain morphological traits that differ from the dromaeosaurid norm, the smooth surface of the distal metatarsal II prevents referral of the ‘Naze Theropod’ to dromaeosaurids (ginglymoidy of the distal surface of metatarsal II being considered an unambiguous synapomorphy of dromaeosaurids). The specimen also lacks a hypertrophied ungual of the second pedal digit, and is surprisingly small in comparison with those of equivalently sized dromaeosaurids such as Utahraptor. A heuristic search and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis were performed, providing the first phylogenetic analyses of this enigmatic theropod. Both analyses support a placement of this taxon within Paraves, a clade which includes Dromaeosauridae, Troodontidae, and Avialae (birds). Despite previous referral to ‘Deinonychosauria,’ placement near or within any of the three major paravian subclades could not be retained. We also offer the first biostratigraphic placement of the Campanian–Maastrichtian, non-avian Antarctic dinosaurs and can, with confidence, determine the contemporaneous nature of the latest Cretaceous, dinosaur fauna in Antarctica.
Read full article here: Phylogeny of a new gigantic paravian (Theropoda; Coelurosauria; Maniraptora) from the Upper Cretaceous of James Ross Island, Antarctica
May 9th Scholar Cafe Announced!
On May 9th, we hold our second Scholar Cafe of spring! Providing insights and knowledge on undergraduate research, Dr. Majid K. Sharifi will discuss topics such as diplomacy and international development. Dr. Majid K. Sharifi is an Iranian-American who has lived and worked in the United States for over 30 years. Although a citizen of the United States, he has never lost his social connections to Iran, where he has conducted an extensive field research about modern Iranian nationalism. He has written about how competing Iranian nationalisms have shaped the contour of Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.
We are fortunate to have a professor who is a staunch supporter of McNair and our scholars! Please join us in MON 109 at noon for an hour of discussion and refreshments.
May 1st Scholar Cafe Announced!
On May 1st, we hold our first Scholar Cafe of spring! Providing insights and knowledge on undergraduate research, Dr. Javier Ochoa-Reparaz will discuss topics such as working in a lab and NSF funding. Dr. Javier Ochoa-Reparaz’s research interests are focused on host-microbial gut interactions and the mechanisms of immunomodulation induced by gut symbionts in the context of autoimmune diseases. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Navarra, Spain; with postdoctoral work at Montana State University and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College.
We are fortunate to have a professor who is a staunch supporter of McNair and our scholars! Please join us in MON 109 at noon for an hour of discussion and refreshments.
Nathan Blair, EWU McNair Scholar, has been accepted to the PhD program in Chemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!
EWU McNair Scholar, Nathan Blair, was accepted to the PhD program in Chemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with funding. Nathan was selected
from a competitive and diverse pool of applicants, and is excited about the prospect of researching with fellow McNair Scholar, David Nguyen. This is Nathan’s first acceptance. Way to go!
Angelica Garcia-Macias, McNair Scholar, has been accepted to the MIT Summer Research Program!
Angelica Garcia-Macias was accepted to the MIT Summer Research Program for the summer of 2019! This prestigious university offers this summer program for a small 
number of students from all over the country. Her acceptance into this program, which includes a variety of graduate school preparedness activities, collaboration between other scholars and faculty at one of the most recognizable institutions in the world, indicates her strength as an applicant and as a scholar. The program is highly sought after for its cumulative experience for those participating in research, academic and professional growth. Fantastic work, Angelica!
“Students who participate in MSRP General spend many long hours in and outside of their research group/lab (see last year’s calendar) and many have compared the MIT experience with trying to “drink water from a fire hose.” MSRP General seeks to replicate this intensity each summer; however, you will not be alone – your cohort, research mentors, pod leaders and the MSRP General staff will be there to support you every step of the way. You are joining a long legacy of excellence and we are confident that your contribution this summer will add to this history.”~Gloria Anglon