December 8, 1998

Biology professor uses evolving technology to teach evolution

by Angelique Narcisse, A’98, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

In July, Craig Hood, Ph.D., associate professor of biological sciences, attended an international symposium at the Euro-American Mammal Congress in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Hood was one of eight presenters to discuss geometric morphometric approaches to the study of size and sexual dimorphism in mammals. He was the only one to present a paper on this subject from an undergraduate university.

Hood is intensely interested in geometric morphometrics, an emerging field combining computer technology and science. Utilizing this new computer technology allows Hood to describe shape variation as well as to seek answers to questions concerning how and why biological forms differ. Hood adds, “My current interests are in using computer graphic and statistical methods to describe and analyze biological form and answer evolutionary questions.”

Hood also is encouraged about the use of information technology in the classroom, not as a substitute for learning or teaching, but as a tool to aid students in the educational process. “Using the internet is a major way to research and share information,” says Hood, who believes “the strength of Loyola is in the commitment of the faculty. “Right now, Loyola faculty is dedicated to good teaching and research. The university is very supportive in allowing faculty to develop new courses and innovative techniques.”

The support of the administration and the faculty also flows to the students. For example, Hood works closely with his students who assist in his research and conduct statistical analysis. He says he believes that research is an integral part of learning. Hood encourages his students to think scientifically and challenges them to ask questions about scientific issues. His dedication to teaching and research, fueled by his desire to understand things, has motivated his students to become involved and work collaboratively.

His current projects include studying the geographic variation and the impact of environmental stress in Louisiana muskrats and evaluating the evolution of life history traits in Gulf Coast populations of the black-tailed shiner. In his research on muskrats and minnows, Hood investigates how the populations have responded to various environmental and biological factors.

“Using computer imaging, we [Hood and his students] try to understand how sexual dimorphism has evolved in these populations. In both of these studies, there is a very strong environmental set of questions that are being asked. The wetland loss and potential pollution or other factors have clearly affected those populations. The science questions we are asking address the evolutionary changes in populations locally.” Involving undergraduates in the research helps teach these students how to be scientists,” adds Hood. “We can be in a place where teaching and research are not mutually exclusive activities, but mutually supportive ones.”