Biology students conduct parasite research over spring break

students with fish

Pictured: George Burrows (L) and Michael Rodriguez with channel catfish.

Dr. Chris McAllister (NTCC Biology) and two NTCC independent research students, George Burrows and Michael Rodriguez spent spring break doing parasitology research on fishes of northeastern Arkansas. They were fortunate to have colleagues (see group photo) along to help teach different techniques and the students learned a great deal from their tutelage.  

Many new parasite species were discovered as well as new host records and geographic distribution records.  Myxozoan parasites from several fishes were discovered for the first time. 

The next outing for students will be attending the upcoming 22nd annual meeting of the Southwestern Association of Parasitologists at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station at Lake Texoma in mid-April. George, Michael, and Dr. Mac will present their research. The ultimate goal is to publish their findings in the scientific literature.

group photo of researchers

Group Photo: from left to right: Dr. Mac, Dr. Don Cloutman (Kansas), Dr. T. J. Fayton (New Hampshire), Eric Leis (Wisconsin), George Burrows, Logan Robison (Mississippi), and Michael Rodriguez at Big Creek, Fulton County, Arkansas.