Mount Vernon Nazarene University faculty and an undergraduate researcher published a second peer-reviewed journal article from the university’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research, according to a July 23 announcement.
The study, titled “Small-Scale Habitat Relationships of Corydalus cornutus Hellgrammites in Central Ohio Riffles,” was authored by Dr. Jon P. Bossley, student Hanna E. Humphrey, and Dr. Peter C. Smiley Jr. of the USDA Agricultural Research Service and published on April 10 in Insects. The research examined environmental factors influencing the occurrence, density, and body size of hellgrammites—larvae of the eastern dobsonfly—in riffles within central Ohio rivers. The team found that higher water velocity, larger substrate size, and increased substrate richness led to greater occurrence and density of hellgrammites; density was also higher at the center of riffles while body size increased with distance from other plots containing hellgrammites.
According to the researchers, these findings suggest that habitat management practices increasing water velocity and substrate sizes could benefit hellgrammite populations along agricultural rivers in the Midwest United States. The study also indicated that hellgrammites may serve as effective indicator species for physical habitat conditions in streams.
“Hellgrammites may seem like obscure, unimportant bugs in the water, but they serve many important roles in the aquatic food web,” said Dr. Jon Bossley. “They are prey for a variety of fish and crayfish species and they, in turn, function as predators of other aquatic insects. Also, because of their sensitivity to pollutants, hellgrammites indicate water quality just like a canary in a coal mine.”
From 2022 to 2025, six Mount Vernon Nazarene University undergraduate students contributed to this four-year study alongside four undergraduates from Ohio State University and North Carolina A&T University through an exchange program started by Bossley aimed at expanding student research opportunities.
“The second publication from a different SPUR research group at MVNU signifies the strength of the program and the quality of the research work MVNU undergraduate students are capable of doing,” said Dr. Binyang Hou.
Dr. Deb Garee said, “We are proud of the efforts of Ms. Humphrey and grateful for the dedication of Dr. Bossley... Partnering student research with faculty expertise to impact the health of the environment provides an example of how MVNU is committed to scholarship and service.”
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is affiliated with organizations such as Crossroads League and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics; it emphasizes community service rooted in Wesleyan evangelical traditions; features facilities including R.R Hodges Chapel Auditorium; operates under governance by trustees elected by regional districts; focuses on educating whole persons for lifelong learning; has been led by presidents including Dr Carson Castleman since 2023—all according to the official about page, the official mission page, the official history page, and other university sources.
