Jessica Cebelius
  • Biology
  • Class of 2012
  • Wethersfield, CT

Jessica Cebelius Presents at 2017 CREATE Conference

2017 May 2

The Third Annual CREATE Conference at Eastern Connecticut State University took place on April 21. CREATE stands for "Celebrating Research Excellence and Artistic Talent at Eastern," and is the University's premier conference showcasing student research and creative activity.

Jessica Cebelius '16 of Wethersfield presented a poster titled "Behavioral Responses Of Bridle Shiners (Notropis Bifrenatus) To Native And Nonnative Predators." Cebelius majors in Biology.

"Populations of the bridle shiner - a small-bodied freshwater fish endemic to northeastern United States - are in decline, and research on the causes of this decline is sparse," said Cebelius. "Introduction of nonnative predators by human beings (e.g. sport fish stocking) has been suggested as a potential contributor, because native prey may not recognize or respond to nonnative species as threats. The goal of this study was to compare the behavioral responses of bridle shiner to the chemical cues of a native predator (brook trout) and a commonly-stocked, nonnative predator (brown trout). We measured changes in activity level and shoaling behavior, common anti-predator responses, of shiners in response to the chemical stimuli of the predators. Although no statistically significant effects were observed, trends were evident in bridle shiners responding differently to nonnative predators than to native predators. We will continue to observe these behaviors to increase our sample size in hopes to have a statistically significant result. The results of this study may have important implications for conservation and management of this imperiled species."

The one-day conference featured more than 300 Eastern undergraduates who presented talks, professional posters, live music, dance performances, art and photography exhibits, documentary films and panel discussions.

"Conducting research is a career goal of mine, and having the opportunity to be exposed to the field this early on is monumental," said Cebelius. "In the future, I will not only need to be experienced in designing and conducting experiments, but I will also need to be experienced in presenting my findings. The CREATE Conference gave me that opportunity, and for that I am very grateful."

"CREATE is a reaffirmation of Eastern's commitment to undergraduate research as Connecticut's only public liberal arts university," said Niti Pandey, business administration professor and conference co-chair. Reflecting on this year's record number of participants, she added, "There is a wonderful variety of presentations and performances for people to see. CREATE 2017 showcases the hard work and talent of our students and demonstrates the dedication of their faculty mentors. We look forward to an excellent event!"

From art to zoology, Shakespeare to social media, tax law to terrorism, Eastern students of all majors explore important concepts and produce exemplary research and creative work; the culmination of their work for the 2016-17 academic year was on display at CREATE.

Patricia Szczys, biology professor and conference co-chair, added: "CREATE is a superb learning experience for all who participate and a true celebration of our student's achievements."