• First record of Lepidopus from the Miocene of the Monterey Formation (Lompoc, California).
• Development of fin spines in trichiuroid genera (Scombroidei).
• A phylogenetic analysis of the trichiuroid genera (Scombroidei).
• Description of a new species of lanternfish (Symbolophorus reversus).
• A study of the pharyngeal teeth of the Pacific viperfish (Chauliodus macouni T.H. Bean, 1890) and a comparison to other genera of barbeled dragonfishes (Stomiidae).
• Comparative analysis of the pelvic-fin spines in larvae and adult snake mackerels (Gempylidae) and cutlassfishes (Trichiuridae).
• Frogfish Osteology: Pectoral Girdle.
• Convergent evolution of icefishes.
• Variation in otolith shape across orders of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii).
• Study of the circumorbital series: morphological variation in the infraorbital series of fishes.
• A comparative analysis of photophore density between the two bioluminescent shark families: the kitefin sharks (Dalatiidae) and the lantern sharks (Etmopteridae).
• Correlation between the aphakic aperture length and ocean depth in the grenadier and morid fishes (Gadiformes).
• Analysis of body shape in stingrays (Myliobatiformes) and chemical composition of their stingers.
• A closer look at the possible synonymy of the ghost scabbardfish, Lepidopus manis (Scombroidei, Trichiuridae).
• Placoid scales and teeth morphology of three independent taxa of catsharks (Scyliorhinidae).
• Exploring the endangered desert pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis calidae, C. n. amargosae, C. salinus, and C. radiosus) through a morphometric analysis.
• Comparative morphology of fish otoliths.
• Morphology and evolution of venomous fishes.
• Does jaw length in teleosts increase with ocean depth?
• Does eye diameter in teleosts vary with depth?
• Evolutionary loss of scales in the snake mackerels (Gempylidae) and cutlassfishes (Trichiuridae).
• Apomorphy-based identification of Cretaceous marine turtles from the Niobrara Chalk Formation
• Exploratory studies of polyplacophoran eyes
• Analysis of Amphinomidae (Fireworms) chaetae using SEM and EDS.
• Testing methods of DNA extraction in scuttle flies (Phoridae).
• Molecular phylogeny and SEM of Euwallacea sp., the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle.
• Investigating shell surface microstructure of the Kellet’s Whelk (Kelletia kelleteii) and its relation to epibiont growth.
• Vertigo snails and other microgastropods of Southern California.
• Identification, anatomy, and phylogeny of a Rauisuchid Archosaur ilium.
• Confirming the identification of the Mosasaur Plotosaurus bennisoni from the Moreno Formation of California.
• Elemental and fluorescence analyses of marine gastropod shells.
• Urban biodiversity of Gastropoda in Los Angeles: Investigating morphological diversity of jaws and radulae.
• Radular morphology of cephalopods (Coleoidea) using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Phylogeographic analysis of the stubby squid (Rossia pacifica) using the CO1 barcoding gene.
• Identification of a Late Jurassic dentary of a sphenodont reptile (Opisthisa sp.) from the Fruita Paleontological Research Natural Area (Colorado).
• DNA isolation and amplification from shells of multiple species of Helminthoglypta (Southern California shoulderband snail).
• Morphological and phylogenetic investigation of the pustulose wart slug (Phyllidiella pustulosa).
• Anomalous marine mollusks from the Salton Sea.
• Genetic biodiversity of terrestrial snails and slugs of Southern California.
• SEM investigation of the carrier shell (Xenophora) microstructure and points of attachment.
• Radular morphology of the solar-powered sea slug (Elysia diomedea) using scanning electron microscopy.
• Comparative analysis and identification of the red-tipped sea goddess (Doriprismatica sedna) by scanning electron microscopy of the radula and the CO1 gene.
• Gastropod shell formation.
• A comparative analysis of the preservation quality of insect fossils from the Eocene Green River and Oligocene Rott Formations.
• Understanding genetic connectivity in Taylor’s sea share, Phyllaplysia taylori.
• DNA Barcoding of understudied California sea slugs: Armina californica and Tylodina fugina.
• A case study in the extended specimen: The integration of White Abalone and diatom records at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
• Identifying an introduced leatherleaf slug species from The Huntington Botanical Gardens: An integrative taxonomic approach.
• Multiple introductions of the Spanish milk snail, Otala lactea, in Southern California.
• The northern range limit of the Eastern Pacific marine gastropod Tegula eiseni is informed by recent iNaturalist records.
• Diversity in two Deroceras land slug species in Southern California.
• Origin and pervasiveness of the pestiferous land snail Theba pisana (Gastropoda: Helicinidae) in Southern California.
• Integrative taxonomy of the talus snails, genus Sonorella, desert snails of the American Southwest.
• Integrative taxonomy of banana slugs, genus Ariolimax.

Research Papers in Preparation or Published with GCC Student Co-Authors (in bold):

• Gago, F. J., E. R. Burnett, and J. D. Stewart. In preparation. New species of fossil scabbardfish, Lepidopus motereyensis sp. nov. (Scombroidei, Trichiuridae), from the Miocene Monterey Formation of California.
• Gago, F. J. and R. C. Ricord. 2005. Symbolophorus reversus: a new species of lanternfish from the Eastern Pacific (Myctophiformes: Myctophidae). Copeia 2005(1): 138-145.
• Vendetti, J.E., Casillas, J., Castro, A., and Sala, M. In preparation. The biogeographic range of the Eastern Pacific marine gastropod Tegula eiseni in California is extended by iNaturalist records. [To be submitted to PLOS ONE].
• Huguet Tuck, K., Welch, J., Garcia, J., and Vendetti, J. In preparation. An introduced leatherleaf slug species from The Huntington Botanical Gardens: An integrative taxonomic approach. [To be submitted to American Malacological Bulletin].
• Vendetti, J.E., Pauly, G., Gonzalez, L., Alqatan, A., Duong, J., Killian, A., Lee, V., Quiram, M., Shahgholian, P., and Tokatly, Z.In preparation. Multiple introductions of the Spanish milk snail, Otala lactea, in Southern California. [To be submitted to Molluscan Studies].
• Vendetti J.E., Sandig, K., Sahakyan, A., and Granados, A. 2021. Multiple introductions of the pestiferous land snail Theba pisana (Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in Southern California. Insects [special issue on biology and management of slug and snail pests] 12(8): 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12080662
• Vendetti, J.E., Burnett, E., Carlton, L., Curran, A.T., Lee, C., Matsumoto, R., Mc Donnell, R., Reich, I., and Willadsen, O. 2018. The introduced terrestrial slugs Ambigolimax nyctelius (Bourguignat, 1861) and Ambigolimax valentianus (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda: Limacidae) in California, with a discussion of taxonomy, systematics, and discovery by citizen science. Journal of Natural History 53(25–26): 1607–1632.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222933.2018.1536230?journalCode=tnah20

PROJECT #1: Exploring genetic inheritance through classical and molecular approaches Spring 2025 | Fall 2025 

Genetic inheritance explains how traits are passed down through generations. In this project, we plant true-breeding variants of pea plants (Pisum sativum) to recreate and build upon Mendel’s foundational hybridization experiments. By growing these plants under controlled conditions, we enable precise cross-pollination experiments, setting the stage for a detailed study of classical inheritance patterns.

Figure 1: Starter pods containing individual Pisum sativum (pea) variants. Each pod represents a distinct genetic variety used to initiate the experiment.

Currently, the plants are in the growth phase, and F1 seeds will be collected once the plants mature, establishing a strong foundation for systematic genetic analysis. As seeds are harvested, we will document phenotypic outcomes and later conduct molecular investigations, such as genotyping key traits, to deepen our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying visible characteristics.

Figure 2: BIOL50 students transferring starter pods containing individual Pisum sativum (pea) variants into larger containers to support further growth. Each pod corresponds to a distinct genetic variety, forming the foundation for subsequent experimental observations and analysis.

This project offers students and early-stage researchers a critical opportunity to engage in hands-on experimentation, reinforcing essential concepts in Mendelian genetics through direct observation and analysis. Furthermore, by integrating classical techniques with modern molecular tools, we create a bridge between historical discoveries and contemporary scientific inquiry.

Our goals include:

• Demonstrating the principles of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment through real-time plant breeding experiments.
• Collecting and analyzing F1 and subsequent F2 generations to observe trait distribution and genetic ratios.
• SEM of pollen from individual pea plant variants and seeds.
• Introducing molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and sequencing, to identify genetic markers associated with observed phenotypes.
• Fostering a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of Mendel’s work while equipping students with skills in modern genetic analysis.

Figure 3: Pisum sativum (pea) variants representing distinct genetic traits, such as purple versus white flowers and yellow versus green pea pods. These visible differences illustrate Mendelian patterns of inheritance and are used by students to track trait segregation across generations. Through Punnett square analysis, students predict genotypic and phenotypic ratios—such as the classic 3:1 and 9:3:3:1 outcomes observed in monohybrid and dihybrid crosses. 

Through this project, we aim to strengthen basic research skills, inspire curiosity about the natural world, and build a pipeline for future inquiry into genetic and genomic sciences.

PROJECT #2: Characterization of dental pulp stem cells during embryonic and postnatal development: insights into early stem cell differentiation and function | Spring 2025 (closed project)

This BIOL50 course provided students with an immersive experience in bioinformatics and molecular biology, emphasizing the characterization of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) during embryonic development. Students used advanced tools like R-Studio to analyze single-cell, RNA-seq, and RT-qPCR datasets, while also gaining hands-on experience in RT-qPCR experiments. Complementary techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) were introduced to support bioinformatics findings and provide a holistic understanding of stem cell differentiation during tooth development.

By examining transcriptional and molecular profiles at key embryonic stages (E13.5 and E16.5), students uncovered insights into stem cell differentiation pathways and functional roles. The course integrated computational and experimental approaches, equipping students to validate findings across methodologies and contribute to developmental biology and regenerative medicine research. Students collaboratively analyzed bioinformatics data related to DPSCs during embryonic development, focusing on single-cell analysis, RNA-seq, and RT-qPCR datasets. They prepared a comprehensive report featuring visual data representations, such as graphs and heatmaps, created in R-Studio. The final deliverable was a presentation at a GCC’s Student Research Symposium in May 2025.

Students: Ayvazyan Sona, Azadians Dino, Bagdasarian Lidiia, Hovhannisyan Hasmik Jessica, Krikorian Taleen

Presentation #1: Characterization of dental pulp stem cells during embryonic and postnatal development: insights into early stem cell differentiation and function 

Presentation #2: Back to the Garden: Revisiting Mendel’s Pea Plant Genetic 

Closed project published with GCC affiliation:

During development, tooth germs undergo various morphological changes resulting from interactions between the oral epithelium and ectomesenchyme. These processes are influenced by the extracellular matrix, the composition of which, along with cell adhesion and signaling, is regulated by metalloproteinases. Notably, these include matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). Our analysis of previously published scRNAseq datasets highlight that these metalloproteinases show dynamic expression patterns during tooth development, with expression in a wide range of cell types, suggesting multiple roles in tooth morphogenesis. To investigate this, Marimastat, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of MMPs, ADAMs, and ADAMTSs, was applied to ex vivo cultures of mouse molar tooth germs. The treated samples exhibited significant changes in tooth germ size and morphology, including an overall reduction in size and an inversion of the typical bell shape. The cervical loop failed to extend, and the central area of the inner enamel epithelium protruded. Marimastat treatment also disrupted proliferation, cell polarization, and organization compared with control tooth germs. In addition, a decrease in laminin expression was observed, leading to a disruption in continuity of the basement membrane at the epithelial-mesenchymal junction. Elevated hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha gene (Hif-1a) expression correlated with a disruption to blood vessel development around the tooth germs. These results reveal the crucial role of metalloproteinases in tooth growth, shape, cervical loop elongation, and the regulation of blood vessel formation during prenatal tooth development.

Graphical abstract of the project: