Westminster College junior biology major Hunter McClevish received an Undergraduate Research Grant  from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

McClevish's research, "Immunofluorescence of the Olfactory Centers in Ant Brains," is conducted under the supervision of Dr. Katherine Robertson, associate professor of biology.

A great deal of work has been done at Westminster College and other sites to characterize the anatomy and functional physiology of the olfactory processing centers in fruit flies, resulting in knowledge of which neurotransmitters and types of neurons are responsible for processing and responding to olfactory cues in the species, Robertson said.

The unknown factor is whether the olfactory processing mechanisms are conserved in other species.  If they are, the knowledge can be more reliably applied to vertebrates.

McClevish's research will characterize the anatomy and neurotransmitter content of olfactory processing centers in ants by immunofluorescence, using antibodies to the main olfactory-related neurotransmitter and digital microscopy.

McClevish is a son of David and Laurie McClevish of Slippery Rock and a graduate of Moniteau High School.

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education.  The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.  Visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for more information about the Drinko Center and its programs.

Contact Robertson at (724) 946-7213 or e-mail robertkl@westminster.edu for additional information.