Mark R. Zierden
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Mark grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains in northern New Jersey. He earned his BS in chemistry from Stockton University where he studied thermochromic nickel complexes with Rogers Barlatt. He also performed research on the glass transitions of alkali-borate glasses under the guidance of Steve Feller at Coe College.
He earned a PhD at Temple University with Ann M. Valentine studying the kinetics of iron reduction by a tunicate transferrin, and the binding of several Rhodococcus species with titanium dioxide. During this time he was an NSF GK-12 Fellow and volunteered at a local high school.
Mark worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Richard L. Lindroth investigating the chemical defense of Populus tremuloides and chemical response of Populus to metal stress.
Mark started as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Lake Superior State University in the Fall of 2022. Mark is also the Assistant Facility Coordinator of the Micro Analysis and Spectroscopic Characterization Lab.
Undergraduate Researchers
If you are interested in doing research in the Zierden lab please reach out by email (mzierden@lssu.edu) or stop by my office (Crawford Hall 317).
Mia Morgan
Junior
About Mia: I enjoy fostering shelter kittens and their moms in my free time before they are ready to find homes. I also volunteer at the local shelter and walk dogs. I garden and create pollinator habitat in the summers. I enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and hiking in the winter. Traveling and road trips with my dogs is my favorite pastime. Then coming home to my cats to watch some history channel or national geographic (the cats favorite) is the best way to be greeted and settle back into being home. Mia is also the student manager of the LSSU greenhouse.
Project(s): Mia is working on propagating multiple genets of Bigtooth Aspen. The propagation of these genets will allow for the study of genet differences in secondary metabolites which play a role in plant defense.
Jon Hofmeister
Junior
About Jon: During the winter I like to go snowboarding, during the warmer months I like to go on hikes and take pictures of cool plants/animals/fungi. I am interested in Cannabis cultivation and extraction processes, Cannabis genetics, research and analysis of psychedelic compounds.
Project(s): Jon is currently growing multiple cultivars of hemp Cannabis for use in aquaponic systems and nutrient regimen studies. Analysis of growth and secondary metabolites from these cultivars provides valuable understanding of nutrient needs across cultivars and suitability of aquaculture for Cannabis.
Alexandra Mazzella
Junior
About Alex:
Project(s): Alex is working on a literature review project. This work is examining the ability of multiple Brassica species to uptake toxic metals into their vegetation. Brassica is a genus of plants that includes multiple species commonly consumed including cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, turnip, and mustard.
Lanny Stout
Junior
About Lanny:
Project(s): Lanny’s project is focused on using Cannabis for phytoremediation. Growing a single strain of hemp in soil containing copper, nickel, or copper and nickel. Lanny is analyzing the plants for metal localization, and effects on cannabinoids and terpenes.
Monica Lopez-Garcia
Junior
About Monica: During my free-time, I enjoy longboarding, working out, hanging out with my friends, and researching information regarding new projects, advancements, and overall development within the Cannabis industry. I hope to one day, with my degree and knowledge, to be able to not only help my family members, but others as well with destroying the stigma around Cannabis but also produce and provide products at an appropriate and affordable cost in consideration to some that are priced due to multiple factors in the process and industry itself.
Project(s): Effects of light wavelength on Cannabis growth.
Atlas Quaine
Junior
About Atlas: I decided to switch careers and pursue higher education, hoping to one day conduct further research into psilocybin and other natural substances. Specifically the effects of such substances on the brain and how they can be used to combat the growing mental health crisis. I enjoy the outdoors, which includes running, hiking, camping, and exploring new national parks with my wife.
Project(s): Atlas is currently working on the extraction and analysis of saponins from Stapelia. Saponins have multiple health benefits as well as antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Gracie Corbin
Junior
About Gracie: In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, reading and crocheting. I love to travel and learn about different cultures and meet new people. I am interested in all things soil, as well as the relationships between plants and fungi. I love the complexities of fungi and their potential in helping human development.
Project(s): Gracie currently is looking at the use of fungi for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil, specifically the potential use in agriculture. Gracie’s focus is on the benefits fungi can serve as a hyperaccumulator as well as the relationship they have with crops.
Zierden Lab 