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Wheaton College
26 East Main Street
Wheaton College
Norton, MA 02766-2322

Office: Science Center Room 232
Phone: 508-286-3954
Fax: 508-285-8278
Email: bbrennes@wheatoncollege.edu

Degrees

Ph.D., Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
B.S., Fordham University

Main Interests

Use of DNA fingerprinting techniques, such as RAPD PCR (random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction) and microsatellite DNA analysis to assess genetic diversity. Conservation of the diamondback terrapin. Vernal Pool Conservation Biology. Adipocyte differentiation. Gene expression during differentiation, the biochemistry of adipose cells, dieting and obesity.

Research Interests

My students and I are seeking genetic markers to assess the diversity of Ambystoma maculatum, spotted salamanders and Malaclemys terrapin,the diamondback terrapin. Several markers have recently been identified using RAPD PCR (random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction) and we are screening several additional ones. DNA fingerprints of the salamanders and terrapins will be generated to assess the diversity of the populations.
I am also involved with diamondback terrapin conservation efforts. I and my students have partnered with researchers at Massachusetts Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Cape Cod to study and protect this threatened species. Each summer, we capture and mark terrapins to contribute to a demographic study and collect blood and tissue samples for genetic analysis. We have headstarted hatchling terrapins to study their behavior and orientation. . Using radio transmitters, we have tracked hatchlings and studied their travels, feeding activities and adjustment to life in the marsh.

For an overview of our diamondback terrapin projects, visit our research web site or view a recent Wheaton Quarterly article.

Teaching Interests

Biochemistry, Biomedical issues, microbes, viruses, immunology, nutrition and fitness, biotechnology, molecular genetics.

Other Interests

Environmental preservation, science fiction, running, bicycling, swimming and tennis.

Student Projects

Students in my laboratory are extracting DNA from blood and tissue samples obtained from diamondback terrapins and performing genetic analysis of the DNA. Their work was recently highlighted at an Undergraduate Research Symposium at Boston College.

Students who are part of Wheaton's Vernal Pool Research team are using a special PCR (polymerase chain reaction) procedure, known as RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) and microsatellite DNA analysis to study the genetic diversity of spotted salamanders in vernal pools on Wheaton's campus and in nearby locations.

Under the Mars fellowship program and with a grant from the Sounds Conservancy, students have conducted field studies on diamondback terrapins on Cape Cod. They have presented their work at several conferences including the Environmental Science Conference at Bridgewater State College and the State of the Harbor Conference in Wellfleet, MA


Students who are interested in biomedical research have conducted studies on fat cell development in a tissue culture model. Students on our Medieval Medicine Research team are replicating remedies described in Anglo Saxon texts and testing the effectiveness of these "potions" in inhibiting microbial growth.

Publications