Dr. Kenneth Sossa

Metabolism is the series of chemical reactions utilized by organisms to create energy to drive physiological and cellular functions. Understanding the metabolism of ectothermic organisms has been an area of interest that is widely understudied with limited model organisms. Using the Gromphadorhina portentosa (Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach) as a model organism, ectothermic metabolism was measured by respirometry using a closed animal chamber and iWorx gas analyzer. The metabolic rate was calculated as the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER). Experiments were conducted to study allometry, sexual dimorphism and the effects of high temperatures, exercise and differing diets on the metabolic rate of G. portentosa compared to control. The data showed significant changes in RER under single experimental conditions, e.g. glucose only. However, we seek to further explore double and triple experimental condition effects, e.g. glucose and exercise. Our findings will determine whether additive or synergistic metabolic effects prevail in this insect model. Furthermore, this work represents the most comprehensive evaluation of this ectotherm and adds to our understanding of one of the largest insects.

The SURI Fellow in my lab will serve as active research partner rather than passive observer. The student is expected to engage consistently, ask questions, and take increasing ownership of their project as the summer progresses. No prior research experience is required; however, curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn through trial and error are essential. The Fellow is expected to participate in weekly meetings, maintain organized research notes, follow safety and ethical guidelines, and contribute to data analysis and presentation of results at the SURI Expo.

The SURI Fellow student will work on a clearly defined project examining metabolic regulation in Gromphadorhina portentosa using respirometry. Activities will include:

- Learning animal handling, experimental design, and data collection using a closed-chamber respirometry system

- Measuring metabolic rate (RER) under single and combined experimental conditions (e.g., diet, temperature, exercise)

- Maintaining organized datasets and assisting with basic statistical analysis

- Interpreting metabolic outcomes in the context of physiology, nutrition, and stress

- Participating in scientific communication through poster preparation and oral discussion of results

Through this experience, the Fellow will gain hands-on exposure to experimental physiology, data-driven reasoning, and the research process from question formulation to dissemination, while developing a stronger sense of research identity and career direction.

 No prior research experience is required; however, curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn through trial and error are essential. Having general biology would be helpful but not necessary.

Student-generated data may contribute to the SURI Expo, conference presentations, and, when appropriate, peer-reviewed publications. Motivated Fellows may continue the project beyond the summer and earn co-authorship through sustained involvement and be granted permission to enroll in a biology internship during the fall and spring academic year semesters.

Afternoon Research Schedule (Monday–Thursday, 1:00–6:00 PM)

1:00–1:15 PM: Daily Check-In & Experimental Planning
- Review goals for the day
- Assign experimental conditions and animals
- Confirm equipment setup and protocols
1:15–4:30 PM: Data Collection & Recording Sessions
- Conduct calibration and 3–4 respirometry recordings per day (each ~1–1.5 hours)
- Read relevant literature, protocols, or background material during recording intervals
- Troubleshoot experiments and document observations in real time
- As SURI Expo approaches, time will be dedicated to developing presentation during this time.
- Once per week, one hour of this block is dedicated to lab meeting
4:30–5:45 PM: Data Processing & Preliminary Analysis
- Organize datasets and calculate RER values
- Generate summary tables or graphs
- Discuss variability, controls, and experimental design considerations
5:45–6:00 PM | Daily Wrap-Up & Goal Setting
- Summarize accomplishments
- Identify challenges or follow-up questions
- Set clear goals for the next research day
Note: Short breaks will be taken as needed to encourage focus, safety, and sustained engagement during extended recording sessions.