Department of Biological SciencesThe 2002 ABLE Workshop/Conference
will be hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences. The Department was
recently formed from the merger of the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology,
Plant Biology, and Zoology & Physiology. This organizational
change is designed to foster cross-cutting, interdisciplinary
research initiatives by removing administrative and phylogenetic
constraints and by encouraging interaction among our diverse
faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students. Biological Sciences
is now the largest academic unit on campus based on the number
of tenure-track faculty (55). We have over 1,000 undergraduate
majors and approximately 120 graduate students in the department.
The Department of Biological Sciences is a member of the Louisiana
Agricultural Experiment Station and several of its members
have joint appointments with the Experiment Station. Along
with the merger of departments we have also recently expanded
in terms of space. Recently a seven-story annex to the current
Life Sciences Building was completed, increasing our building
space by 50%.
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, 11 June
9:30am Board Meeting
1:00pm-5:00pm Pre-Conference Field Trips
6:00pm-8:00pm Opening Reception at the LSU Faculty Club
Wednesday, 12 June
8:30am-9:00am Daily Pre-lab Meeting
9:00am-12:00noon Major Workshops 1-7
12:00noon-2:00pm Lunch and Guest Speaker
2:00pm-5:00pm Major Workshops 1-7
6:00pm- ?? Optional Dinner Boutin’s
Thursday, 13 June
8:45am-9:00am Daily Pre-lab Meeting
9:00am-12:00noon Major Workshops 8-14
12:00noon-2:00pm Lunch and Guest Speaker
2:00pm-5:00pm Major Workshops 8-14
5:30pm-6:30pm Business Meeting I
Friday, 14 June
8:15am-8:30am Daily Pre-lab Meeting
8:30am-11:30am Major Workshops 15-17 and Mini Workshops
11:30am-2:30pm Lunch and Business Meeting II
2:00pm-5:00pm Major Workshops 15-17 and Mini Workshops
6:00-9:00pm Conference Dinner
Saturday, 15 June
Post-Conference Field Trips
Major Workshops
Wednesday, 12 June
1 – Inquiring About the Environment: A Service Learning
Project
Kimberly Keller, Christopher Tracy, and Charlene Waggoner
This project combines extended inquiry w/service learning.
Participants will use basic soil sampling techniques to do
a sit analysis. They will provide a report to the community
partner on the suitability of the site for its intended purpose.
Category: Ecology | Level: Introductory
2 – Effects of Salinity on Metabolic Rate in Black Mollies
Christopher Beck and Lawrence Blumer
The exercise examines the metabolic costs of osmoregulation
in a freshwater fish, the black molly (Poecilia latipinna).
The laboratory exercise could be used in either an upper-level
ecology or physiology course. For the experiment, students
evaluate the metabolic rate of a fish at a particular salinity
by measuring a decrease in oxygen concentration in water in a
sealed chamber over a ten minute period. Metabolic rate then
is determined by the slope of linear regression of oxygen
concentration versus time. By measuring metabolic rate at
different salinities, students can examine the metabolic cost osmoregulation.
The current exercise could be expanded by examining the cost
of osmoregulation for fish acclimated to different salinities.
Category: Ecology | Level: Upper
3 – Identification of Bacterial Species
Kim Christopher
The laboratory exercise is designed to introduce first-year
cell biology students to several standard microbiological
tests that can be used in an initial identification of an
unknown bacterial species. In the first week, students are
provided with a mixed bacterial culture containing 3
species, whose identity is “unknown” to the students.
Students use the streaking technique to isolate individual
colonies of the 3 species. In the following week, students
examine the colonies of the 3 “unknown” bacteria to
determine colony morphology. Additionally, students perform
the Gram stain on cells of the isolated colonies to determine the
Gram reaction, cell morphology, and cell size of the “unknown”
bacteria. Students are also supplied with the test results
of four morphological / biochemical / nutritional tests
to learn more about the 3 “unknown” species. A comparison
is then made with the same test results of 6 bacterial
species, whose identities are “known”, in an attempt
at an initial identification of the 3 “unknown”
bacteria in the mixed bacterial culture. The morphological
/ biochemical / nutritional tests that are included in this
lab were chosen based on their relevance to the theoretical
material taught in the lecture component of the course.
Category: Cell Biology | Level: Introductory
4 – Forensic Biochemistry: DNA Testing of Plant Material
Anna Wilson
The story is that there was a murder in an Indiana cornfield.
Samples of soil and soda pop were recovered from the victim’s
car and shoes. Last week we tested the soda pop found with
the body and with the suspects. This week we are isolating
DNA from seeds that were found on the shoes. Two different
ecotypes of a weed grow in different areas of Indiana. The “Columbia”
ecotype grows in the upper half of the state and the ecotype
“Lansberg” grows in the southern third of the state.
The two ecotypes show differences that can be detected
using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA is extracted
from the seedlings using a CTAB DNA isolation procedure
then the DNA is precipitated using isopropanol. After drying
the DNA it is dissolved in buffer then specific regions
are amplified by PCR. The PCR products are analyzed by gel
electrophoresis and the results used to determine which suspect
was in the same area as the victim.
Category: Genetics | Level: Intermediate
5 – Joe’s Jungle and the Hidden Jungle
Charlene Waggoner and Kimberly Keller
Students study Joe’s Jungle to learn how to sample biodiversity
and do simple statistical measures. They then explore
the reasons for biodiversity differences and test their hypothesis
using microbes as the test case.
Category: Diversity | Level: Introductory
6 – Investigating the Diversity of Parasitic Protozoa
Using Gregarine Parasites of Invertebrates
Charlotte Omoto
This laboratory is adopted from classic parasitology laboratory
using live material. Gregarines deserve attention for many
reasons. Gregarines are protozoan parasites in the phylum
Apicomplexa, the group includes many protozoan parasites of
medical and veterinary importance such as malaria, toxoplasma,
coccidian, etc. Because Gregarines parasitize invertebrates, the
hosts are easier to obtain, maintain and use in the classroom.
Commonly used hosts such as earthworms and mealworms are
available in bait shops and pet stores and are usually highly
infected. Gregarine life cycle includes a large vegetative
stage in the host that is visible under the dissecting
microscope and often are motile. The large white gametocysts,
often expelled from the host with feces, are easily visible
under the dissecting microscope. If the cysts are allowed
to sporulate, the dehiscence and morphology of the sporocysts
characteristic of the species. Much of this is easily observed
by students. For example, the trophozoites are large
and motile in mosquito larvae intestine. The gametocyst appear
as “pearls among poop” of beetles. The dehiscence
of gametocyst of Eleodes sp Gregarines appear as miniature
“puffballs”. Even with the few commonly used host species,
diversity among protozoan parasite is evident.
Category: Diversity | Level: Intermediate
7 – Investigating Animal Respiration with Electronic
Probes
Robert Hodson and John Acuff
Invertebrates, represented by Madagascar cockroaches, are
used to determine the effect of environmental variables on
whole organism respiration rate. One variable is temperature,
from which a thermal quotient (Q10) may be obtained. Another
variable is stage of a 12L:12D photoperiod. Respiration rate
is obtained by measuring the carbon dioxide concentration
of air exiting from an enclosed animal chamber with an electronic
probe (infra-red gas analyzer) marketed by Qubit Systems,
Inc. Analog signals (voltages) are converted to digital and
captured with a laptop computer running Logger Pro (Vernier
Software and Technology). The equipment is suitable for study
of other variables and other organisms; invertebrates
are selected primarily to avoid having to deal with local
animal use regulations. The workshop will be designed for
10 workstations with 2 persons at each. Other configurations
can be accommodated, e.g., fewer workstations with 3 persons
at each and up to 18 workstations with 1 person each.
Category: Physiology | Level: Introductory
Thursday, 13 June
8 – Saving the Commons: A Simulation for Understanding
the Need for Collaboration to Resolve Environmental Issues
Mary Schaeffer, Jon Cawley, and Virginia W. Gerde
This exercise is based on “The Tragedy of the Commons”
by Garrett Hardin, a classic article on the use of shared
resources published in Science in December 1968. The simulation
was created by Dr. Robert S. Dooley of Oklahoma State University
and Gerald Fryxell of The Hong Kong Poly University, both
in the Management Departments of their respective universities.
It demonstrates the role of collaboration and trust in solving
environmental problems. There is much concern about the impact
of industrial pollution on the quality of our air and water,
as well as the damage to our forests through acid rain.
These are shared resources for all our citizens, and a decrease
in any of these diminishes the quality of all of our
lives. These shared resources are actually shared commons,
available for all to use, or abuse. Our nation has many such
commons, including the national parks, grazing lands in the
west, wildlife reserves, watersheds, and the air above us.
Virginia Tech uses this exercise in the freshman biology
lab class as an ecology exercise. in an effort to give them
some information on issues of importance to their lives, issues
for which they will have to find solutions in the years ahead. The
exercise uses between five and eight groups of students as
managers of different industries that border on a lake and
use the water resources of the lake. The profits are directly
related to the quality of the water available in the lake,
but each industry also releases a number of toxic pollutants
into the lake. These companies chose to locate their plants
at this location because the country, Kivulini, does
not have any regulations on how much or what type of waste
is dumped into the lake. The problem for each group of
students is how to profitably operate their industrial plant
when the process is dependent on the lake as a common
resource shared by other industries and the community. This
exercise clearly demonstrates industries have to cooperate
with each other and the town affected by the industries in
order to maintain a clean water resource so all companies
may make a profit over the long term and provide a safe and
healthful environment in which all stakeholders concerned
live. It also demonstrates the basic problems of cost and
profitability companies must deal with in addition to
environmental concerns. Role playing as industry managers
makes the corporate decision making process more realistic.
Though this exercise was developed for business classes,
it is important for idealistic biologists and students to
understand how companies operate and what motivates big
business, in order that they can effectively work with companies
to gain their own goals of a cleaner, more stable environment.
Category: Ecology | Level: Introductory
9 – Isolation and Spectral Characterization
of Chlorophyll-Protein Complexes from Thylakoid Membranes
William E. Dietrich, Jr.
Thylakoid membranes are isolated from leaf tissue by centrifugation.
After determining the chlorophyll concentration in a membrane
suspension, the membranes are solubilized with a detergent,
SDS. Chlorophyll-protein complexes are separated by polyacrylamide
gel electrophoresis. The green complex patterns and colors
are discussed. Absorbance spectra of each complex are
measured while still in the gel. This will allow the association
of each complex with either photosystem 1 or photosystem
2.
Category: Cell Biology | Level: Intermediate/Upper
10 – Determination of DNA Methylation by Restriction
Enzyme Digest
James L. Eliason
The students predict the sizes of DNA fragments generated
from digestion of methylated and unmethylated phage lambda
DNA with the restriction enzyme Cla I. They perform the digestion
and electrophoresis, compare their predictions to the
results, and determine which of two DNA samples is methylated.
Category: Genetics | Level: Intermediate
11 – Restriction Mapping of Plasmid Vectors
Marianna Tran
The workshop presents one semester-long introductory molecular
biology laboratory designed for freshmen and sophomore
students who are majoring in biology. This course provides
students with a laboratory experience similar to one they
would have if they were working in a research laboratory.
During the semester students complete one scientific project that
involves isolation of a large quantity of pure GFP from jellyfish
Aequorea victoria in order to crystallize the protein
and understand how it emits light. Similarly to “real”
research, students have to solve a problem or correctly perform
certain procedures each laboratory session in order to
proceed to the following week’s experiments. Throughout
the semester students learn a number of molecular biology
techniques including restriction mapping, bacterial transformation,
plasmid isolation, chromatography, agarose gel electrophoresis,
PAGE, and Western blotting. All of these techniques are
used for cloning, expression, purification and analysis of
GFP. Furthermore, this laboratory course does not provide
students with previously developed protocols; rather, they
are asked to use the available databases and programs on the
Internet for designing experiments and writing protocols.
Considering the time limitation of the workshop I would like
to experimentally present only the first part of this laboratory
course which involves using restriction mapping for identification
of plasmid pGLO containing the gene for GFP. In addition,
I can also provide all written materials for the rest of the
experiments if the participants request them.
Category: Genetics | Level: Introductory
12 – Microscopy of Natural and Experimental Biofilms
in the Undergraduate Laboratory: A Simple Collection Kit with
Multiple Applications
Margaret C. Henk
With the use of a simple field kit, air/water interface biofilms
are easy to collect intact from nature or from laboratory
aquatic systems. These biofilm microbes are ubiquitous, though
varied in the environment; unlike routine undergraduate
laboratory bacteria species, they are interesting to view
in the microscope. Due to their physiological requirements,
they tend to form two-dimensional consortia, and they are
spatially arranged in ways that reflect their relationships
with each other. Such naturally occurring planar constructions
are well suited to microscopical examination for discovery
and research applications at many levels in the undergraduate
laboratory. A simple, inexpensive, and user-friendly kit has
been designed for the immobilization and collection of two-dimensional
biofilms, particularly those of the air/water interface.
A key feature of the kit is a thin film collodion which overlies
the examination substrate (e.g., microscope slide and
provides essential adhesion of the unaltered biofilm. Undergraduate
students can easily construct these kits during part of a
lab period. The completed kit can provide instantaneous and
simultaneous collection of a sample for routine light microscopy
(LM) in the average undergraduate laboratory, and for
advanced protocols using fluorescence LM or even transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). After collection a simple
2-3 minute treatment in the student lab prepares the sample
for examination. Microscopy of the collected biofilm
reveals size, shape and spatial arrangement differences among
types of bacteria living together in this microhabitat and
can also help elucidate relationships among them. Biofilms
from different sites or from different experimental conditions
can be compared. If fluorescence optics are available, DNA
localization and specific cell probes can be used for
cell identification. The extent to which advanced correlative
microscopy is pursued can be determined by class size and
level. With appropriate instruction and supervision undergraduate
students can efficiently and successfully use instrumentation
normally found in college microscopy labs to discover important
concepts in microbial ecology. Use of such a simple but rewarding
hands-on environmental activity inspires interest while encouraging
development of technical and scientific skills.
Category: Diversity | Level: Introductory
13 – Cancelled
14 – Teaching Workshop for Graduate Students
Ann Lumdsen, and Judith Morgan
Each year since 1999 ABLE has provided a forum for presentation,
discussion, and sharing of ideas concerning the use of undergraduates
and graduate students to run labs and teach in the Departments
of Biological Science. There have been lively films, games,
examples, and discussions of the many university training
sessions and/or workshops to Train Graduate Teaching Assistants
to handle students, labs, and even teaching assignments. This
year we will offer four other areas of discussion for you.
Ethics in the classroom; a powerful subject in most colleges
and universities, we will offer a skit to lead into a discussion
on ethics and how easy it is for faculty to cross the
line with students concerning ethics. Also we will offer a
skit on the first day of class or the first day teaching.
Each of you can certainly add a suggestion or warning to this
topic and we welcome your experiences with the first
day teaching also. And then we will move to an exercise on
performing investigative labs and how to develop and set up
these labs for your teaching assistants. And we will
address plagiarism and grading to follow up on last year’s
workshop.
Category: Other | Level: Introductory
Friday, 14 June
15 – Comparative Demographic Study of Human Populations
Ralph Prezler
This exercise is designed to help students learn to evaluate
and discuss the social implications of biological topics.
Participants will use demographic principles of population
ecology as they investigate the socio-economic status of human
populations. Each small group of participants will collect
demographic data about a country of their choice from The
Population Reference Bureau and the U.S. Census Bureau’s International
Data Base. They will then graph the age structure and population
growth of their chosen country. After collecting and organizing
this demographic information, each group will prepare a poster
describing their country. In a poster session, participants
will evaluate relationships between demographic variables
across countries. Lastly, participants will discuss relationships
between socio-economic factors and demographic characteristics
of the countries which they have investigated.
Category: Ecology | Level: Introductory
16 – Quorum Sensing Bioassay
Anna Szenthe
Bacteria utilize a low molecular weight chemical belonging
to the N-oxo-acylhomoserine lactone (HSL) family for communication
by quorum sensing. In this exercise we observe HSL production
in wild type Agrobacterium tumefaciens. with the
aid of a reporter strain (a modified A. tumefaciens strain
with a lacZ reporter gene). The reporter strain produces b-galactosidase
in response to exogenous HSL generated by the test organism.
This production is first measured qualitatively by observing
X-gal cleavage as indicated by the appearance of blue color
in a soft agar overlay, and then quantitatively by employing
the lactose analog ONPG (ortho-nitrophenyl-galactopyranoside)
in a spectrophotometric assay.
Category: Cell Biology | Level: Intermediate
17 – DNA Profiling by Mutliplex PCR Amplification and
Genotype Determination by Reverse Dot-Blot Hybridization to
Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotide Probes
Ralph J. Rascati
Human DNA profiling has applications in paternity testing
and forensics. This workshop provides participants with the
opportunity to gain first-hand experience with procedures
that are currently used to extract DNA from their own cells, quantify
the DNA in the extract, perform a multiplex PCR amplification
of several loci used in forensic analysis, and determine their
own genotype at several loci. In addition, methods for analyzing
the results relative to existing population databases will
be presented. The exercise is presented in the context
of a laboratory course in Forensic DNA Analysis that presents
students with a variety of techniques that have been and/or
continue to be employed in forensic laboratories.
Category: Genetics | Level: Upper
18 – Learning Basic Plant Morphology by Deriving a Vegetative
Key
Peter Minchin
Many students find it difficult to learn the many technical
terms that are used to describe the external vegetative structure
of vascular plants. Rather than trying to memorize the terms
by looking at pictures or specimens in the lab, I have found
that it is much more effective to have students learn the
terminology as they apply it to the task of keying out plants
that grow around the campus. I developed a vegetative
key to most of the trees and shrubs that are commonly planted
on the LSU campus. Before the lab, a selection of trees
and shrubs within walking distance of the lab are tagged with
alphabetic letters. Students are given a brief introduction
to the exercise in the lab, then I accompany them as they
go around and key out each labelled plant. They can check
their identification with me and, if they get it wrong, go
back and work out where they made a mistake in the key.
At the end of the key, I include a glossary of all terms used
in the key and also an alphabetic list of the species,
with interesting information about each plant, such as its
common name, origin (many are introduced) and human uses.
Category: Diversity | Level: Introductory
Workshops by category:
| Category |
Workshop number |
| Cell Biology |
3, 9, 16 |
| Diversity |
5, 6, 12, 18 |
| Ecology |
1, 2, 8, 15 |
| Genetics |
4, 10, 11, 17 |
| Physiology |
7 |
| Other |
14 |
Workshops by level:
| Workshop level |
Workshop number
|
| Introductory |
1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18 |
| Intermediate |
4, 6, 9, 10, 16 |
| Upper |
2, 9, 17 |
Pre-Conference (Tuesday) Field Trips
On-Campus: (campus map)
1 – Louisiana State University Museum of
Art
The Museum of Art was established in 1959 by an anonymous donor
who was interested in art works representing British and American
cultural exchanges from the seventeenth century to the present.
The Memorial Tower on Louisiana State University campus was
adapted to suit the needs of the newly named Anglo-American
Art Museum and was opened to the University community and
the general public in 1962. The Museum was renamed LSU Museum
of Art in 1991. The Museum of Art possesses one of the largest
university affiliated art collections in the South and serves
as an important cultural force in Louisiana.
2 – LSU Museum of Natural Science
The LSU Museum of Natural Science was founded in 1936, when its first
director, George H. Lowery, Jr., assembled a few study specimens
of birds in a classroom in Audubon Hall. Since its move to
Murphy J. Foster Hall in 1950, the museum has continued to
expand and is currently one of the nation’s largest natural
history museums, with holdings of over 2.5 million specimens.
As the only comprehensive research museum in the south-central
United States, the LSU Museum of Natural Science fulfills
a variety of scientific and educational roles.
Off-Campus: (Trips depart from Life Sciences Annex Lobby at 1:00pm)
3 – Magnolia Mound Plantation
A French Creole Plantation, circa 1791 located in Baton Rouge,
Magnolia Mound is a rare example of the architectural influences
of early settlers from France and the West Indies. One of
Louisiana’s oldest wooden structures, Magnolia Mound looks
exactly as it did in the 1800’s and remains an example of
bousillage construction. It is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places and Accredited by the American Association
of Museums
4 – Bluebonnet Swamp
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a 101-acre facility dedicated to
conservation, education, recreation and tourism. Venture into
the nearly pristine 65-acre cypress-tupelo swamp and a magnolia-beech
upland hardwood forest with dramatic ravines. The two ecosystems
are linked by a series of trails and boardwalks constructed
to allow visitors the opportunity for exploration and magnificent
views of the site. Many bird species make their homes in the
swamp, including Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Prothonatory
Warblers and a variety of owls and hawks. Raccoons, foxes,
bobcats, snakes, turtles and alligators are also known to
inhabit the site. The Nature Center building is home to Louisiana’s
largest duck hunting decoy collection and also houses a magnificent
collection of carved wooden animals.
5 – Old State Capital
Post-Conference
(Saturday) Field Trips
7 – Avery Island and Swamp Tour
Begin the day traveling West from Baton Rouge to the heart
of “Cajun Country”. Tour the Achtafalaya Basin. Continue on
to Avery Island which is located on a salt dome. This is the
home of Tabasco and a great birding and nature location. Finish
the day in Breaux Bridge dinning on local cuisine.
The home of world-famous TABASCO® Sauce, Avery
Island lies about 100 miles southwest of Baton Rouge.
It’s one of five salt dome islands rising above the flat Louisiana
Gulf coast. Geologists believe these mysterious elevations
were created when a saltwater ocean covering what is now Texas,
Louisiana, and Mississippi evaporated leaving behind a vast
sheet of salt. Over eons this salt layer was covered by thousands
of feet of alluvial sediment, the pressure of which pushed
numerous salt domes straight up. In five places these domes
actually pushed up the topography. Today, these five coastal
islands sit above and are surrounded by the swamps and marshes
of south Louisiana. Avery Island stands the highest at 152
feet above sea level. Under the Avery/McIlhenny family’s careful
management, Avery Island has remained a natural paradise,
inhabited by exotic plant and animal species from throughout
the world. The wildlife population expands each spring when
thousands of snowy white egrets and other migratory water
birds return to Bird City. This vast, protected rookery owes
its existence to Edward Avery McIlhenny, second son of Edmund
McIlhenny who invented TABASCO® Sauce.
8 – Historic Home Tour: Historic St. Francisville, LA
St. Francisville is located on the Mississippi River approximately
35 miles north of Baton Rouge. We will travel with our tour
guide to this area which has a wealth of historic plantations,
churches and gardens. The town has been designated as a historic
significant town with over 50 buildings included in the National
Register. The area is also known for where John James Audubon
created many of his Birds of America works of Art. Our tour
will include Rosedown Plantation, Oakley House at Audubon
State Historic Site, Grace Episcopal Church, a walking tour
around the St. Francisville main street area, and time permitting,
Port Hudson on our way back to Baton Rouge. Lunch at the Myrtle’s
Plantation’s restaurant; (cost not included in the trip price).
Bring a hat and sunscreen and wear comfortable walking shoes.
9 – New Orleans I
Travel to New Orleans and tour the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium
of the Americas. End the day in Jackson Square for dinner.
Cost of meals not included in this trip.
Take a bus to New Orleans, tour the Audubon
Zoo and then take a boat ride to the Aquarium
of the Americas. The zoo consists of 53 acres where animals
and cultures come together amidst a graceful turn-of-the-century
neighborhood. The Aquarium of the Americas is located on the
Mississippi River bank in scenic Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
The acclaimed animal collection includes thousands of fish,
reptiles and birds, including many creatures native to Louisiana
waters, from rare paddlefish and swamp-dwelling alligators,
to Gulf sea turtles that are among the world’s most critically
endangered animals. With more than a million gallons of water
and more than 15,000 animals, the Aquarium of the Americas
is ranked one of the top five in the nation.
10 – New Orleans II
Travel to New Orleans and enjoy the day on your own sightseeing
around the French Quarter and Jackson Square. Arrive in New
Orleans in time for coffee and beignets (a French doughnut)
for Breakfast and return to Baton Rouge after an early Dinner.
The cost of this trip includes transportation only.
Housing
The following housing options are all located on campus:
- Dormitory: Evangeline
Hall located close to the Life Sciences Bldg.
- Motel/Hotel:
- Pleasant Hall 1-888-551-5933 (Mention you are with
ABLE)
- Lod Cook Alumni Center 1-866-610-2665 (COOK)
To register for the Evangeline Hall please click here
for Housing Registration Form.
To register for Pleasant Hall or the Alumni Center please
contact them directly.
Getting to LSU
By Car
If you are planning on driving, Baton Rouge is
located on Interstate 10 just east of the Mississippi River.
We will have parking permits and maps at the registration
desk (Lobby Life Sciences Annex, located at the corner of
Highland Road and South Campus Drive). [campus map].
From I-10: (view map)
Route 1: Exit at Nicholson Dr./Highland Rd. (Exit 155A).
Take Highland Rd. (about 1.7 miles).
Route 2: Exit at Dalrymple Dr. (Exit 156B). Both eastbound
and westbound traffic will take a right onto Dalrymple Dr.
from the off-ramp. Take Dalrymple Dr. to Highland Rd. (about
0.5 mile). Take a left on to Highland Rd. Take Highland Rd. (about
0.2 miles).
Route 3: Exit at Acadian Thruway (Exit 157B). If
exiting from the eastbound off-ramp you will take a right
onto Acadian Thruway; if exiting from the westbound off-ramp
you will take a left onto Acadian Thruway. Take Acadian Thruway
(which turns into Stanford Avenue and then into LSU Avenue)
to Highland Rd. Take a right onto Highland Rd. Take Highland
Rd. (about 1.5 miles).
By Plane
If you are planning on flying the easiest way is to fly
directly into Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Delta, American,
Northwest, and Continental all fly into Baton Rouge. The airport
is located about 10 miles North of LSU. On Monday afternoon/evening
(4:00pm-8:00pm) and Tuesday afternoon/evening (1:00pm -7:00pm)
we will provide shuttle transportation to get you from the
airport to LSU. The vans will be identified as LSU-ABLE. If
you arive at other times there are taxis available. The return
shuttle trips for Saturday and Sunday will be scheduled during
registration.
The other option is to fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans
International Airport. New Orleans International Airport is
some 70 miles southeast of Baton Rouge, but a straight shot
to Baton Rouge on Interstate 10. There is no shuttle service
to and from the New Orleans Airport, but car rentals are available.
ABLE Membership
Information and Renewal
Current ABLE members: You will not be able to renew your
membership when you register for the conference. Please send
your renewals directly to: Denise Martin, ABLE Membersip
Chair, Biology Dept., St. Michael’s College, Box
283, Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439, dmartin@smcvt.edu.
Visit the ABLE web site for membership information.
Go to: Membership Application/Renewal Form
Social Events
Opening Reception: the opening reception will be
held in the LSU Faculty Club. Built in 1939 this building
provides a unique atmosphere for the opening reception.
Wednesday Night Optional Dinner at Boutin’s: Join
us for a meal featuring Cajun cuisine and dancing. This is
limited to 75 people.
Banquet: Friday evening we will travel a few miles
to the Burden Research Plantation. This 420 acre site contains
15 acres of formal gardens and 150 acres of forest. It features
the formal gardens and plant collections, the Ione Burden
Conference Center, the Steele Burden Memorial Orangerie and
the All-American rose display garden, as well as the Rural
Life Museum. The Rural Life Museum recalls the lifestyles
an d cultures of the wide variety of peoples who settled this
area including the : Indians, French, Spanish, Anglo-American,
Germans, African Negroes, and Acadians. These groups have
all made significant contributions to Louisiana’s rich cultural
heritage.
Weather
Go to: Current Baton Rouge Weather (external link)
For more conference information, please contact:
Bill Wischusen
Host, ABLE 2002
Department of Biological Sciences
Louisiana State University
104 Life Sciences Bldg.
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
e-mail: ewischu@lsu.edu
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