Dr. Sonya Bierbower

Dr. Sonya Bierbower

Associate Professor

sonya.bierbower@westpoint.edu

Biography


Dr. Sonya M. Bierbower is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Science.  Dr. Bierbower graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia and as an undergraduate, she was involved in research areas of motor task learning behavior in capuchin monkeys and protein purification in nitrogen fixing bacteria. After graduating with honors from UGA, Dr. Bierbower completed a thesis master’s degree with Highest Distinction from DePaul University.  Her research focused on the pathophysiology of parasite/host relationships and the role of parasite manipulation of neuromodulators.  Dr. Bierbower then earned her PhD from the University of Kentucky with her doctorate research focused on environmental and physiological effects on neuronal synaptic transmission and neural circuitry. Following her doctorate, Dr. Bierbower was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Her postdoctoral research studied the augmentation of the KCNQ potassium channel in a stroke-induced brain injury and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a vertebrate model.  While at UTHSCSA, Dr. Bierbower was awarded a NIH T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and a NRSA F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship.  Following her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Bierbower accepted a faculty position at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.  As a tenured professor at WPU, she had an active undergraduate and graduate research program focused on TBI, excitotoxicity and cannabinoid receptors role as a therapeutic approach to injury.  In 2022, Dr. Bierbower accepted the position at USMA and is currently active in research focused on understanding the microbiome, immune response, synaptic transmission and neural circuitry using invertebrate models. 

Ongoing Research Projects


Currently, Dr. Bierbower is collaborating with USMA scientists and the University of Kentucky (Laboratory of Dr. Robin L. Cooper).  In collaboration with Dr. Robin Cooper, research has focused on behavior, physiology and synaptic mechanism between neurons and muscle cells.  Specifically, recent publications have focused on the effects of heavy metals (iron and Zinc) on neural circuitry.  In collaboration with USMA scientists, research has focused on the gut and hemolymph microbiome.

Publications & Presentations


Peer-Reviewed Publications

Lee Ann Smith, Jeremy Nadolski, Grace Jacobs, Jodi M. Ogle, Madhusudan P. Srinivasan, Hannah N. Tanner, Elizabeth R. Steele, Nicole T. Marguerite, Sonya M. Bierbower, Slane Steen, Isaac Easterling, Abigail Greenhalgh, Cecilia Pankau, Shelby McCubbin, Brad Behymer, Robin L. Cooper, "Assessing Reliability for Quantifying Social Interactions among Crayfish", International Journal of Zoology, vol. 2024, Article ID 8031535, 7 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8031535  

Wagers, M., Starks, A., Nadolski, J., Bierbower, S.M., Altenburg, S., Schryer, B., Cooper, R. (2024).  Examining the effect of iron (ferric) on physiological processes:  Invertebrate models. Comp Biochem and Physiology, Part C. doi:10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109856.

Elliott, E.R., McIntosh, R.D., Datta, M.S., Crawford, D.M., Hirtle, J.T., Leach, A.B., Roemer, K.A., Sotingeanu, L.C., Tau, A.C., Vessels, B.D., Speed, S.L., Bradley, A.L., Farmer, C.G., Altenburg, S., Bierbower, S.M. and Cooper, R.L. (2023) Effects of zinc on physiological processes in Drosophila and crawfish: Cardiac, neural, synaptic transmission and behavioral assays.  Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 18: 166-189.  DOI:  10.3923/jpt.2023.166.189. 

Ballinger-Boone, C., Anyagaligbo, O., Bernard, J., Bierbower, S.M., Dupont-Verteegden, E.E., Ghoweri, A., Greenhalgh, A., Harrison, D., Istas, O., McNabb, M., Saelinger, C., Stanback, A., Stanback, M., Thibault, O., and Cooper, R.L. (2020).  The effects of bacterial endotoxin (LPS) on cardiac and synaptic function in various animal models:  Larval Drosophilia, crayfish, crab, and rodent.  International Journal of Zoological Research 16: 33-62.  DOI: 10.3923/ijzr.2020.33.62https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijzr.2020.33.62

Zamora, M.F and Bierbower, S.M. (2020). Understanding the Underlying Neuroprotective Role of Estrogen in TBI Neuropathophysiology. Arch Clin Case Stud. 2(2): ACCS.MS.ID.000534. DOI: 10.33552/ACCS.2020.02.000534.

Saelinger, C.M, McNabb, M.C., McNair, R., Bierbower, S.M. and Cooper, R.L.  (2019)  Effects of bacterial endotoxin on regulation of the heart, a sensory-CNS-motor nerve circuit and neuromuscular junctions: Crustacean model.  Comp Biochem and Physiology, Part A.  doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110557

Perchuk, A., Bierbower, S.M., Canseco-Alba, A., Zoila, M., Tyrell, L., Joshi, N., Schanz, N., Gould, G., and Onaivi, E.S.  (2018). Developmental and behavioral effects in neonatal and adult mice following prenatal activation of endocannabinoid receptors by capsaicin. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica.  Jul 10:  PMID 29991708.  doi: 10.1038/s41401-018-0073-z.

Choveau, F., Bierbower, S.M., Zhang, J., De la Rosa, V., Hernandez, C., and Shapiro, M. (2018).    Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate (PIP2) regulates KCNQ3 K+ channels by interacting with four cytoplasmic channel domains.  J. Biol Chem. 293(50):19411-19428. doi: 10.1074/jbc.RA118.005401.  PMID:  30348901.  DOI: 10.1074/jbc.RA118.005401.

Kopp, D.A., Bierbower, S.M., Murphy, A.D., Frye, K., Mormann, K. and Sparkes, T.S. (2016) Parasite-related modification of mating behavior and refuge use in the aquatic isopod Caecidotea intermedius: neurological correlates. Behavior153: 947-961.

Choveau, F., Zhang, J., Bierbower, S.M., Sharma, R. and Shapiro, M.S. (2015).  The role of the carboxy terminus helix C-D linker in regulating KCNQ3 K+ current amplitudes by controlling channel trafficking. PLoS ONE.  December Volume 10 (12); e0145367. 

Weng, HU., Patel, KN., Jeske, NA., Bierbower, S.M., Zou, W., Tiwari, T., Zheng, Q., Tang, T., Gary C.H. Mo6,Yan Wang, Geng, Y., Zhang, J., Guan, Y., Akopian, A., Dong, X. (2015). Tmem100 is a regulator of TRPA1-RPV1 complex and contributes to persistent pain. Neuron. Feb 18;85(4):833-46. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.12.065. Epub 2015 Jan 29

Bierbower, S.M., Choveau, F., Lechleiter, J. and Shapiro, M.S. (2015) Augmentation of M-type (KCNQ) potassium channels as a novel strategy to reduce stroke-induced brain injury.  J. Neurosci., Feb 4;35(5):2101-11. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3805-14.2015.  PMID: 25653366

Rowan, M., Bierbower, S.M., Eskander, M.A., Por, E.D., Gomez, R., Veldhgius, N., Bunnett, N.W. and Jeske, N.  (2014)   Activation of mu opioid receptros sensitizes transient receptor potential valilloid type 1 (TRPV1) via B-arrestin-2-mediated cross-talk. PLoS One. Apr 2;9(4):e93688. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093688. eCollection.

Bierbower, S.M., J. Nadolski, Cooper R.L.  (2013) Sensory Systems and Environmental Change on Behavior during social interaction.  Intl. J. of Zoology. Article ID 573802, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/573802

Bierbower, S.M., Cooper R.L.  (2013) The mechanistic action of carbon dioxide on a neural circuit and NMJ communication.  J. Exp Zool A Ecol Genet Physiol. 2013 Jul;319(6):340-54. doi: 10.1002/jez.1798. Epub 2013 Apr 29.

Bierbower, S.M., Shapiro, M.S. (2013) Förster resonance energy transfer-based imaging at the cell surface of live cells.  In:  Ion Channels.  Methods Mol Biol., (998): 209-16.

Bierbower, S.M., Shuranova, Z. P., Cooper, R.L. (2013)   Comparative Study of Environmental Factors Influencing Motor Task Learning and Memory Retention in Blind and Sighted Crayfish. Brain and Behavior 3(1): 4–13.

Por, E., Bierbower, S.M., Berg, K., Gomez, R., Akopian, A., and Jeske, N. (2012) β-arrestin-2 mediates TRPV1 desensitization via scaffolding of phosphodiesterase PDE4D5J. Biol Chem287 (44): 37552-63.

Choveau, F., Bierbower, S.M. and Shapiro, M.S (2012) Pore Helix-S6 Interactions Are Critical in Governing Current Amplitudes of KCNQ3 K+ Channels.  Biophysical J.  102 (11); 2499-50.

Choveau, F., Bierbower, S.M. Hernandez, C. and Shapiro, M.S (2012) Pore determinants of KCNQ3 K+ Current expression.  Biophysical J. 102 (11); 2489-98

Zhang, J., Bal, M., Zaika, O., Bierbower, S.M., Shapiro, M.S. (2011) AKAP79/150 signal complexes in G-protein modulation of neuronal ion channels.  J. Neurosci. 31; 7199-7211.

Bierbower, S.M., Cooper R.L.  (2010). The effects of acute carbon dioxide on behavior and physiology in Procambarus clarkii. J. Exp. Zoology, (313A) 484–497.

Bierbower, S.M., Cooper R.L.  (2009). Measures of heart and ventilatory rates in freely moving crayfish. JoVE. 32. http://www.jove.com/index/details.stp?id=1594, doi: 10.3791/1594.

Bierbower, S.M., Sparkes T.C.  (2007) Parasite-related success in an intermediate host, Caecidotea intermedius (Isopoda): effects of male behavior and reproductive physiology.  J. Parasitol. 93 (3): 445-449.

ABSTRACTS AND CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

E. S. Onaivi*, B. G. Kibret, A. Canseco-Alba, A. Roberts, B. Sanabria, M. F. Zamora, P. Tagliaferro, K. Martin,  S. M. Bierbower, E. Engidawork, S. F. Ali, Z. Lin, H. Ishiguro, Y. Horiuchi, G.G. Gould, S. Buch, V. Shama, and Q-R Liu.  Cannabinoid type 2 receptor neuro-immune crosstalk in alcohol induced behavioral effects following microglia and dopaminergic specific deletion of CB2Rs. Society for Neuroscience Annual Conference (November 11-15, 2023).        

Cadet Sean Altenburg and Bierbower, S.M.* Examining the Effect of Iron (ferric) on Physiological Processes: Invertebrate models.  AUTS Technical Conference (November 3, 2023).

Bierbower, S.M.*  Neurophysiology:  From vertebrates to invertebratesLeMoyne College Research Talk (September 22, 2023).

Bierbower, S.M. * M-Type K+ Channels:  Neuroprotection during ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. William Paterson University, Cognitive Science Honors Symposium (September 30th, 2021).

Bierbower, Sonya M*, Zamora, Maria F, Lui Qing-Rong2, Emmanuel, Onaivi1, Canseco-Alba, Ana1.   The role of cannabinoid 2 receptor in modulating microglia activation after a traumatic brain injury. International Behavior and Neuroscience Society Meeting.  June 2-7, 2020.  Abstract Accepted – Conference Cancelled.

Bierbower, S.M.*, Therapeutic Targets after Traumatic brain Injury: Neuroprotective Role of M-Type K+ Channels.  Fairleigh Dickenson University, Madison, NJ. (February 17, 2020).

Robin L. Cooper1 *, Micaiah McNabb1, Christa Saelinger1, Carly Ballinger Boone1, Abigail Greenhalgh1, Oscar Istas1, Maddie Stanback1, and Alex Stanback1, Ogechi Anyagaligbo1, Jate Bernard1, Melody L. Danley1Sonya M. Bierbower2, Adam Ghoweri3, and Olivier Thibault3.  The Effects of Bacterial Endotoxin (LPS) on Neural Function in Various Animal Models.  Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting.  October 19, 2019.

E. S. Onaivi1*, A. Canseco-Alba1, B. D. Sanabria1, T. Rohani1, M. Zamora1, S. Angarita1, S. Gomez1, J. Louis1, J. Bejarano1, S. Sgro1, P. Tagliaferro1, K. Martin1, S. Bierbower1, H. Ishiguro2, Q.-R. Liu3. Behavioral modifications and alcohol preference following deletion of type 2 cannabinoid receptors in dopamine neurons and microglia.  Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting.  October 19, 2019.

Bierbower, S.M*.  The role of cannabinoid 2 receptor in modulating microglia activation after a traumatic brain injury.  International Neurotrauma Society Annual Meeting.  Pittsburgh, PA.  June 28, 2019. 

Bierbower, S.M.*.  Neuroprotective Effects of KCNQ Potassium Channels after Traumatic Brain Injury. Explorations Research Week, WPU, April 11, 2019. 

Robin L. Cooper1*, Micaiah McNabb1, Christa Saelinger1, Abigail Greenhalgh1, Oscar Istas1, Maddie Stanback1, and Alex Stanback1, Ogechi Anyagaligbo1, Jate Bernard1, Melody L. Danley1Sonya M. Bierbower2, Adam Ghoweri3, and Olivier Thibault3.  The Effects of Bacterial Endotoxin (LPS) on Cardiac and Neural Function in Various Animal Models.  Experimental Biology Annual Conference.  Orlando, FL, April 5, 2019. 

Saelinger, C.M. *, McNabb, M.C., McNair, R., Bierbower, S.M., Cooper, R.L.  Effects of bacterial endotoxin LPS on the neuronal regulation of the heart, a sensory-CNS-motor nerve circuit as well as at neuromuscular junctions:  Crustacean model.  Bluegrass Neuroscience Meeting.  April 15, 2019.

Cooper, R.L* and Bierbower, S.M. *, YouTube video contribution for Backyard Brains.  Experimental design detailing recording synaptic currents in crayfishhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXgSkubpGdo&feature=youtube. July 24, 2018

Zamora, M. and Bierbower, S.M. *  Identifying Neuroprotective In Vivo Targets after a Traumatic Brain Injury. International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Annual meeting.  Boca Raton, FL.  June 27, 2018

Bierbower, S.M. *  WPU Local School Science and Research Tour Laboratory Animal Presentation.  April 27, 2018

Bierbower, S.M. * Bridging Science from High School to College. Professional Development Schools (PDS) Advisory Board Meeting Presentation.  April 11, 2018

Bierbower, S.M. * Getting involved in Research. Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Special Programs Board Meeting Presentation.  April 11, 2018

Bierbower, S.M. * Therapeutic Targets after Stroke and TBI. Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Talk.  March 22, 2018

Bierbower, S.M*.  Science in Our Everyday Lives.  Christopher Columbus School Research Talk.  (March 9, 2018)

Bierbower, S.M. * Getting Students Involved in Science and Research.  Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellows Presentation.  (March 7, 2018)

Bierbower, S.M. * Science Around Us.  JFK Educational Complex Research talk. (March 1, 2018)

Bierbower, S.M*. Science Around Us.  Paterson High School Research Presentation.  (February 22, 2018)

Bierbower, S.M*. Opportunities in Research.  Professor-in-Residence Meeting Presentation.  (December 18, 2017)

Bierbower, S.M. *  Therapeutic Targets after Cerebrovascular Stroke.  Bioseminar Guest Lecture, Class coverage for Dr. Onaivi. (September 7, 2017).

Bierbower, S.M. *Theuarputic Targets after Cerebravascular Stroke Pharmacology Guest Lecture, Class coverage for Dr. Onaivi.  (September 6, 2017).

Bierbower, S. M., * Explorations 2017, “Traumatic Brain Injury and Therapeutic Targets in vivo for a neuroprotective role" William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. (April 6, 2017).

Bierbower, S. M*., Biology and Biotechnology Club Research Presentation, "Therapeutic Targets after Traumatic brain Injury," William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. (October 27, 2016).

Bierbower, S. M. *, Faculty Research Seminar, "Traumatic Brain Injury and Therapeutic Targets," William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. (October 15, 2016).

Bierbower, S. M. *, BIO 4600/5600 Pharmacology Presentation, "M-type (KCNQ) Potassium Channels as a novel strategy to reduce Strike-induced Brain Injury," Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne. (October 3, 2016).

Bierbower, S. M. *, GS-LSAMP Meeting, "Therapeutic Targets after Traumatic brain Injury:  Neuroprotective Role of M-Type K+ Channels.," Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. (February 11, 2016).

Bierbower, S. M. *, BIO 4600/5600 Pharmacology Presentation, "A novel strategy to reduce Strike-induced Brain Injury.," William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. (October 1, 2015).

Bierbower, S. M*., Faculty Research Seminar, "Traumatic Brain Injury," William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. (September 15, 2015).