Susan B. Chaplin, Ph.D

Research in Physiology

Professional Interests:
Physiological ecology of birds and mammals, especially bioenergetics of growth and development of endothermy. 

Interdisciplinary and non-majors science education using thematic courses, case studies, and problem based learning.

Current Projects

Effect of Photoperiod on Growth and Development of Gerbils:  the effect of short photoperiod and melatonin exposure of the gerbil dams on growth and development of endothermy in their pups.

• Chaplin, S.B., T.L. Kelly, S.C. O’Connell.  2002. Effect of photoperiod and melatonin on growth and development of neonatal gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The Physiologist 45(4): 370

• Kelly, T.L. 2001. Effect of photoperiod on development of neonatal gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).  Poster presentations at Minnesota Academy of Sciences, Beta Beta Beta Regional meeting, National Council for Undergraduate Research.

I am interested in developing cases, jigsaw activities, role plays, and other active learning exercises that enhance student learning in context.

Recent Publications and Presentations

Chaplin, S.B. 2003.  Guided development of inquiry in a physiology laboratory.  Advances in Physiology 27 (4): 230-240

Chaplin, S.B. 2003. The temperature in the nest.  Bluebird 25 (2): 7-10.

Manske, J.M. and S.B. Chaplin.  1999.  Integration of undergraduate research into the curriculum at the University of St. Thomas.  CUR Quarterly 21(1): 40-42.

Riehle, M.M. and S.B. Chaplin.  1998.  Pectoral muscle enzyme activity during development of endothermy in nestling Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor).  American Zoologist. 37 (5): 138-9.

Chaplin, S.B., M.M. Munson, and S.T. Knuth. 1997. The effect of exercise and restraint on pectoral muscle metabolism in pigeons. Journal of Comparative Physiology (B) 167:197-203.

Chaplin, S.B., J.M. Manske, and J.L. Cruise. 1997. Introducing Freshman to Investigative Research--A Course for Biology Majors. J. of College Science Teaching. 27(5): 347-351.

Grant Applications and Awards

2003.  Bush Grant, University of St. Thomas.  Project title: Theme based topics for introductory biology

2002    Teaching Enhancement Grant, University of St. Thomas. Project title: Modular format for Introductory Biology

2001    Distinguished Educator, University of St. Thomas

2000    CUR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.  Project title:  The effect of photoperiod on growth and metabolism of gerbil young (support for Tara L. Kelly)

1995-1999  Research grant, Alliant Tech Systems, Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant.  Project title:  Growth and mortality of Tree Swallow nestlings on a SuperFund cleanup site.

1998    Sabbatical Assistance Grant, University of St. Thomas.  Project title: An integrated, accelerated biology curriculum for freshmen matriculating with advanced standing.  

1997 American Bluebird Society Grant, Project Title: Thermal conditions in wood bluebird boxes during nesting.

1996     Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Award,  Project title: “Integration and Expansion of Organismal Biology Courses at the University of St. Thomas.” National Science Foundation  (DUE-9651421).

1994  CUR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Project title: Pectoral muscle structure in nestling Tree Swallows (support for Edijoy Baynard)

1993 CUR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Project Title: Muscle isoenzymes in intact and restrained pigeons (support for Melinda Munson)

1991 Scholl Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Project Title: Separation of muscle isoenzymes from pigeon and chicken breast (support for Shannon Knuth)

Student Researchers