Jennifer Jost

Education

Ph.D., Biology, University of South Carolina

B.A., Biology, Colby College

Biography

Dr. Jennifer Jost’s research interests include the physiological ecology of marine and aquatic invertebrate species. Past research focused on the heat tolerance of marine bivalves and crustaceans in both salt marshes and rocky intertidal zones. Since 2010, Dr. Jost has been investigating the environmental physiology of the invasive zebra mussel at the nearby Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area. Current projects include the use of potassium chloride as a means to control zebra mussel invasion, the effects of pharmaceutical runoff on zebra mussel physiology, and the ability for zebra mussels to survive extended periods of time in air. Dr. Jost has mentored more than 30 undergraduate students, two graduate students, and five local high school students in her research laboratory.

Teaching

Courses taught for biology majors include Introduction to Biology (BIO 150), Molecules to Cells (BIO151), Organismal Biology (BIO250), Environment and Human Health (BMS320), Comparative Animal Physiology (BIO381), Environmental Physiology (BIO417), and the Senior Capstone Course. Courses for non-majors include Biotechnology and Society (BIO 301) and Human Histology (BIO351) and multiple courses for the College of Education and Health Sciences including Introduction to Cell Biology (BIO111), Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO230) and Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO232).

Scholarship

Publications

Selected Refereed Journal Articles (*Indicates Bradley University undergraduate coauthor)

• Jost JA, Soltis ES*, Moyer MR*, and Keshwani SS*. 2015. Linking zebra mussel growth and survival with two cellular stress indicators during chronic temperature stress. Invertebrate Biology. 134(3): 189-202. doi:10.1111/ivb.12089
• Jost JA, Keshwani SS*, and Abou-Hanna JJ*, 2015. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in response to temperature elevation shows seasonal variation in the zebra mussel, Dreissena Comp. Phys. Biochem. A. 182: 75-83. doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2014.11.025
• Jost J, Podolski S, Frederich M, 2012. Enhancing thermal tolerance by eliminating the pejus range: A comparative study with three decapod crustaceans. Ecol. Progr. Ser. 444: 263–274. doi:10.3354/meps09379
• Frederich M, O’Rourke M, Furey N, Jost J, 2009. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the rock crab, Cancer irroratus: an early indicator of temperature stress. Exp. Biol. 212: 722-730. doi:10.1242/jeb.021998
• Jost JA, Helmuth B. 2007. Morphological and ecological determinants of body temperature of the Atlantic ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa, and their effects on mussel mortality. Bull. 213: 141-151.

Edited Book Chapters

• Jost JA, Helmuth BS. 2007. Measurement of temperature, In: Encyclopedia of Tidepools and Rocky Shores, edited by Mark W. Denny and Steven D. Gaines. The University of California Press: Berkeley, CA.

Service

• Faculty Advisor, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society, Illinois Kappa Chapter, Bradley University
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine Advisor, Bradley University
• Board Member, Sun Foundation
• Co-Chair, Clean Water Celebration Navigating Committee
• Secretary and Immediate Past-President, Illinois State Academy of Sciences