Kacey L. Cope
Current Professional Appointments
Assistant Professor of Biology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, USA
Education
Degree Date Degree
Institution Attended Major Field Earned Conferred
Case Western Reserve University Biology Ph.D Aug 2018
The Pennsylvania State University Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences M.S. May 2013
The Pennsylvania State University Animal Bioscience** B.S. May 2009
The Pennsylvania State University Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Minor May 2009
**Graduated with Distinction
Grants and Scholarships
January 2019 | NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Faculty Research Enhancement Award, Department of Biology, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Award: $4,200
December 2018 | Title III Course Revision Grant, Department of Biology, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Award: $3,000
July 2017| Oglebay Small Grant, Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University
Award: $1,500
August 2005, 2006| Blue and White Scholarship, Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington
Award: $3,500
Publications
Cope, Kacey L., Mandi Wilder Schook, and Michael F. Benard. In prep. Artificial light at night and predator-prey dynamics: Consumptive and non-consumptive
effects of predators are not reflected in corticosterone of American toads. General and Comparative Endocrinology.
Dananay, Kacey L. and Michael F. Benard. 2018. Developmental, behavioral and ecological effects of Artificial Light at Night across life-stages in a widespread
amphibian. Proc. R. Soc. B 285: 20180367. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0367.
Dananay, Kacey L., Katherine L. Krynak, Timothy F. Krynak, Michael F. Benard. 2015. Legacy of road salt: apparent positive larval effects counteracted by negative
post-metamorphic effects in wood frogs. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 34.10: 2417-2424. DOI: 10.1002/etc.3082
- featured in news coverage in the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper, and an interview with WKSU 89.7 radio station.
Carrick, Hunter J., Kacey L. Dananay, Rebecca A. Eckert and Keith J. Price. 2012. Decomposition during Autumn Foliage Leaf-out in Wetlands Situated Along a
Biogeochemical Gradient in Pennsylvania, USA. Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 27.1: 1-17. DOI: 10.1080/02705060.2011.599994
- featured as an editor’s choice article.
Awards
May 2016| Case Western Reserve University Graduate Dean's Instructional Excellence Award
This competitive, university-wide award is presented to 8 out of approximately 2,300 graduate student teaching assistants who demonstrate outstanding
achievement in instruction in undergraduate classes.
April 2007| Pennsylvania State University Eberly College of Science Academic Excellence Award
This award is presented to sophomores, juniors and seniors with the highest grade point averages for each class.
April 2007| Pennsylvania State University Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and American Universities Award
This award is presented to outstanding campus leaders for their scholastic and community accomplishments. The criteria for selection include both academic
and co-curricular performance.
Training and Certifications
Active Learning and Technology in the Classroom Training
Quality Matters Online Teaching Training and Certification
English as a Second Language Training
Diversity and Inclusion Training
ALICE Training
GreenDot Training
Teaching Experience
August 2018 - present| Assistant Professor of Biology at West Virginia Wesleyan College
I designed and taught courses such as human anatomy and physiology introductory biology classes focused on ecology, evolution, biodiversity, cell biology, homeostasis, and body system physiology. I also taught General Biology which focuses on ecology, evolution, and biodiversity for non-majors.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II Lab Instructor
• Principles of Biology I and II Lecture Instructor
• Principles of Biology I Lab Instructor
• General Biology I Lecture and Lab :: traditional and online
May 2013- May 2018| Mentor Teaching Assistant Coordinator for Educational Services for Students, UNIV 400 at Case Western Reserve University.
I work with a team to organize, design and facilitate seminars throughout the academic year that are held as training for graduate teaching assistants. In the coordinator position, I manage the team of mentor teaching assistants, organize schedules, obtain speakers to help facilitate each seminar, and maintain the website among other tasks.
• Team-designed training program
• Teaching course materials to teaching assistants
• Manage team
Fall 2016, 2017| Co-Instructor for Weatherhead’s School of Business Spoken English Language Partner Seminar Series, OR-SC SELP at Case Western Reserve University.
The co-instructor and I designed and presented materials to international business students in order to help them adjust to the US and improve their spoken and written English.
• Team-designed training program
• Assist in international student adjustment to US culture and academics
• Teach topics like presentations, elevator pitch and interview preparation
Fall 2016, 2017| Teaching Assistant for Dr. Sue Burden-Gulley’s Development and Physiology Laboratory course, Biol 216L at Case Western Reserve University.
I held weekly laboratory classes or review sessions which covered various developmental and physiology topics from embryo development and neurobiology to cardiac and skeletal muscle structure and function.
• Provide hands-on, empirical laboratory experience for students
• Classroom management
Fall 2013, 2015| Teaching Assistant for Drs. Michael Benard and Nancy Dilulio in Genes, Ecology and Evolution, Biol 214 at Case Western Reserve University.
I held weekly review sessions, graded exams and in class activities and proctored exams for a class of 400 students.
• Facilitate large group active learning activities
• Coaching students through practice problems
Fall 2014| Teaching Assistant for Dr. Michael Benard in Herpetology, Biol 305 at Case Western Reserve University.
As the lab instructor, I taught students how to collect ecological data in the field and morphological data in the laboratory, how to analyze the data in R, and how to write papers in publication formats. I also graded laboratory reports and in class activities.
• Presenting materials in laboratory classroom
• Assist students in collecting live animal data
• Teaching statistical data analysis in R
Spring 2010-2012| Teaching Assistant for Drs. Jacqualine Grant and Justin Bohling in Mammalogy, WFS 408 at The Pennsylvania State University.
I collaborated on curriculum and exam development, prepared for laboratory activities, graded tests, quizzes and practicals, helped answer questions during class time or office hours, and proctored exams.
• Presented laboratory and lecture materials
• Trained students on various field measurement techniques
Mentoring Students
August 2018-present| Undergraduate Advisor at West Virginia Wesleyan College
I have advised various undergraduate students on course material, how to apply for summer research programs, as well as preparing for internships.
• Resume Design and Preparation
• Essay Preparation for Summer Research Programs or Internships
• Student course scheduling
August 2018-present| Undergraduate Research Mentor at West Virginia Wesleyan College
I am currently setting up undergraduate research projects at WVWC. Therefore, I am working with multiple students in designing and preparing for our summer research projects.
• Experimental design
• Collecting and curating specimens
• Interpretation of scientific articles
• Statistical data analysis in R and in articles
May 2014-May 2018| High School Student Mentorship
I have mentored two high school students on field techniques of ecological research.
• Experimental design
• Collecting and curating specimens
• Interpretation of scientific articles
• Statistical data analysis in R
May 2014-May 2018| Undergraduate Student Mentorship
I have mentored multiple undergraduate students on both field and laboratory techniques of ecological experiments.
• Experimental design
• Collecting and curating specimens
• Interpretation of scientific articles
• Statistical data analysis in R
Research Experience
January 2016-June 2018| Endocrinology Lab Volunteer, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
I began learning EIA and RIA methodologies with Dr. Mandi Schook and lab manager Laura Amendolagine. Since January 2016, I have processed samples for corticosterone, melatonin, estradiol, pregnanediol glucuronide, estrone conjugate, and monoclonal progesterone.
• Collect and process hormone samples
• Conduct hormone validations
• Run samples with EIA and RIA methodologies
August 2012-May 2018| Dissertation Research, Case Western Reserve University
I study the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on the environment, especially organisms that change habitats over their lifespan. From conception to publication, I have designed my experiments, collected and analyzed data, presented and published research on two pollutants that are particularly wide spread: road salt and artificial light.
• Designing experiments
• Animal care
• Collecting hormone samples
• Animal behavior – visibility data
• Collecting community composition data
• Data analysis using R Statistical Program
August 2012-May 2018| Research Assistant, Case Western Reserve University
Coordinated research efforts in a long-term study on the effects of habitat destruction of salamanders in collaboration with Michael Benard and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.
• Animal marking
• Mark-recapture methodologies
• Project management
August 2009-August 2012| Research Assistant, Pennsylvania State University
I collected and analyzed data on artificial light pollution, global climate change, and salt pollution on mammal and amphibian models for my master’s thesis.
• Designing and collecting experimental data
• Collecting blood samples
• Identifying and analyzing white blood cell data
• Data analysis using R and Minitab
March 2010-May 2012|Research Team Leader, Pennsylvania State University
Lead a large team (10-20 students) of undergraduates giving them real world experience as a wildlife biologist. While leading this team, I taught this group of researchers how to trap, ear tag, draw blood and analyze blood and brain samples on amphibian and mammal subjects.
• Training data collectors
• Mentoring undergraduates in experimental design and data collection
May 2006-May 2007| Research Assistant, Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington Campus.
Collected and analyzed data on leaf senescence and presented the findings in the undergraduate research fair.
• Collecting experimental data
• Used statistical software Minitab
Presentations
Kacey L. Cope. “Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Amphibians” Invited seminar speaker for Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at West Virginia
Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV
Kacey L. Dananay and Michael F. Benard. “Salt and Spotlights: Amphibians have diverse responses to environmental pollutants” Invited seminar speaker at John
Carroll University’s Department Seminar, University Heights, OH, October 2017.
Kacey L. Dananay, Mandi Schook, and Michael F. Benard. “Physiological Responses of American Toads to Artificial Light at Night” Oral presentation at the
International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology Conference, Orlando, FL, August 2017.
Kacey L. Dananay and Michael F. Benard. “Putting the spotlight on Artificial light at night: tests for direct and indirect effects on American toad (Bufo americanus)
growth, development, and behavior” Oral presentation at the Ecological Society of America Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL, August 2016.
Kacey L. Dananay and Michael F. Benard. “The effects of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) on forest floor communities: investigating invertebrate community changes,
leaf decomposition and wood frog diet” Poster presentation at the Ecological Society of America Conference, Baltimore, MD, August 2015.
Kacey L. Dananay and Michael F. Benard. “The carry-over effects of road salt on wood frogs (Rana sylvatica): investigating aquatic-terrestrial linkages associated
with environmental pollutants” Oral presentation at the Ecological Society of America Conference, Sacramento, CA, August 2014.
Kacey L. Dananay and Michael F. Benard. “Road salt pollution increases tadpole growth but decreases post-metamorphic survivorship in wood frogs (Rana
sylvatica).” Oral presentation at the Ohio Biological Society’s Ohio Natural History Conference, Columbus, OH, February 2014.
Christopher McMullin, Kacey L. Dananay and Dr. Jacqualine Grant. “Morphological Effects of Ecological Light Pollution on the Northern Dusky Salamander.” Poster
presented in the 2011 Undergraduate Research Fair at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
Kacey L. Dananay, Mallorie B. Bonitz, Dr. William Hamilton, and Dr. Robert Mathers. “Seasonal Changes in Leaf Pigments in Three Species of Hardwood Trees.”
Poster presented in the 2006 Undergraduate Research Fair at the Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington Campus, New Kensington, PA.
Service
January 2019 – present | Growth and Visibility Theme Team Member
As part of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s strategic planning initiative, I have joined a team that focuses on retaining our students, revamping campus to include more third spaces for students, and making our college more visible to students outside of West Virginia.
August 2017-May 2018| Graduate Student Council Mentor/Mentee Committee Member
As a member of this committee, we are putting together a program that investigates mentor/mentee relationships at Case Western Reserve University by first
creating a survey to gauge the current attitudes of graduate students. Then we are using this survey data to make a mentor/mentee handbook and training
program that all professors at Case Western Reserve University will be given and trained with.
May 2014, 2016| Morley Research Competition Judge
This is an annual campus-wide research presentation for undergraduates who have conducted research at Case Western Reserve University. As a judge, I
read written reports and listened to students orally present their research findings.
May 2015| Research ShowCASE Judge
This is an annual research competition held during the spring semester for all Case Western Reserve University undergraduates who have conducted
research at CWRU or other universities which is biologically related. As a judge, I listened to undergraduate students present their findings in poster format.
May 2013- May 2018| Biology Graduate Student Organization at Case Western Reserve University
I am part of a graduate student organization that meets to discuss issues within the department and how to correct them. I am also the chair for the graduate
retreat committee and a member of the welcome committee.
May 2013- May 2018| Biology Graduate Student Organization at Case Western Reserve University
I am part of a graduate student organization that meets to discuss issues within the department and how to correct them. I am also the chair for the graduate
retreat committee and a member of the welcome committee.
August 2006| Pennsylvania State Summer Leadership Conference
This conference was for students within the Pennsylvania State University to connect in order to learn about leadership, organizational skills, and personal
leadership styles in order to better understand our leadership roles on campus and within our diverse communities while at Penn State and throughout our
lives.
Outreach
March 2019 | Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Buckhannon, WV
Presented the results of Dananay and Benard 2018 to high school students to explain the scientific process, the effects of environmental pollutants, and how
we can improve our environment. I also answered questions on other career paths they could pursue with different science degrees.
January 2019 | West Virginia Science Bowl Volunteer, Morgantown, WV
Volunteer at the West Virginia Science Bowl for high school students. In addition to fulfilling my volunteer role, I was able to answer questions about college
programs and different career paths associated with biology, ecology, and animal physiology.
September 2015| School Presentation, Yavne High School for Girls - Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, Cleveland OH
Presented the results of Dananay et al. 2015 to a high school class to explain the scientific process and how we apply it to current research projects.
February 2013| Workshop Assistant, Expanding Your Horizons Workshop at The Pennsylvania State University
I helped design and teach workshop material to students with varying degrees of wildlife knowledge.
March 2011| Group Leader, 4-H Youth Development Organization at The Pennsylvania State University
I helped design, build and lead a workshop on birds of prey for a group of 8-12 year old children and their parents.
Professional References
Michael Benard, Ph.D. – Case Western Reserve University, Associate Professor
Email: mfb38@case.edu Phone: 216.368.1080
Judith Hammer, M.S. – Case Western Reserve University, Assistant Dean: Office of Accommodated Testing & Services
Email: jko2@case.edu Phone: 216.368.0399
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Mandi Schook, Ph.D. – Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Science Operations Manager
Email: Mandi.Schook@disney.com Phone: 407.938.3287
Jean Burns, Ph.D. – Case Western Reserve University, Associate Professor
Email: jbm122@case.edu Phone: 216.368.4288
Laura Amendolagine, B.S. – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Endocrinology Lab Manager
Email: laa@clevelandmetroparks.com Phone: 216.661.6500 x4011