Curriculum Vitae
Education
| Postdoctoral Scholar | Vanderbilt University, Biological Sciences Advisor: LJ Zwiebel |
2021 - Present |
| PhD | Vanderbilt University, Biological Sciences Advisor: LJ Zwiebel |
2021 |
| BS | University of Colorado Denver, Psychology Minor in Biology and Economics Graduated with Distinction |
2014 |
Publications and Presentations
Publications
| Edwards ND, de Jong E, Ferguson ST. "Graphing Methods for Kendall's τ," submitted, 2023. |
| Ferguson ST, Bakis I, Edwards ND, Zwiebel LJ. "Olfactory sensitivity differentiates morphologically distinct worker castes in Camponotus floridanus," BMC Biology, vol. 21, no. 3, 2023. doi: 10.1186/s12915-022-01505-x |
| Zi Y, Feng L, Sun H, Baker A, Ferguson ST, Ochieng S, Zwiebel LJ. "Discrete roles of Ir76b ionotropic coreceptor impact olfaction, blood feeding, and mating in the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles coluzzii," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 119, no. 23, 2022. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2112385119 |
| Zi Y, Feng L, Ferguson ST, Baker A, Pitts RJ, Zwiebel LJ. "Ammonium Transporter AcAmt Mutagenesis Uncovers Reproductive and Physiological Defects Without Impacting Olfactory Responses to Ammonia in the Malaria Vector Mosquito Anopheles coluzzii," Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 134, no. 103578, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103578 |
| Ferguson ST, Bakis I, Zwiebel LJ. "Advances in the Study of Olfaction in Eusocial Ants," Insects, vol. 12, no. 3, pages 252, 2021. doi: 10.3390/insects12030252 |
| Ferguson ST, Ray A, Zwiebel LJ. “Olfactory Genomics of Eusociality within the Hymenoptera,” in G. Blomquist and R. Vogt. (Eds.), Insect Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2nd Edition, 2020. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier, Academic Press. |
| Ferguson ST, Park KY, Ruff A, Bakis I, Zwiebel LJ. “Odor Coding of Nestmate Recognition in the Eusocial Ant Camponotus floridanus,” Journal of Experimental Biology, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.215400 (Cover Story, Featured in Scientific American and Cosmos Magazine) |
| Ahmed SM, Pitts RJ, Ferguson ST, Zwiebel LJ. “Characterization of Chemosensory Responses on the Labellum of the Malaria Vector Mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii,” Scientific Reports, vol. 8, no. 5656, 2018. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-23987-y |
| Slone JD, Pask GM, Ferguson ST, Millar JG, Berger SL, Reinberg D, Liebig J, Ray A, Zwiebel LJ. “Functional Characterization of Odorant Receptors in the Ponerine Ant, Harpegnathos saltator,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 114, no. 32, pages 8586-8591, 2017. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1704647114 |
Invited Talks
| "Chemosensory regulation of collective behavior in eusocial ants," Evolutionary Studies Seminar, Evolution@VU, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2020. |
| “Investigating the Role of Peripheral Olfaction in Mediating Complex Ant Behavior,” South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 2019. |
| “Olfactory Coding of Nestmate Recognition in Formicine Ants,” SuperFly Seminar Series, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2019. |
| “Unlocking the Molecular Mysteries of Social Behavior,” Vanderbilt University Department of Biological Sciences Annual Retreat, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, Nashville, Tennessee, 2019. |
| “Exploring the Role of Odorant Receptor Signaling in Distinguishing Friend from Foe in Camponotus floridanus,” Biology and Genomics of Social Insects Conference, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, 2018. |
| “Investigating the Role of Olfaction in Mediating Complex Social Behaviors in Ant Societies,” SuperFly Seminar Series, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2018. |
| “Investigating the Role of Olfaction in Mediating Complex Social Behaviors in Ant Societies,” Biological Sciences Departmental Seminar Series – Research in Progress, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2018. |
| “Foes by any other name: The sweet smell of identity,” Vanderbilt University Department of Biological Sciences Annual Retreat, Adventure Science Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 2017. |
| “The Role of Peripheral Olfaction in Ant Social Behaviors,” SuperFly Seminar Series, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2016. |
Poster Presentations
| Treasure G, Ferguson ST, Li T, Zakria D, Day R, Triana A, Shah K. “Applying Spend Analysis Principles from Management Consulting to the Operation of a Student-Run Free Clinic,” Society of Student-Run Free Clinics Annual Conference, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, 2020. |
| Park KY, Ferguson ST, Zwiebel LJ. “Odorant Specificity in Distinguishing Foes from Friends in the Ant, Camponotus floridanus,” Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2018. |
| Ahmed SM, Pitts, RJ, Ferguson ST, Zwiebel LJ. “Molecular Basis of Odor Coding in the Labellum of the Malaria Mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii,” Vanderbilt Brain Institute’s 2016 Retreat, Arrington Vineyards, Arrington, Tennessee, 2016. |
| Slone JD, Pask GM, Zhou X, Ferguson ST, Ruff A, Millar JG, Ray A, Zwiebel LJ. “Evolutionary Dynamics and Functional Properties of Ant Odorant Receptors,” Linnaeus Conference – IC-E3 Final Symposium, Alnarp, Sweden, 2016. |
| Ruff A, Ferguson ST, Slone JD, Zwiebel LJ. “Characterization of Olfactory Dependent Processes in the Florida Carpenter Ant Camponotus floridanus using Volatile Orco Agonists,” Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 2015. |
| Ferguson ST, Ruff A, Slone JD, Zwiebel LJ. “Nestmate Recognition is Modulated by a Volatilized Orco Agonist (VUAA4) in Camponotus floridanus,” Vanderbilt University Department of Biological Sciences Annual Retreat, Scarritt Bennett Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 2015. |
| Ferguson ST, Bernard A. “For the Love of Science: Student Success and Enjoyment in General Genetics,” Robert Noyce Scholarship Program for Math and Science Poster Session, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, 2014. |
| Beckman L, Bookhardt S, Ferguson ST, Hopkins A, Mann T, Oliver P, Rauer H, Rutledge-Ellison L, Zook T, Fleck B. “Predictive Variables of Homelessness in Colorado,” Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2013. |
Teaching and Mentorship
- Vanderbilt University (2015-2018)
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Teaching Assistant – Introduction to Zoology Laboratory
Teaching Assistant – Biology Today Laborator - University of Colorado Denver (2013-2014)
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Guest Lecturer – Topic: Chromosome Structure
Teaching Assistant – General Genetics
Learning Assistant – General Genetics - Swigert International School (2014)
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Volunteer Teacher – Girls Engaged in Math and Science Outreach Program
- Private Tutor (2014)
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General Genetics
- Undergraduate Student Mentoring
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Nicholas Edwards (2021-present)
Katrina Schwensen (2021-present)
Isaac Bakis, Current: Research Technician at Weill Cornell Medicine (2018-2021)
Kyu Young Park, Current: University of British Columbia Dentistry (2016-2019)
Alexandra Ruff, Current: Wake Forest School of Medicine (2015-2016)
Andrew Legan, Current: Graduate Student at Cornell University (2014-2016)
Affiliations, Activities, and Achievements
- Vanderbilt University's Graduate Research Excellence Award (2020)
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"For performing outstanding and scholarly research over a sustained period of their tenure in the department”
- Consultant for Vanderbilt’s Medicine and Business Society (2019)
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Cooperated with a small team to apply the principles of management consulting to analyze financial expenditures of Vanderbilt University’s Shade Tree Clinic in order to improve operational efficiency
Identified a substantial savings opportunity which would reduce total dispensary drug spend by up to 40% each year through a partnership with the pharmaceutical distributor Dispensary of Hope
Presented recommendations to the Shade Tree Clinic executive board - Member of Vanderbilt’s Advanced Degree Consulting Club (2019)
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Formed a weekly study group with peers that met to discuss the principles of business and consulting
Led short, informative discussions on topics such as composing frameworks, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the principles of economics - Social Chair for Vanderbilt’s Graduate Student Association (2017-2018)
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Collaborated with the VP of International & Institutional Affairs to host international and cultural events
Organized social events for graduate students and faculty members
Managed a budget for activity-related expenditures - Speaker Chair for Vanderbilt’s Graduate Student Association (2016-2017)
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Recruited renowned scientists to speak at Vanderbilt University’s Biological Sciences Seminar Series
Coordinated travel, scheduling, and compensation for speakers - Volunteer Teacher for CU Denver’s Women in STEM (2013-2014)
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Promoted scientific engagement among elementary-aged girls by leading hands-on scientific demonstrations through the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Outreach Program at Swigert International School
- Science Fair Judge for Swigert International School (2013)
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Promoted scientific engagement among elementary-aged children by discussing the foundations of scientific research and acting as a judge at a science fair
- Statistical Consultant for CU Denver’s Human Development Club (2013-2014)
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Assessed the efficacy of the PACE (Promoting Academics and Character Education) Program at deterring the frequency and severity of negative behavior among students referred to the program. This was a collaborative effort between the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Denver Public Schools and the Safe City Office to improve academic and life skill development while reducing negative behavioral issues among children
Languages
English (Native Proficiency)
Mandarin (Elementary)