SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences
I am a molecular biologist with several areas of focus for my undergraduate research
laboratory. My recent areas of study include the isolation and analysis of ancient
DNA extracted from ancient Maya skeletons (from Tipu, Belize). My laboratory is studying
their migration routes; mitochondrial DNA sequences; and the presence of certain diseases
within this population of ancient Maya skeletons (588 skeletons). In addition, my
undergraduate research students are also investigating both the androgen receptor
gene and the DRD4 gene (also known as the ’thrill seeking’ gene) in humans.
Elwess, N. L., Kopp, M., Lavoie, E.,Coons, J., Adjapong, E. & Latourelle, S. (2015). Analysis of
ancient mitochondrial DNA within the Tipu Maya Collection. Internet Journal of Biological Anthropology, 8(1), 1–6.
*Palermo, M., & Elwess, N. L. (2014). Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome B gene (cytb) in Salvelinus fontinalis, Salmo trutta and Salvelinus fontinalis X Salmo trutta within the Lake Champlain Basin. Journal of Emerging Investigators; Jan 20, 2014, 1–9.
Elwess, N. L. & Latourelle, S.M (2013). Inducing mutations in Paramecium: An inquiry-based approach. Social constructivism in a cooperative and collaborative
science investigation [Monograph] (Latourelle, S., Ed.). Society of College Science Teachers, 65–76. http://www.scst.org/scstpubs/monographs
*Palermo, M., Latourelle, S., & Elwess, N. L. (2012). Genetic analysis of the Brown, Brook, and Tiger Trout populations in the
Lake Champlain Basin. Journal of Experimental Secondary Science, 2(1).
*Sato, T, *Phillips, B, Latourelle, S. M. & Elwess, N. L. (2010). Analyzing population genetics using the mitochondrial control region and
bioinformatics. Bioscene, 36(1), 26–33.
Elwess, N. L., *Duprey, S. L., *Harney, L. A., *Langman, J. E., *Marino, T. C., *Martinez, C., *McKeon,
L. L., *Moss, C. I., *Myrie, S. S., & *Taylor, L. R.(2008). Alu insertion and genetic
diversity: A preliminary investigation by an undergraduate bioinformatics class. Bioscene, 34(2), 34–39.
Latourelle, S., Elwess, N. L. & Elwess, J. M. (2008). Finger forecasting: A pointer to athletic prowess in women:
A preliminary investigation by an undergraduate biology class. The American Journal of Biology Teachers, 70(7), 411–414.
Recipient of the National Genetics Education Award, sponsored by the American Society
of Human Genetics and the Genetics Society of America, 2015
State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service, 2012
Recipient of the 2012 Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Society’s Evan Ferguson Award
for Service to the Society
Recipient of the 2009 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and
Engineering Mentoring. Awarded by President Obama during White House Reception
Recipient of the 2008–2009 Eldridge W. Roark Professional Leadership Award. Awarded
by Omicron Delta Kappa
Recipient of the 2009 Frederica Hollister Professional Educator’s Award through Delta
Kappa Gamma Society (New York Chapter), Professional Honor Society of Women Educators
Recipient of the 2008–2009 Outstanding Undergraduate Science Teacher Award sponsored
by the Society for College Science Teachers (SCST)
Co-recipient of the 2007 National Association of Biology Teachers National Biotechnology
Teaching Award
Named to “Who’s Who among American Teachers and Educators,” 2007
Recipient of the National Association of Biology Teachers National Four Year College
Biology Research/Teaching Award, 2005
State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2004