Education
- Ph.D., Biological Sciences, University of Tulsa
- M.S., Botany, Oklahoma State University
- B.S., Biological Science, Oklahoma State University
Personal Bio
I am a Christian Biologist who enjoys serving people in scholarship and spiritual growth. The most rewarding part of my work is being able to help others grow the Kingdom and succeed academically. My academic journey had humble beginnings with an associate degree in education from Tulsa Community College. My next stop was Oklahoma State University where I learned much in the natural sciences and fell in love with the molecular/microscopic world. During my time as a Cowboy, I was supported through several organizations to overcome obstacles that first-generation students face. Church, TRIO, Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, and Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science were main support systems away from home, so I truly understand being immersed in a different culture and the need for support away from home. Now, I want to use my calling as a Christian professor to support students. I earned my PhD at the University of Tulsa where I was trained to analyze airborne allergens, plant pathogens, and opportunistic human pathogens; my support organizations were the local Church, Southern Regional Education Board, Graduate Students for Diversity Association, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Before graduating with a PhD, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to serve a Christian Academic community in need. This translated to moving my family to Kansas and serving at Tabor College for four years where I developed infrastructure for the Pre-Med program and Natural Science Department before transitioning to LeTourneau University. I continue my Kingdom calling, scholarship, and advising students in their chosen Health Professions career. My intentions are to serve by modeling Christian virtue while developing competency in biology and have these learners integrate faith into their calling.
Classes Taught
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Senior Science & Christian Faith
Pre-Health program information
Contributed Articles and Posters
undergraduate coauthors are underlined
Baliraine, F.W.; Mathews, K.E.; Livingston, E.G.; Martinez, C.A.; Donnelly, O.L.; Pledger, T.M.; Feroz, T.; Harbison, Z.J.; Schlimme, S.G.; Andrade, C.; Salazar, K.N.; Berryhill, E.C.; DeLosSantos, M.M.; Foree, H.L.; Gicheru, W.; Jett, A.M.; Mendez, S.N.; Odebiyi, T.M.; Pitman, J.I.; Tan, M.J.; McLoud, J.D.; Baliraine, F.N. (2023) Complete genome sequences and characteristics of mycobacteriophages Diminimus, Dulcita, Glaske16, and Koreni. Microbiology Resource Announcements. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/MRA.01010-23.
Jayden, D.; Jordan, A.; Jordan, D.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Fall Meeting) What is that in the Air of Longview Texas: a Fungal Focus. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Tarleton State University. Stephenville, Texas.
Levetin, E; McLoud, J.D.; Pityn, P; Rorie, A.C. (2023) Air Sampling and Analysis of Aeroallergens: Current and Future Approaches. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. May; 23(5):223-236. doi: 10.1007/s11882-023-01073-2. Epub 2023 Mar 18. PMID: 36933176.
Livingston, E.G.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Lessons Learned and Tips for Improved Genome Annotation Following a Comparative Look at Gene Calls in Mycobacteriophage Subcluster M1 Over the Years 2009-2022. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Baliraine, F.W.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Comparative Analysis of Cluster M Actinobacteriophage Minor Tail Protein Phamilies. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Martinez, C.A.; Harbison, Z.J.; Pledger, T.M.; Andrade, C.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Subcluster M1 Mycobacterium Phage Glaske16. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Gicheru, W.; Tan, M.J.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Comparative analysis of the Reliability of Six Bioinformatics Software for Topological Prediction of bacteriophage Membrane Proteins. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Jett, A.M.; Foree, H.L.; Odebiyi, T.M.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Characterization of Eight Mycobacteriophages Isolated in East Texas During 2021-2022. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Feroz, T.; Pitman, J.I.; Schlimme, S.G.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Codon Usage Bias: What do Subcluster M1 Mycobacteriophages Glaske16 and Dimiminus Contribute to the Story? National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Mathews, K.E.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. The Potential of Mycobacteriophage MazG Pyrophosphohydrolases as Medical Therapy Enhancers. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Donnelly, O.L.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Comparative Genomic and Phylogenetic Analysis of Cluster A Mycobacteriophages. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Salazar, K.N.; DeLosSantos, M.M.; Mendez, S.N.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. Isolation and Genomic Characterization of Mycobacterium Phage Mikedrop. National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Berryhill, E.C.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. DeepTMHMM Showing a Holin with One Transmembrane Domain: Is One Software Sufficient to Make this Call? National Science Education Alliance (SEA) Symposium. Virtual April 14-16, 2023. https://seaphages.org/meetings/72/
Yang, L; Du, H.M.; Sheets, T; Karime, C.W.; McLoud, J.D.; Stewart, T; Titah, J.T.; Fan, H.J. (2023). Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Studies on Three Amino Acid Schiff-Base Ligands and Their Potential Binding Sites to Ni (II) ion: Comparison with Computational Density Functional Theory (DFT) Studies. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(4). 186-203.
Titah, J.T.; Yang, L; Sheets, T; Fan, H.J.; McLoud, J.D.; Karime, C.W.; Stewart, T; (2023). Design of New N-Salicylidene Alanine Transition Metal Schiff-Base Complexes with Zn (II), Mn (II), Fe (II), and Fe (III): Synthesis, Characterization, Toxicity, and Computational Studies of the Potential Metal-Ligand Binding Sites. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(4). 78-102.
Baliraine, F.W.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) Diversity of Cluster M Phages: A Comparative Analysis of Minor Tail Protein Phamilies. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Jett, A.M.; Foree, H.L.; Odebiyi, T.M.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) Isolation and Comparative Analysis of Sequenced Mycobacteriophages Discovered in East Texas During 2021-2022. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Martinez, C.A.; Harbison, Z.J.; Pledger, T.M.; Andrade, C.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) From Discovery to Bioinformatics: The Story Behind Phage Glaske16. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Donnelly, O.L.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) Comparative Analysis of Cluster A Actinobacteriophages. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Feroz, T.; Pitman, J.I.; Schlimme, S.G.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) Codon Usage Bias: What Does Mycobacteriophage Glaske16 Contribute to the Story. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Gicheru, W.; Tan, M.J.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) Comparative Analysis of the Reliability of Various Software for Topological Prediction of Bacteriophage Membrane Proteins. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Livingston, E.G.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) A Proposal for Improved Genome Annotation Following a Comparative Look at Gene Calls in Mycobacteriophage Subcluster M1 Over a 14-Year Period. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Mathews, K.E.; Baliraine, F.N.; McLoud, J.D. (2023 Spring Meeting) Therapeutic Potential of Mycobacteriophage MazG Pyrophosphohydrolases. Texas Branch American Society for Microbiology. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas.
Titah, J.T.; Sheets, T; Yang, L; Fan, H.J.; McLoud, J.D.; Ouyang, L; Brewer, Z. (2022) Comparative Analysis of the Experimental, Computational, and Bacterial Growth Inhibition Studies on the Structure of N-Salicylidene Alanine Ni (II) Complex. Advances in Materials. Vol. 10, No. 5, pp. 144-151. doi: 10.11648/j.sjc.20221005.12.
El-Barghouthi, M.I.; Hasan, A.S.; Al-Awaida, W; Al-Ameer, H.J.; Kaur, J; Hayashibara, K.J.; Fleming, J; Waknin, J; Hayashibara, S; Slewa, M; Hamzeh, S.M.; Bodoor, K; McLoud, J.D. (2022) Novel therapeutic heterocycles as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and anti-cancer agents: Synthesis, in vitro bioassay screenings, and molecular docking studies. Journal of Molecular Structure. doi: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133141.
McLoud, J.D. (2022) Obstacles in Deciphering Species: Processing Airborne Fungi with a Metagenomics Workflow. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 149 (2):AB198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2021.12.651
Coulibaly W; Sopi, A; Titah, J; Koné, G-R; Estelle, A; Yao, B; Dago, C.D.; Bazureau, J-P; McLoud, J.D.; Anoubile, B; Ziao, N;Affi, S; Thomas, J; Titah, G-R; Kone, A; Estelle, B; Yao, C.D.; Dago, C; Ambeu, J-P; Bazureau, J.D.; McLoud, B; Anoubile, N. (2022) Anti-proliferative Activity Study on 5-Arylidene Rhodanine Derivatives Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR). International Journal of Computational and Theoretical Chemistry. doi: ⟨10.11648/j.ijctc.20221001.11⟩ ⟨hal-03988161⟩.
Gaede, J.; Parris, M.; McLoud, J.D. (2021) Testing species threshold for DNA barcoding region in common airborne fungi: using an ecological metagenomics workflow with Qiime 2. Kansas Academy of Science. Virtual conference.
Johnson, M. and McLoud, J.D. (2021) Deep sequencing of Hannaella coprosmae to determine intragenomic variation of the fungal barcoding region. Kansas Academy of Science. Virtual conference.
Knight, C. and McLoud, J.D. (2021) Deep sequencing of multiple genes to determine intragenomic variation of the fungal barcoding regions. Kansas Academy of Science. Virtual conference.
Primrose, M. and McLoud, J.D. (2021) Deep sequencing of Epicoccum nigrum to determine intragenomic variation of the fungal barcoding region. Kansas Academy of Science. Virtual conference.
Travis, A.; Ingram, A.; McLoud, J.D. (2021) Deep sequencing of Cladosporium velox to determine intragenomic variation of the fungal barcoding region. Kansas Academy of Science. Virtual conference.
Titah, J.T.; Karime ,C.W.; McLoud, J.D. (2021) Analysis of the stabilizing interactions and thermodynamic studies in aluminum-transition metal alloys (Ti, Sc, Mn, Fe) using solid-state electron density. International Journal of Computational and Theoretical Chemistry. 9 (1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijctc.20210901.11.
Levetin, E. and McLoud, J.D. (2020) Long-term trends in the Tulsa Air Spora. 7th European Aerobiology Symposium. O.060. University of Cordoba. Cordoba, Spain.
Reyes, E.S.; Sanchez, A.G.; Davila, I.; Sanchez, J.S.; McLoud, J.D.; Levetin, E. (2020) Alternaria spores behavior in the atmosphere of Salamanca (MW Spain) and Tulsa (Middle South USA) during 2014-2016 period. 7th European Aerobiology Symposium. P.035. University of Cordoba. Cordoba, Spain.
Levetin, E. and McLoud, J.D. Aeroallergen sampling, in Allergens and Allergen Immunotherapy: subcutaneous, sublingual, and oral. Lockey, R.F. and Ledford, D.K. (2020) Boca Raton: CRC Press, https://doi.org/10.1201/9781351208994.
Gaede, C.; Parris, M.; McLoud, J.D. (2019) Testing DNA barcoding criteria for common airborne fungi: screening isolates. Kansas Academy of Science and Kansas Entomological Society. Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas.
Levetin, E.; Rodinkova, V.; McLoud, J.D.; Dubuske, L.M. (2018) Advantages of multiple sampling methods for the analysis of airborne fungal allergens. Allergy. 73:176. Hoboken, New Jersey.
McLoud, J.D. and Levetin, E. (2018) Molecular Identification of Aureobasidium and Rhodotorula from Spore Trap Air Samples. International Mycological Congress. Puerto Rico Convention Center. San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Schwartz, I.S.*; McLoud, J.D.*; Berman, D.; Botha, A.; Lerm, B.; Colebunders, R.; Levetin, E.; Kenyon, C. (2018) Molecular detection of airborne Emergomyces africanus, a thermally dimorphic fungal pathogen, in Cape Town, South Africa. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. *equal contribution. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006174.
Levetin, E. and McLoud, J.D. (2017) Airborne basidiospores: are we ignoring an important source of aeroallergens? Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 139 (2):AB26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2016.12.042.
McLoud, J.D. and Levetin, E. (2017) Diversity of viable airborne fungi in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 139 (2):AB27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2016.12.044.
McLoud, J.D., Medlin, B., and Levetin, E. (2016) What is that yeast in the air: airborne yeast diversity from a temperate climate. European Aerobiology Symposium. Lyon University. Lyon, France.
McLoud, J.D. and Levetin, E. (2016) Aerobiology of yeasts: viable colonies and molecular identification from Burkard Samples. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 137 (2):AB30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2015.12.100.
McLoud, J.D. and Levetin, E. (2015) Magnifying: the truth behind fungal spore counts. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 135 (2):AB231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2014.12.1689.
McLoud, J.D. and Yang, M. (2012) The conserved function of Skp1 in meiosis. Frontiers in Genetics 3:179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2012.00179.
McLoud, J.D. and Yang, M. (2012) Genetic dissection of a conserved pathway in meiosis: identification and characterization of ask1–1 suppressors. OK–LSAMP Annual Research Symposium and SACNAS Annual National Conference. Oklahoma State University and Washington State Convention Center. Stillwater, OK and Seattle, WA.
McLoud, J.D. and Doust, A. (2011) Does Triclosan effect legume bean pod, nodule, and biomass formation. SWARM Annual National Conference and OK–LSAMP Annual Research Symposium. The University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University. Tulsa, OK and Stillwater, OK.
Professional Certifications
2015—Current: Certified as a Pollen and Fungal Spore Analyst, based on successful completion of two–stage proctored examination, by The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)
Memberships in Academic and Professional Societies
| 2022 - Current | Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions |
| 2022 - Current | American Society for Microbiology, Texas Branch |
| 2021 | National Association of Biology Teachers |
| 2020 | International Association for Aerobiology |
| 2019 | Kansas Academy of Science |
| 2017 | Southern Regional Education Board |
| 2016 | Pan-American Aerobiology Association |
| 2014 - 2022 | The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology |
| 2012 - 2018 | Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science |
| 2011 - 2013 | Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation |
| 2010 | Tau Sigman, National Honor Society for transfer students |
| 2009 | Alpha Epsilon Delta, National Honor Society for premedical education |
| 2007 - 2009 | Phi Theta Kappa, International Honor Society for leadership |
Professional Service
| 2021 - Current | Editorial Board Member - Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology |
| 2019 | Writer - SACNAS proposal session |
| 2019 | Reviewer - SACNAS undergraduate abstracts, online |
| 2019 | KAS and KES 2019 Conference poster/oral presentation judge, Overland Park |
| 2018 | President/Organizer - Graduate Students for Diversity Association, Tulsa |
| 2016 | President - Biology Graduate Student Association, Tulsa |
| 2015 | Secretary - American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) |
| 2013 | Mentor in the Student Presentations Peer Mentoring Program (SPPM), SACNAS Conference, San Antonio |
| 2012 | Panelist for 'Why Graduate School?', OK-LSAMP Fellow Meeting, Oklahoma State University |
| 2012 | SACNAS Annual National Conference Student Judge, Seattle |
| 2012 | OK-LSAMP Annual Symposium Student Judge, Stillwater |
| 2012 | Panelist for 'Importance of Research and Mentor Search/Developing Your Research Project', OK-LSAMP Fellow Meeting, Oklahoma State University |
University Service
| 2021 | Updated and implemented chemical compliance in the science department |
| 2020 | Repackaged the Pre-Med degree track |
| 2019 - 2022 | Served on Teacher Education and Enrollment Management Committee |
| 2019 | Informed Tabor coaches of natural science degree programs |
| 2019 | Panelist for 'Climate Change: What is it and What Implication are Involved' hosted by Tabor College |
| 2018 - 2019 | Served on Student Support Services subcommittee for the Retention Taskforce and Academic Honor Ceremony committee, Tabor College |
| 2018 | Panelist for 'A Pilgrimage To and Through Graduate School: Tools and Techniques for Navigating the Process' hosted by The Tulsa University Graduate College, 20th Annual Student Research Colloquium, University of Tulsa |
| 2017 | Brownie Day: Career Opportunities in STEM, University of Tulsa |
| 2017 | Panelist for 'Graduate School and Writing Fellowship Proposals', offered to students in STEM programs, University of Tulsa |
| 2013 | OSU Freshman Research Scholars Symposium Judge, Oklahoma State University |
| 2013 | Panelist for 'Writing the NSF-GRFP' hosted by Oklahoma State University Graduate College, Oklahoma State University |
Community Service
| 2023 - 2024 | Bobcat Bros - Hallsville East Elementary |
| 2023 | Judge at Piney Woods Derby, 10 November at Mobberly |
| 2021 | Coached little league baseball for Newton, KS Recreation Center - summer 2021 |
| 2019 | Attended Railer Roundtable in Newton, KS to hear school board decisions |
| 2018 | Coached first grade little league football - Hillsboro, KS |
| 2018 | Biologist Career Day - Owasso Middle School; Owasso, OK |
| 2015 - 2017 | TCC Engineering Games Mentor; Tulsa, OK |
| 2015 - 2016 | Hale Junior High School Science Fair Judge; Tulsa, OK |
| 2013 - 2014 | NSU Cherokee Nation 7-12 Grade Science Fair Judge; Tahlequah, OK |
| 2012 | ORU March of Dimes; Tulsa, OK |
| 2011 | TU SWARM Annual National Conference Student Judge; Tulsa, OK |
| 2009 - 2010 | FOX 23 Studios MDA Telethon and Fundraising; Tulsa, OK |
| 2007 - 20011 | Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Volunteer; Tulsa, OK |
