Brian R. Maricle Research
(Download Brian R. Maricle's Curriculum Vitae)
Interests
Responses of plants to flooding
- Environmental factors influencing species zonation in estuaries and wetlands
- Physiological, biochemical, and anatomical factors influencing flooding tolerance in plants
- Effects of low oxygen levels on respiration and nitrogen assimilation in plants
- Roles of flooding tolerance in the success of wetland invasive species
- Novel capabilities of plants beneficial to agriculture and phytoremediation
Effects of environment on photosynthesis in plants
- Effects of drought and salinity on stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, and transpiration
- Physiological, biochemical, and anatomical factors influencing drought and salinity tolerance in plant
- Roles of latent, sensible, and radiative heat exchange under changing environmental conditions
- Physiological and biochemical responses to oxidative stress in plants
- Carbon and hydrogen isotope discrimination in photosynthesis and transpiration
- Effects of chilling on photosynthetic light harvesting, gas exchange, and carbon metabolism
My research involves investigating physiological, biochemical, anatomical, and biophysical adaptations that enable plants to live under conditions of environmental stress. Much of my earlier work focused on responses of wetland and estuarine plants to conditions of flooding and salinity. During my graduate research, I studied how estuarine Spartina grasses (Poaceae) tolerate coastal mudflat conditions. I identified several physiological and biochemical features that contribute to flooding tolerance and estuarine zonation, including internal oxygen transport, anaerobic respiration capacity, aerobic demand, and oxygen affinity. Since then, my students and I have expanded my work to investigate processes in other systems. My students are now working on projects to characterize species zonation in freshwater wetlands, mechanisms of flooding tolerance in freshwater plants, effects of drought on prairie grasses, effects of creek drying on riparian plants, effects of oil well brine on plant productivity, and nitrate assimilation in wetland plants. Our work is helping to characterize general mechanisms of drought or waterlogging tolerance across plants, including other economically important crop species or ecologically relevant systems like wetlands.
The lab group on 5/16/2019. Left to right: Tayler Kriss, Naomi Quispe, Aline Queiroz, Jorja Elliott, Taffra Picking, Sara Nansel, Ryan Engel, Greg Tooley, Kalyn Compton, Nathan Smith, and Brian Maricle (Not pictured: Chelsea Hanson)
The lab group on 4/27/2018. Left to right: Corrine Quick, Brian Maricle, Gentry Holaday, Kate Westerhaus, Naomi Quispe, Chelsea Hanson, Taffra Picking, Aline Queiroz, Ryan Engel, Madison Pittenger, Nick Varvel, and Nathan Smith. (Not pictured: Tayler Kriss and Colby Barton)
The lab group on 4/28/2017. Left to right: Keri Caudle, Naomi Quispe, Brian Maricle, Ifeoma Oraemesi, Madison Pittenger, Tayler Kriss, Chelsea Hanson, Taffra Picking, Nick Varvel, and Adam Urban. (Not pictured: Gentry Holaday and Nathan Smith)
The lab group on 4/22/2016. Left to right: Brian Maricle, Tayler Kriss, Keri Caudle, Diedre Kramer, Madison Pittenger, Nick Varvel, Nicole Martin, Jacob Lutgen, Lia Boese, Rob Knight, Naomi Quispe, Brendon McCampbell, Tej Man Tamang, Taffra Picking, Adam Urban, and Ifeoma Oraemesi.
The "Killer B's" lab group on 4/11/2014. Left to right: Brian Maricle, Christina Hilt, Sana Cheema, Diedre Kramer, Cera Smart, Keri Caudle, and Nicole Martin.
The "Killer B's" lab group on 4/26/2013. Left to right: Bliss Betzen, Hayley Disney, Katelyn Lindsey, Keri Caudle, Cera Smart, Quentin Aker, Nicole Martin, and Brian Maricle.
Not pictured: Taylor Biggs.
The "Killer B's" lab group on 5/1/2012. Back row: Bliss Betzen, Brian Maricle, Keri Caudle, and Shaley White.
Front row: Alondra Meraz, Nyasha Maforo, and Cera Smart.
Not pictured: Jake Olsen, Karina Barrett, and Taylor Biggs.
"The Hive" is buzzing. Left to right: Alex Hatfield, Nicole Martin, Cera Smart, and Taylor Biggs.
The lab group at the Kansas Academy of Science meeting, April 2014. Left to right: Diedre Kramer, Sana Cheema, Nicole Martin, Christina Hilt, Brian Maricle, Keri Caudle, and Cera Smart.
Recent Accomplishments of My Students Conducting Research
Graduate Theses defended:
- Ryan P. Engel, M.S. in Biology, 2020
- Tayler J. Kriss, M.S. in Biology, 2019
- Aline Rodrigues de Queiroz, M.S. in Biology, 2019
- Ifeoma S. Oraemesi, M.S. in Biology, 2017
- Brendon C. McCampbell, M.S. in Biology, 2016
- Tej Man Tamang, M.S. in Biology, 2016
- Jacob T. Olsen, M.S. in Biology, 2012
- Kristen A. Polacik, M.S. in Biology, 2010
- Elizabeth F. Waring, M.S. in Biology, 2010
Student Oral Presentation Awards:
- Madison S. Pittenger, 1st place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2018
- Keri L. Caudle, 1st place, Botanical Society of America, 2016
- Keri L. Caudle, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2016
- Keri L. Caudle, 1st Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2014
- Keri L. Caudle, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2013
- Keri L. Caudle, 2nd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2011
- Elizabeth F. Waring, honorable mention, Society of Wetland Scientists, 2010
- Elizabeth F. Waring, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2010
Student Poster Presentation Awards:
- Ryan P. Engel, honorable mention, Kansas-INBRE, 2020
- Jorja E. Elliott, honorable mention, Kansas-INBRE, 2020
- Naomi C. Quispe, 2nd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2019
- Taffra J. Picking, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2019
- Aline Rodrigues de Queiroz, BioKansas Capitol Graduate Research Summit Champion, 2019
- Aline Rodrigues de Queiroz, 1st place (graduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2018
- Nathan E.G. Smith, 1st place (undergraduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2018
- Tayler J. Kriss, Li-Cor prize for student poster, Botanical Society of America, 2017
- Madison S. Pittenger, People's Choice Award, FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2017
- Ifeoma S. Oraemesi, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2017
- Madison S. Pittenger, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2017
- Brendon C. McCampbell, 2nd place (graduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2016
- Nicole M. Martin, 2nd place (undergraduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2016
- Nick A. Varvel, 2nd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2016
- Tej Man Tamang, 2nd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2016
- Keri L. Caudle, best student poster in Physiological section, Botanical Society of America, 2014
- Christina J. Hilt, Li-Cor prize for student poster, Botanical Society of America, 2014
- Keri L. Caudle, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2014
- Keri L. Caudle, 2nd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2013
- Bliss M. Betzen and Cera M. Smart, 3rd Place, Kansas Academy of Science, 2013
- Keri L. Caudle, 2nd place (undergraduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2012
- Keri L. Caudle, 1st place (undergraduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2012
- Keri L. Caudle, 1st place (undergraduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2011
- Elizabeth F. Waring, 3rd place (graduate), FHSU Scholarly and Creative Activities Day, 2009
Research Qualifying for Scientific Competitions:
- Hayley L. Disney and Quentin C. Aker, International Science and Engineering Fair, Phoenix, Arizona, 2013
Grants Awarded to Students:
- Jorja E. Elliott, $7000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2020
- Ryan P. Engel, $1500 Kansas Academy of Science, 2019
- Jorja E. Elliott, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2019
- Sara C. Nansel, $4000 $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2019
- Ryan P. Engel, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2019
- Taffra J. Picking, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2018
- Naomi C. Quispe, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2018
- Taffra J. Picking, $1500 Kansas Academy of Science, 2018
- Chelsea A. Hanson, $1500 Kansas Academy of Science, 2018
- Naomi C. Quispe, $7000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2017
- Nick A. Varvel, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2016
- Madison S. Pittenger, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2016
- Adam D. Urban and Naomi C. Quispe, $2863 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2016
- Ifeoma S. Oraemesi, $2709 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2016
- Naomi C. Quispe, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2016
- Adam D. Urban, $7000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2016
- Adam Urban, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2015
- Tej Man Tamang, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2015
- Tej Man Tamang, $1500 Kansas Academy of Science, 2015
- Brendon C. McCampbell, $1000 Prairie Biotic Research, Inc.
- Adam D. Urban, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2015
- Nicole M. Martin, $7000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2015
- Cera M. Smart, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2014
- Christina J. Hilt, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2014
- Nicole M. Martin, $3465 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2014
- Adam D. Urban, $1853 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2014
- Nicole M. Martin, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2014
- Nicole M. Martin, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2013
- Keri L. Caudle, $36,796 EPA Research Fellowship (including salary and summer internship at research facility in Newport, Oregon), 2013
- Nicole M. Martin, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2013
- Keri L. Caudle, $976 Weed Science Society of America, 2013
- Keri L. Caudle, $989 Society of Wetland Scientists, 2012
- Keri L. Caudle, $4700 American Society of Plant Biologists, 2012
- Keri L. Caudle, $1000 Weed Science Society of America, 2012
- Taylor N. Biggs, $4000 Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, 2012
- Keri L. Caudle, $200 Botanical Society of America, 2011
- Keri L. Caudle, $1000 Weed Science Society of America, 2011
- Keri L. Caudle, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2011
- Elizabeth F. Waring, $1000 Kansas Academy of Science, 2009
- Kristen A. Polacik, $922 Kansas Academy of Science, 2009
Undergraduate Research Students Moving On:
- E. Greg Tooley, now pursuing an M.S. degree at Kansas State University
- Nathan E.G. Smith, now pursuing an M.S. degree at Kansas State University
- Ryan P. Engel, earned an M.S. degree at Fort Hays State University
- Madison S. Pittenger, earned an M.S. degree at Fort Hays State University
- Jacob D. Lutgen, now pursuing an M.D. at the University of Kansas Medical Center
- Tayler J. Kriss, earned an M.S. degree at Fort Hays State University
- Taffra Picking, now pursuing an M.S. degree at Fort Hays State University
- Adam D. Urban, now pursuing an M.D. at the University of Kansas Medical Center
- Diedre M. Kramer, now pursuing an M.S. degree at Fort Hays State University
- Codie L. Webster, earned a J.D. at Washburn University
- Nicole M. Martin, earned a D.P.T. degree at the University of Kansas Medical Center
- Keri L. Caudle, earned an M.S. degree at Fort Hays State University
- Jordan J. Brungardt, earned an M.S. degree at Wichita State University; earned a Ph.D. at Kansas State University
- Aaron M. Pfeifer, earned an M.D. at the University of Kansas Medical Center
Lab Members
Current Students
Jorja E. Elliott
Major: KAMS, Biology
Hometown: Pratt, KS
Lab member since: 2018
Project: Effects of sulfide and lactic acid on respiration enzymes in plant roots
Sara C. Nansel
Major: Biology
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member since: 2019
Project: Antimicrobial properties of Kansas honeys
A. Hope Schuman
Major: Biology
Hometown: Salina, KS
Lab member since: 2020
Project:
Past Graduate Students
Karina M. Barrett
B.S., Fort Hays State University
Hometown: Holcomb, KS
Lab member: 2011-2012
Ryan P. Engel
Major: Biology
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2017-2020
Thesis: Effects of land use on pollen collection of honey bees
Chelsea A. Hanson
B.S. Fort Hays State University
Hometown: Idaho Springs, CO
Lab member: 2016-2020
Project: Relationships among drought and disturbance regimes on subalpine forest in Rocky Mountain National Park: Comparisons between plots in 2001 and 2017
Shi He
B.S., Wuhan University
Hometown: Wuhan, China
Lab member: 2007-2008
Gentry A. Holaday
B.S., Emporia State University
Hometown: Abilene, KS
Lab member: 2016-2019
Tayler J. Kriss
B.S. Fort Hays State University
Hometown: Emporia, KS
Lab member: 2016-2019
Thesis: Greening rate and photosynthetic development of leaves in C3 and C4 plant species
Katelyn J. Lindsey
B.S., Kansas State University
Hometown: Stockton, KS
Lab member: 2012-2013
Brendon C. McCampbell
B.S., Fort Hays State University
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2014-2016
Thesis: Organismal composition and photosynthetic traits of biological soil crusts in prairie ecosystems of the Great Plains
Jacob T. Olsen
B.S., University of Utah
Hometown: Morgan, UT
Lab member: 2010-2012
Thesis: Gas exchange and leaf anatomy of Andropogon gerardii ecotypes over a climatic gradient of the Great Plains
Ifeoma S. Oraemesi
B.S., Anambra State University, Nigeria
Lab member: 2015-2017
Thesis: Soxhlet extraction of avocado endocarp and trituration of avocado mesocarp for biodiesel production
Taffra J. Picking
B.S. Fort Hays State University
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2016-2019
Project: Bioprospecting for antimicrobial properties of phytoalexins in Kansas aquatic and emergent plants
Kristen A. Polacik
B.S., Marshall University
Hometown: New Martinsville, WV
Lab member: 2008-2010
Thesis: Effects of flooding on photosynthesis and root respiration in saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima), an invasive riparian shrub
Aline Rodrigues de Queiroz
B.S. University of Sao Paulo
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Lab member : 2017-2019
Thesis: Influence of light intensity in germination, vegetative development, and reproduction of four native species of Asteraceae in Kansas
Tej Man Tamang
B.S., Purbanchal University, Nepal
Lab member: 2014-2016
Thesis: Determination of evolutionary history of big bluestem ecotypes through chloroplast DNA analysis
Elizabeth (Lizz) F. Waring
B.S., University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Lab member: 2008-2010
Thesis: Flooding tolerance of native and nonnative grasses: variation in photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration,and carbon isotope discrimination
Past Undergraduate Students
Quentin C. Aker
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Lab member: 2012-2013
Project: Physiological effects of drought on inland turf grass species
Colby A. Barton
Major: Biology
Hometown: Great Bend, KS
Lab member since: 2017-2018
Project: Effects of char on growth and production of plants
Bliss M. Betzen
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Parsons, KS
Lab member: 2012-2013
Project: Physiological effects of salinity on inland salt marsh species
Taylor N. Biggs
Major: Biology
Hometown: Lincoln, KS
Lab member: 2012
Project: The role of ethanol toxicity on flooding susceptibility in plants
Lia I. Boese
Major: KAMS
Hometown:
Lab member: 2015-2016
Project: Effects of triclosan on fatty acid synthesis in Lemna
Jordan J. Brungardt
Major: Biology
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2007-2010
Project: Effects of oil well brine on soil salinity and plant performance
Project: Root hair curling during nodulation in legumes
Project: Factors influencing aerenchyma development in Spartina (Poaceae)
Keri L. Caudle
Major: Biology
Hometown: Burkburnett, TX
Lab member: 2010-2014
Project: Effects of oil spills on native and introduced coastal species
Project: Effects of drought on photosynthesis, water potential, and morphology of big bluestem ecotypes
Sana G. Cheema
Hays High School
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2013-2014
Project: Inorganic nitrogen assimilation in wetland plants
Kalyn D. Compton
Major: Biology
Hometown:
Lab member: 2019
Project: Effects of sulfide and lactic acid on respiration enzymes in channel catfish
Hayley L. Disney
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Topeka, KS
Lab member: 2012-2013
Project: Physiological effects of drought on turf grass species
Ryan P. Engel
Major: Biology
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member since: 2017-2018
Project: Effects of char on growth and production of plants
Christina J. Hilt
Major: Biology
Hometown: St. Francis, KS
Lab member: 2013-2015
Project: Effects of drought on prairie grasses
Project: Stem anatomy and stomate distribution in big bluestem ecotypes
Rika Isomura
Major: Biology
Hometown: Ena, Japan
Lab member: 2010
Project: Effects of soil flooding in Celosia
Robert T. Knight
Major: Biology
Lab member: 2016
Project: Mapping trees on the FHSU campus for a virtual map
Diedre L. Kramer
Major: Biology
Hometown: Clayton, KS
Lab member: 2013-2014
Project: Vegetative morphology in big bluestem ecotypes
Tayler J. Kriss
Major: Biology
Hometown: Emporia, KS
Lab member: 2016-2017
Project: Stem anatomy in ecotypes of big bluestem
Jacob D. Lutgen
Major: KAMS
Hometown:
Lab member since: 2016
Project: Effects of triclosan on fatty acid synthesis in Lemna
Nyasha G. Maforo
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Winfield, KS
Lab member: 2012
Project: The role of ethanol toxicity on flooding susceptibility in plants
Nicole M. Martin
Major: Biology
Hometown: Quinter, KS
Lab member: 2012-2015
Project: Effects of sulfide toxicity on cytochrome c oxidase activities in plants
Alondra Meraz
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Hugoton, KS
Lab member: 2011-2012
Project: The role of ethanol toxicity on flooding susceptibility in plants
Cali R. Parker
Major: Accounting
Hometown:
Lab member: 2008-2009
Project: Mechanisms of chilling-tolerant C4 photosynthesis in Spartina
Amber K. Perdew
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Goodland, KS
Lab member: 2013-2014
Project: Effects of temperature on photosynthesis in aquatic plants
Aaron M. Pfeifer
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2007 - 2009
Project: Effects of diet and activity on food usage and storage in FHSU students by stable isotope analyses
Project: Survey of ascorbic acid concentration and osmolality in orange juice and apple juice from a local grocer
Madison S. Pittenger
Major: Biology
Hometown: Salina, KS
Lab member since: 2015-2018
Project: Herbivore preference among ecotypes of big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii
Naomi C. Quispe
Major: Biology
Lab member: 2015-2019
Project: Effects of sulfide and lactic acid on respiration enzymes in channel catfish
Leisha J. Sadler
Major: Biology
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2015
Wenkai Shu
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Korea
Lab member: 2015
Cera M. Smart
Major: KAMS, Biology
Hometown: Mayetta, KS
Lab member: 2012-2014
Project: Physiological effects of salinity on inland salt marsh species
Nathan E. G. Smith
Major: KAMS, Biology
Hometown:
Lab member: 2017-2020
Project: Interaction of drought and nitrogen on plant production
Sawyer H. Smith
Major: KAMS
Hometown: McPherson, KS
Lab member: 2019-2020
Project: Kin preference in plants
Chantal M. Solorzano
Major: Biology
Hometown: Dodge City, KS
Lab member: 2019-2020
Project: Effects of humidity on leaf anaomy in Sorghum bicolor
E. Greg Tooley
Major: Biology
Hometown: St. Marys, KS
Lab member: 2018-2020
Project: Environmental effects of invasive Tamarix
Adam D. Urban
Major: Biology
Hometown: Hays, KS
Lab member: 2014-2017
Project: Effects of lactic acid on respiration enzymes in channel catfish
Nick A. Varvel
Major: Biology
Hometown:
Lab member since: 2015-2018
Project: Stomatal size and distribution of Andropogon gerardii ecotypes over a climatic gradient of the Great Plains
Codie L. Webster
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Olsburg, KS
Lab member: 2013-2014
Project: Effects of temperature on photosynthesis in aquatic plants
Kate O. Westerhaus
Major: Biology
Hometown: Junction City, KS
Lab member since: 2017-2018
Project: Effects of sulfide and lactic acid on respiration enzymes in channel catfish
Shaley J. White
Major: KAMS
Hometown: Leoti, KS
Lab member: 2011-2012
Project: The role of ethanol toxicity on flooding susceptibility in plants
Silas Yager
Major: Biology
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Lab member: 2020
Project: Environmental effects of invasive Tamarix
Student Involvement
My work is well-suited for student involvement, and I have always involved students in my work. Students can gain valuable lab/field experience and "hands-on" learning, and I am happy for the help in the lab or field. If you are a current FHSU student and are interested in work similar to what is described here, feel free to contact me to discuss the possibility of work in my lab. Feel free to get in touch to discuss possibilities.
Interested in becoming a graduate student in my lab? Read this.
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last updated 18 September 2020