Dr. Chris McAllister and NTCC biology students José Fuentes, Cecilia Phan, and Xenia Esparza recently traveled to the upper Ouachita River watershed in Arkansas for a field research expedition June 8-12. They were joined by former NTCC student Michael Rodriguez.
During the trip, the team conducted research on fish parasites and made discoveries that could represent two previously undocumented species. Researchers identified what may be a new species of myxosporean parasite in a spotted bass and found coccidian oocysts in a black ratsnake that could also prove to be a novel scientific finding.
The hands-on research experience is part of NTCC's ongoing biology field studies program, which gives students the opportunity to participate in real-world scientific investigations alongside faculty researchers.
The group's next expedition is planned for mid-July in the Little Red River watershed near Clinton, Arkansas, in the Ozark Mountains. Known for its pristine cold-water tailwaters and world-class trout fishing, the area offers another unique opportunity for students to contribute to ongoing biological research.
