Delanie Crabtree ’23

2021 SOAR Profile

Effects of Carbamates on Vertebrate Behavior and Neurodevelopment

Major: Cellular Neurobiology
Hometown: McMinnville, Oregon
Project Advisor(s): Dr. Sara McClelland

Briefly describe your project.

I exposed tadpoles to carbaryl (a pesticide) to realistic concentrations within two treatments and a vehicle control. I exposed them for two weeks and then performed three behavior assays. The tadpoles were then euthanized and photographed for body size. The brains were then extracted and studied for any differences between treatments.

Delanie Crabtree ’23

Describe the origin of your project. (E.g., did you pitch the idea and choose a faculty member, or did they come to you with an idea?)

Dr. McClelland approached me about doing a SOAR project after class with her in the spring.

What’s the best part about working with your faculty mentor? What valuable insights have they brought to your project?

Dr. McClelland worked with me in the best way I functioned. We communicated so clearly with each other, therefore I never felt uncomfortable in the lab or during this project. She and I worked in similar ways that allowed us to get very close and think critically about what I was doing and why. She taught me how to take charge of my own research and to have me guide the project.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far?

The technology was the hardest part to work around. I am not technically gifted and because the programs we wanted to use were difficult, outdated, or on outdated machines.

What has been your biggest takeaway from this experience?

My biggest takeaway from this project is how to think like a scientist. Which is funny considering that is what I want to do, but it was amazing how much I was hiding behind classes and instructions from professors versus going and doing what interests me.

What was the result of your project?

I found significance in the diencephalon length. This is important because it shows that there was a difference from the treatment.

In your own words, how do you feel about being awarded this opportunity? Why should other students take advantage of the SOAR program at Moravian University?

I cannot be more grateful for the ability to do this project. Now I want to pursue an MD/PhD instead of just an MD, because I love research so much. Students should do it because it gives new life experiences and allows them to rely more on themselves.

Now that SOAR is over, do you plan to expand upon your research? If so, how?

Yes! I am applying for an honors project to work with tadpoles again in the spring.

Have you, or do you plan to present this research outside the SOAR presentations? If so, where? Be specific, if possible.

Yes, but to be determined when.