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Laura Frost, Ph.D.

Professor, Biological Sciences
Coordinator of the Biological Sciences and Pre-Medical Programs

Pictured is Laura Frost. Photo by Randall Coleman.Contact Information

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, California University of Pennsylvania
  • Master of Science, Plant Pathology, Iowa State University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Microbiology and Immunology, West Virginia University

Courses Taught

  • General Biology
  • Introduction to Microbiology
  • Introduction to Genetics
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Genomics and Proteomics
  • Human Genetics
  • Receptors, Signaling Pathways and Cellular Control Mechanisms
  • Introduction to the Natural Sciences (traditional and online)

Background

Laura Frost, Ph.D., joined the faculty of Point Park University in 2005. Since then, she was promoted to associate professor and then professor. Frost teaches a number of biology and biolotechnology courses at Point Park. In her laboratory courses, she incorporates inquisitional based-practices in which students learn the process of literature review, experimental design, data collection and presentation of results. This allows students to appreciate and personally experience the scientific method in action. In her former role as assistant director of the Honors Program, Frost led a project exploring the use of iPads for teaching and learning. She also works closely with honors students in the mentoring program.

Curriculum vitae

Research Interests

  • Use of technology in the classroom: iPads in teaching and learning
  • Analysis of carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA among student populations

Selected Publications

  • "Lichen community structure across an urban to rural landscape gradient in southwestern Pennsylvania," The Bryologist, 2012.
  • "3, 4- dichloropropionaniline suppresses normal macrophage function," Toxicological Sciences, 2007.
  • "Propanil Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor Production by Reducing Nuclear Levels of the Transcription Factor Nuclear Factor in the Macrophage Cell Line IC-21," Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2001.
  • "Effects of Bitis nasicornis venom on Src signaling in MCF-7 cells," Tri Beta BIOS, May 2005 (Abst).
  • "Peroxynitrite-Based Luminol Luminescene of Macrophages and Enhancement of the Signal," Luminescence Biotechnology, 2002.
  • "Embryological development of Heterodera glycines on soybean cultivars of different maturity groups in Iowa," Journal of Nematology, 1995.

Selected Presentations

  • "Using Clickers for Summative Assessment," Turning Technologies Annual Users National Conference, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Oct. 2009.
  • "Click This!" Annual Professional Development Workshop, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, Pa., Aug. 2009
  • "Lichen distribution across a landscape gradient as an indicator of air pollution and habitat alteration" poster presentations with students at Ecological Society of America meeting and Pennsylvania Academy of Science meeting, 2009.
  • "Effects of Bitis nasicornis venom on Src signaling in MCF-7 cells," Tri Beta, Wheeling Jesuit University, 2005.

Selected Awards and Honors

  • Outstanding Advisor, Point Park University, 2010
  • Nominated for "Excellence in Teaching" award, Gannon University, 2003
  • Best student research paper, International Society of Nematology, 1994
  • Best student research paper, Regional Beta Beta Beta, 1993
  • Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society, Upsilon Theta Chapter, 1992

Grants Received

  • Lichen community structures across and urban to rural landscape gradient, 2008.
  • Effects of propanil on macrophage NADPH oxidase activity, Faculty Research Committee, Gannon University, 2004.
  • Effects of propanil on NADPH oxidase activity in macrophages, Duratz Endowment for Student Research, Gannon University, 2004.
  • Effects of Bitis nasicornis venom on mammary tumor growth and activation of the signaling protein, Src., Beta Beta Beta National Grants competition, 2003.

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • American Society for Microbiology
  • Allegheny Branch of the American Society for Microbiology
  • Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer
  • Advisory Board Member, Annual Editions, Microbiology, McGraw Hill, 2009
  • Reviewer for McGraw Hill publishers, Integrated Science 5th and 6th ed. by Tillery, Enger and Ross
  • Reviewer for W. H. Freeman publishers: Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, 3rd ed. by Benjamin Peirce

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