Deborah L. Beal, PhD
Coordinator, Environmental Studies
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
Illinois College
Jacksonville, Il  62650

W (217) 245-3463
H(217)245-4693

 email:  dbeal@hilltop.ic.edu
website: http://www2.ic.edu/beal
 
 

Education
  University of Missouri-Columbia    PhD (Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior) 1991
  Western Illinois University              MS  (Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology)   1985
  Georgia College                              BS   (Biology Department)  1979

 Areas of Specialization/interests:   Ecology, Environmental Science, Behavioral Ecology, Wetlands Restoration Ecology.  I’m also interested in using computers to teach biology concepts, K-12 Science Education, and interdisciplinary approaches to science.

Professional Experience
    Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program, Illinois College   2000-present
    Visiting Professor, Environmental Council, University of Illinois 2000-2002
    Associate Professor, Biology, Illinois College, 1997- present  (Tenure granted 1997)
    Assistant Professor, Biology, Illinois College, 1991 to 1997
    Visiting Instructor, Western Illinois University, 1989-1990
    Field Assistant, Missouri Dept of Conservation 1987
    Graduate Teaching Assistant/ Research Assistant, University of  Missouri, 1985-1989
    Field Biologist,   Illinois Natural History survey, 1980-1983
    Supervisor, Deer check training, Department of Natural Resources 1980-1995.

Courses Taught
ENVS 324   General Ecology
ENVS 326   Ecology of the Northern Woods
ENVS 312   The Illinois River Valley and it’s People
ENVS 355   Research Methods in Ecology
ENVS 224   Environmental Science
ENVS 104   Principles of Biodiversity and Conservation
BIOL 328    Behavioral Ecology
ENVS  320  Women and the Environment (seminar)
BIO 422      Behavioral and Ecological Genetics (at Western Illinois University)
BIO 105      Introductory Biology (Illinois College and Western Illinois University)

Publications/abstracts published

 Beal, D.L. and A. Hoard, 2003,  Variation in Feeding Preferences for Moist Soil Plant Seeds in      Juvenile Bobwhite Quail and Ring-neck Pheasant Chicks.  The International Animal Behavior Society Program. July 2002.

Beal, D.L. and Cathy Schnelton, 2002  Dominance Behavior in Campell’s Dwarf Hampster
 (Sungoris cambelli).   International Animal Behavior Society Meeting Program,
  July 2002, University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana.

Beal, D.L.  2002, Integrating Internet and Field Experiences into Environmental Science Labs,
 Multimedia Resource for Learning and Online Teaching International Conference Proceedings
 September 27-29.  Atlanta,  Georgia.  http://conference.merlot.org/conference/2002/

 Beal, D.L., A. Hoard and A. Rawe,  2002.  Transect Analysis and Description of Wetland Plants (Spunky Bottoms Refuge).    Report to The Nature Conservancy, Havanna, IL.

 Beal, D.L., L. Hanley, K. Wieneke, A. Rawe, A. Hoard.   2002.   Online guide to wetland Plants at the Nature Conservancy Site at Spunky Bottoms.   http://www2.ic.edu/beal/indexplant.html

Beal, D.L., S.Cooper, J. Kandel, A. Morrison-Shetlar, 2001, The Bio- Review Process,  MERLOT  (Multimedia Resource for Learning and Online Teaching)International Conference Proceedings  Tampa, Florida, August.  14-16.   http://conference.merlot.org/conference/2001/

 Beal, D. L., 2001 A survey of Odonates at Spunky Bottoms Nature Preserve.  Report to the Illinois Nature Conservancy, Havana, IL.

 Beal, D.L., 2001.  Seed Viability in Soil Samples from The Nature Conservancy Site at Emiquon,    Report to the Illinois Nature Conservancy, Havana, IL

 Beal, D. L.,2000.  The return of the River Otter (Lutra canadensis) to Illinois,   An online teaching unit for K-6.   http://www2.ic.edu/beal/otterkidsactivity.htm

Beal, D. L.  1999.   Bobcats and Lynx Biology, An Online Interdisciplinary Unit for K-6.
 http://www2.ic.edu/beal/bobcatactivities.html

 Beal, D. L.  1999.   The Illinois Chorus Frog, An Endangered Species: An online Interdisciplinary Unit for K-6.  http://www2.ic.edu/beal/chorusfrog.html

 Beal, D. L.,   and M. Brooks, 1999.   United States Geological Survey Online Field Trip guide - Illinois -Winchester Area.  http://clio.ic.edu/students/brooks/environ/geopage.htm

 Beal, D. L.,    1999    The Illinois River Integrated Management Plan.  Online version with photos of the Illinois River Valley.  http://www2.ic.edu/beal/IRfirstpage.html

 The Illinois River Integrated Management Plan - Education and Wildlife committee report, Committee member.  1997.  Published by the state of Illinois. 143 p.

 Beal, D.L.,  1994.  A model depicting genetic isolating mechanisms for  zooplankton occurring at varying depths.  NSF Biomodeling Workshop, U. of Montana,  June 1994. (Abstract)

 Beal, D.L. and R.V. Anderson,  1993. The response of zooplankton to applications of rotenone in a small pond.  Bull.  Environ. Contam. Toxicol.  51: 551-556.

 Beal, D.L., 1991  Selection on male body size is genetically correlated with changes in female preference and male mating speeds in D.  melanogaster.  PhD. Thesis,  University of Missouri, 95p.

 Beal, D.L.  1985   Invertebrate community dynamics in a pond affected by rotenone.  MS thesis, Western Illinois University,  110 p.

Papers Presented/accepted

2003 Beal, D. and Aaron McCombs, Acoustic Repertoire and Response to Predator Calls Varies With Age and Gender in the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans).  Accepted for presentation at the US Fish and Wildlife Meetings, Dec 7-10, Kansas City, Mo., 2003

2003.  Beal, D.L., A. Hoard and A. Rawe,   Transect Analysis and Description of Wetland Plants (Spunky Bottoms Refuge).    The Illinois Nature Conservancy Research Meetings,
Havana, IL, May 4-5.  http://www2.ic.edu/beal/indexplant.html

 2002.   Beal, D.L. and Ariane Hoard,  Variation in Feeding Preferences for Moist Soil Plants in Juvenile Bobwhite Quail and Ring-neck Pheasant Chicks.  Presented at the International Animal Behavior Society Meetings July 2002, University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana

 2002.  Beal, D.L. and Cathy Schnelton, Dominance Behavior in Campell’s Dwarf Hampster (Sungoris cambelli).  Presented at the International Animal Behavior Society Meetings July 2002, University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana

 2002  Beal, D.L. Integrating Internet and Field Experiences into Environmental Science Labs,
 Multimedia Resource for Learning and Online Teaching)International Conference Proceedings
 September 27-29.  Atlanta,  Georgia

2001.   Beal, D., S. Cooper, J. Kandel, A. Morrison-Shetlar The Bio- Review Process,
 Merlot International Conference.  Tampa, Florida.  August 12-14,

 2001.  Beal. D. and K. Elwood.  Faculty and Library Internet Conference.  Keynote Speakers.  A taste of MERLOT.  Integrating Internet Technology Into the Classroom.  Truman College, Chicago, IL April 27th

 2001.  Beal. D., T. Weech, K. Elwood and D. Day Faculty Summer Institute on Learning Technologies.  Integrating MERLOT into the college classroom.  University of Illinois, Champaign, IL,  May 14-15

 2001.  Beal,D.  Keynote Speaker, North Suburban Higher Education Consortium.  An overview of MERLOT.  DePaul Unversity, Chicago, IL, April 6th

2000   Illinois River Floodplains Research Group.  Defining criteria for wetland plants used
 in GIS models of the Illinois River Floodplain. University of Illinois.   Champaign, IL.

  1999   The Illinois River Integrated Management Plan: An interdisciplinary approach to teaching  Environmental Science.    Invited speaker, Columbia University Biosphere II center, Tuscon, AZ, May 28

 1994   Genetic variability within aquatic ecosystems. Biomodeling Workshop, Yellowstone National Park,  Cody, Wyoming (June 1994)

 1991   Distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates in the  Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, Pool 26.  American Fisheries Society, Davenport, Iowa.

1991   Implications of biotic recovery in a pond affected by rotenone.  American Fisheries Society. Davenport, Iowa.

Awards and Grants

2003  Englebach Peace Studies Award.  Travel grant to develop a course (ENVS 239 Biology of the Southwest).  $1200

2003   Illinois State Board of Higher Education.  Support for MERLOT participation.  ($600).

 2001 National Science Foundation Research Opportunity Award,   Modeling Wetland plant distribution along the  Illinois River, a potential Management tool.   ($13,000)

 2001 Kaleidoscope Project Workshop The World Wide Web: Strengthening the Undergraduate Learning Environment.  Denver, Colorado  ($600)

2000  Year long Sabbatical Defining criteria for wetland plants used in GIS models of the Illinois River Floodplain.  Visiting Professor position through The Environmental Council, University of Illinois.

 1998 Illinois College Faculty Travel Award.  Attend NSF Kaleidoscope Project Workshop: Designing an Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Major.  http://www.pkal.org/ Brown University, July, ($600)

1998  NSF Chautaqua seminar.  Introduction to Geographical Information Systems using Arcview.             Northern Illinois University, May 1998. ($400)

 1997    Occasional Fellowship- University of Chicago, library use and travel re-imbursement Feb 97 through Feb 98,  ($1500)

 1996    Faculty Development Award - Attend the national conference for CUR (conference on developing undergraduate research program), June, South Carolina, ($1500)

1996    Frank Award for Excellence in Teaching, Illinois College, ($1500)

1996    Malcolm Steward Award, Illinois College, Develop Interdisciplinary Environmental Science and Ecology field based courses for the biology department.  May 96 - October 97.  ($1800)

 1993    National Science Foundation- Biomodeling Workshop, Develop models of ecological systems,  ($4500)

 1989    Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award, Biology Department, University of Missouri. ($50)

 1989     Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award, Graduate School,  University of Missouri. ($200)

 1985    Illinois River Basin commission - Impact of Navigation on aquatic invertebrate communities in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers,  Pool 19.  ($4600)

Independent Study Research Projects supervised:
Ariane Hoard, Environmental Studies major. Variation in Feeding Preferences for Moist Soil Plants in Juvenile Bobwhite Quail and Ring-neck Pheasant Chicks.  Presented at the International Animal Behavior Society Meetings July 2002, University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana.  Supported by an NSF Student Undergraduate Research Award, ($800).

Cathy Schnelton, Environmental Studies Major.  Dominance Behavior in Campell’s Dwarf Hampster (Sungoris cambelli).  Presented at the International Animal Behavior Society Meetings July 2002, University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana. (Supported by Breakaway funds $400).

Lynn Hanley,   Environmental Studies Major, The Effects of flooding and temperature on moist soil plant survival.  In preparation to be submitted to the Journal of Applied Ecology.  Supported by summer research funds June-August 2002. ($2500)

Kelly Wieneke,  Environmental Studies and Biology double Major,  The Effects of flooding and temperature on moist soil plant survival  In preparation to be submitted to the Journal of Applied Ecology.   Supported by summer research funds June-August 2002. ($2500)

Melissa Brooks,  Biology and Computer Science double major.  On line learning Modules for Environmental Science courses. Supported by summer research funds.  ($1500).

Joyce Shaver.  Elementary Education major.   An online guide to bird species of The Nature Conservancy Site at Spunky Bottoms (K-6).

Lindsay Harris, Elementary Education major Online quide to coral reef habitats.

Megan Venz.  Elementary Education major Online quide to Killer Whales (K-6)

Katie Bliss.  Elementary Education major.  Lab exercises in water quality for K-6.

Matt Keim, Biology Major,  Investigating Lead in Jacksonville water supplies.

Tonya Wilson. Biology Major,  Cohort structure of zebra mussles colonizing three ridge shells in varying habitats on the Mississippi River.

 Kirk Cowen, Environmental Studies Major, A survey of Waterfowl species  at The Nature Conservancy Site at Spunky Bottoms.

John Irlam, Biology Major, Developing Enrichment Activities at the Springfield Zoo.

Ryan Pulver, Biology Major, Developing Enrichment Activities at the Springfield Zoo.

Other professional activities
2003  State Committee Member for Illinois River Restoration Project.  Participating on the Federal Task force, evaluating Programs such Conservation Reserve, through the Illinois State Lt. Governors office.  Working with several State Agencies such as The Nature Conservancy, Department of Natural Resources and the US Department of Agriculture.

2002  Served on a Dissertation Committee for Mr. Darren Brearly; Developing Completion Criteria for Rehabilitation Areas on Arid and Semi-arid Mine Sites in Western Australia"  for completion of the PhD from Curtin Technological University,  Perth, Australia.

1995-present  wildlife and nature photography, used for websites,  submitted to The Nature Conservancy,   the Environmental Protection Agency and various commercial sites.

2003 Designed new courses for Environmental Studies Major.   ENVS 104, 329 and 344.

1999-2003    Participated and supported creation of the new minor in Gender and Women's Studies.  Developed a new course, "Women and the Environment" to support the new minor.

 2000-2003.  Member of MERLOT Editorial Board - head of the Ecology and Environmental Biology Section.  (Multimedia Resource for Learning and Online Teaching website).   Review on-line teaching materials in the area of Ecology and Environmental Science.  Sponsored by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, description of qualifications for position at:  http://taste.merlot.org/disciplines/Disciplines.html  - see reviews posted under Ecology, Evolution.

 1997-2000   Initiated, Designed (with support from other faculty) and currently coordinate the Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies major and minor for Illinois College.

 1999    Designed new field biology courses that take students to off campus sites.  ENVS 326 Ecology of the Northern Woods and ENVS 312 The Illinois River Valley and its People.

 1996-present.   Involved with Kaleidoscope Project,( http://www.pkal.org/) A national project to improve undergraduate science and math teaching.

 1995-present.  Science Consultant, District 117 Schools (Jacksonville).  Helped various elementary school teachers via webpages, talks and programs for classes.  Some of the Teachers involved: Mrs. Fernandes, Mrs. Van Aken,  Mrs. Robinson, Schools, Washington, Salem Luthern.

1999   Developed an Internship Program for students interested in Biology and Ecology.  List of Internship Opportunities currently available:  http://www2.ic.edu/beal/esinternship.html

 1995-present. Member of a state wide committee which created the Illinois River Integrated Management Plan.  This interdisciplinary approach was designed to solve the problems associated with the Illinois River while valuing the economic, agricultural and environmental components of the Illinois River Valley.  The plan is currently being implemented by the state.  I participated in two sub-committee discussions: Education and Wildlife, and co-authored those 2 chapters of the Management Plan.

 1997  Designed Introductory Biology, Advanced Ecology and Animal Behavior Lab exercises which emphasize quantitative analysis, use of computers (Lotus 1, 2, 3 and the internet) and scientific writing.   The exercises  present different statistical or scientific approaches and varying graphing techniques with each lab.  Example:  http://www2.ic.edu/beal/ablab1.htm

1996 Established a computer lab for the Biology, Chemistry and Physics depts.

 1994-present.  Designed, implemented and use the first Multimedia teaching center at Illinois College (unit in Crispin Lecture Hall).   The unit consists of typical AV equipment (VCR, satellite TV, slide projector), computer with internet access and a microscope- camera unit, all which project onto an 8' x 12' screen.