Area(s) of Expertise: Environmental Toxicology, Marine Biology (Advising Area of Expertise: Biology, Honors Program)
Dr. Dalman's research interests are in the broad area of environmental toxicology. Specifically she is interested in the innate biochemical and cellular defenses organisms possess to protect them from toxic chemicals in the environment. Currently she is working with the small salt marsh fish Fundulus heterociltus (killifish), a species that is very tolerant of fluctuations in its physical environment. Her students and she are studying the effects of common environmental contaminants on behaviors such as feeding and optomotor response (important for successful schooling) and on a protein called p – glycoprotein that provides cellular protection by pumping toxicants from the cell.
She also has an interest in the scholarship of teaching and learning and, in particular, how inquiry - based classroom activities influences successful material comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Segura – Totten, Miriam and Nancy Eufemia Dalman. 2013. Use of literature discussions in a required cell biology course increases critical thinking. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, (14)2:166 - 175.
Shanks, RA, EM Southard, L Tarnowski, M Bruster, SW Wingate, NE Dalman, SA Lloyd. 2012. A Vodcasted, Cross-Disciplinary, Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory Exercise Investigating the Effects of Methamphetamine on Aggression. Bioscene 37(2):9 – 16.
Dalman, NE, LB Barrett and BD Peck. 2009. Impact of human activity on Escherichia coli levels in a recreational river. J. Environ. Detection. 2(1):17 - 40.