Dr. Chris T. McAllister, Professor of Biology at Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC), recently led three NTCC independent study students on a research trip to the Ouachita Mountains Biological Station (OMBS) in Big Fork, Arkansas. Michelle Mejia, Xenia Esparza, and Estefani Garcia participated in the field experience from September 26–28, 2025.
The outing marked the students’ first opportunity to conduct hands-on field research. Their work focused on examining parasites in fish and reptiles native to the region. Among their findings was what will likely be identified as a new species of myxosporean parasite from the gills of a bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus).
The team also studied a venomous cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus), discovering gallbladder trematodes, stomach
nematodes, and hundreds of tapeworms.
In addition to their research, the students explored Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second-highest peak at 2,681 feet. The site is home to unique salamander species found nowhere else in the world, providing students with an unforgettable ecological perspective.
“This was an invaluable hands-on learning experience for our students,” Dr. McAllister said. “We look forward to continuing this research in future outings and expanding opportunities for students to take part in real-world scientific discovery.”
NTCC plans to continue field research activities later this semester and into the spring.
For more information about biology research opportunities at NTCC, contact Dr. McAllister at (903) 434-8286.
