Temple College Undergraduate Biology Research Project Leads to Publication

Temple College’s undergraduate research program and opportunities are rare among community colleges

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have been a long-standing problem in Central Texas waterways.

But this nuisance to many has become a gold mine of unique undergraduate research opportunities for Temple College biology students over the years.  

Josiah “Joey” Moore is a 2020 Temple College biology graduate who recently co-authored his second scientific study from research conducted during his time at Temple College.

The study, "Comparative population dynamics of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) populations in two similar closely adjacent warm-water Texas reservoirs,” was published in Aquatic Invasions in September.

“Not every community college offers its students the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research, and it’s extra special when community college students are able to have their research published,” said, Dr. Jason Locklin, Dean of Temple College’s Division of Natural Sciences, one of the co-authors on the study, along with Dr. Robert F. McMahon, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biology at The University of Texas at Arlington.

Moore was a student in the Temple College Undergraduate Research Experience (TCURE) program and graduated from Temple College with Biological Honors. He then transferred to Texas A&M-Central Texas, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Preparing Students for Research Programs

Biology majors like Moore, who complete a research project with a research mentor and perform well academically are candidates to graduate from Temple College with Biological Honors.

“This designation is reserved for outstanding students who want to stand above the rest, enhance their resume, and, in collaboration with their research mentor, answer biological questions that contribute to the scientific field,” Locklin said.

Moore said his experience at Temple College prepared him for his bachelor’s degree program and helped ease the transition to the next level.

“Not only did this help instill confidence and knowledge in research, but I was also able to incorporate more zebra mussel research for my capstone research project at Texas A&M-Central Texas,” Moore said.

Temple College Research Provides Insight into Local Lakes

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that threaten aquatic ecosystems throughout the United States. Temple College has been studying the population dynamics of this species for more than eight years in local lakes.

This is the third published study out of Temple College. The first, published in 2020, has been cited in at least 11 published studies worldwide in less than four years.

Moore’s research investigated the population dynamics of zebra mussels in two Central Texas lakes – Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

“Overall, our research has determined that zebra mussels in Texas lakes exhibit much faster growth rates with shortened lifespans compared to populations in northern systems of North America and Europe,” Locklin said.

“This rapid growth, attributed to warmer water temperatures, allows them to reproduce within their first year and potentially spawn twice a year. However, their lifespan is short, typically lasting about a year,” Locklin said. “This abbreviated lifespan, in contrast to the three- to nine-year lifespan observed in some northern populations, might be due to the physiological stress associated with prolonged exposure to high water temperatures in Texas.”

Locklin, who serves as managing editor of the Texas Journal of Science, noted that the research results from Belton and Stillhouse Hollow lakes are similar to those patterns found statewide.

“Zebra mussel populations at southern latitudes likely follow a ‘boom-bust’ cycle,” he said. “After an initial ‘boom’ phase characterized by rapid population growth following infestation, a ‘bust’ phase marked by a decline in population density may occur.”

The study observed this potential "boom-bust" dynamic in Belton Lake, where the population, after reaching very high densities in the initial years post-infestation, showed signs of decline in the later years of the study, Locklin said.

“I was surprised how much greater the zebra mussel population’s density was at Stillhouse Hollow Lake compared to Belton Lake,” Moore said. “This helps advance the zebra mussel population knowledge by revealing that multiple factors are at play than just the location of a zebra mussel invasion in Texas waterbodies.”

About Temple College

Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 98 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.