Start to Finish: USU Student Researcher Explores Spider Wasps of Madagascar
By Mary-Ann Muffoletto |
Recent USU graduate and URCO grant recipient Bridger Jorgensen, left, and Department of Biology faculty mentor Emily Sadler-Pitts are studying a one-of-a-kind collection of spider wasp specimens from Madagascar. Jorgensen, who has been active in research, teaching and working in health care during his undergrad career, is preparing to apply to medical school. (Photo Credit: USU/M. Muffoletto)
One might wonder what study of enigmatic insects from sub-Saharan Africa has to do with preparing for advanced study of gene therapies to combat cancer and a future medical career. The connection is no mystery to recent Utah State University graduate Bridger Jorgensen, who completed a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science this past spring and continues his research in a USU entomology lab as he prepares to apply for medical school.
“At USU, I’ve had opportunities to participate in research ranging from the effects of airborne pollution on public health to the development of early dementia screening tests, along with the study of intestinal microbiomes in coyotes to identifying species of spider wasps from Madagascar,” says Jorgensen, who graduated from Ridgeline High School in Cache County, Utah, in 2017.
The latter of those topics is Jorgensen’s current area of research with USU Department of Biology faculty mentor Emily Sadler-Pitts. The team is studying a collection of spider wasp specimens from the family Pompilidae, amassed in the island-nation of Madagascar over many years by renowned wasp expert Frank D. Parker, a retired research leader of the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit at Utah State, and others.
Some of the specimens are on loan to USU spider wasp expert James Pitts, professor in USU’s Department of Biology and curator of the Entomological Museum of Utah State University, by the California Academy of Sciences.
“This is a one-of-kind collection,” says Sadler-Pitts, researcher and temporary assistant professor. “There are 150 known species of spider wasps in Madagascar and 140 of those are unnamed. We’re conducting DNA analysis to identify the collection’s species and will have the opportunity to name some of those. We’ll also discover new findings about the diversification and movement of these species.”
Jorgensen was awarded a USU Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) grant to support his participation in the research. His proposal, “Documenting the Biodiversity of Spider Wasps in Madagascar,” was selected for the grant in spring 2024.
“This project has allowed me the opportunity to learn a lot about wet lab techniques, DNA extraction and analysis, and species identification, along with use of lab equipment and research management,” he says. “I’ll also be participating in writing and publishing our research in peer-reviewed journals.”
Jorgensen says Sadler-Pitts is an outstanding mentor who patiently guides her students through every step of the process.
“She insists on hands-on involvement by students, including learning methods of systematics — phylogeny, evolution, morphology, biogeography, paleontology and genetics — along with learning about molecular biology and bioinformatics,” he says. “My plan is the pursue a joint MD/Ph.D. program, and I feel I’m gaining valuable knowledge and experience that will serve me well as I pursue further study.”
In addition to research, Jorgensen has been active in teaching at Utah State, having served as a teaching assistant for six semesters for the lecture and lab sections of human physiology and cell biology, all upper-level undergraduate courses.
“Teaching is a great way to learn,” he says. “I needed to thoroughly study the material, as I needed to know all the ins and outs to answer student questions, and I got to review the material as I taught it.”
Jorgensen says the experience was very rewarding, as well.
“During the lab’s first sessions, I taught basic microscopy techniques,” he says. “Initially, a lot of the students were fumbling with the microscopes. By the end of the course, it was exciting to see how proficient they'd become.”
Since the beginning of his USU studies, Jorgensen has also been employed in varied health care positions. For the past two years, he’s been an endoscopy and colonoscopy technician at Logan Regional Hospital.
“I work side-by-side with a local gastroenterologist, which has been a fascinating experience,” he says. “I’ve observed, first-hand, eosinophilic esophagitis — inflammation of the esophagitis usually caused by an allergic reaction — Crohn’s disease, cancer and other diseases and conditions.”
The native of Paradise, Utah, is currently studying for the MCAT, which he plans to take next spring, then he’ll focus on applying to medical schools.
“I hope to combine research with clinical practice,” Jorgensen says. “I envision performing clinical trials in novel techniques aimed at cancer treatment.”
The next application period for USU’s URCO grants opens Oct. 1, 2024.
WRITER
Mary-Ann Muffoletto
Public Relations Specialist
College of Science
435-797-3517
maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu
CONTACT
Emily Sadler-Pitts
Temporary Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
435-797-2485
emily.sadler@usu.edu
TOPICS
Research 969stories Grants 253stories STEM 229stories Biology 180stories Undergraduate Research 169storiesSHARE
TRANSLATE
Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.