Expertise

Drawing upon both molecular and experimental field approaches, research in my laboratory focuses on the population biology, evolution, and genetics of host-parasite interactions.  The research program encompasses 1) host-parasite coevolution, 2) parasite competition and the evolution of virulence, 3) genetic heterogeneity and the structure of parasite populations, 4) gene transfer between parasites and their hosts, and 5) Parasites within communities and ecosystems.

Keywords:

  • Host-Parasite Coevolution
  • Parasite Competition and the Evolution of Virulence
  • Genetic Heterogeneity and the Structure of Parasite Populations
  • Gene Transfer Between Parasites and Their Hosts
  • Parasites within Communities and Ecosystems
Affiliations

Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University

Associate Dean, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University

Adjunct Professor, IUSM West Lafayette, Indiana University School of Medicine

Past Affiliations

Associate Head, Dept. of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Assistant Head, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Professor of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Professor of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Adjunct Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine

Director of Undergraduate Studies, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Director of Undergraduate Studies, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Associate Head, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University (past)

Visiting Fellow, Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health

Communities
Biological Science, Biological Science
Degrees
PhD, Purdue University, Biology, 1981
BA, University of Rochester, Biology, 1975
Keywords
population biology biological sciences genetics parasitology
Honors

Outstanding Teacher in the College of Science (selected by student vote), College of Science (Purdue University), 2005

Favorite Science Professor (selected by alumni vote), College of Science (Purdue University), 2005

Seeds for Success Award (research), Purdue University, 2004

J. Alfred and Martha Chiscon Undergraduate Teaching Award, Department of Biological Sciences (Purdue University), 2002

Honorary member of Tomahawk, Purdue University, 2000

Selected as one of the best techers in the history of the university and included in the "Purdue University Book of Great Teachers", Purdue University, 1999

Founding Fellow, Purdue University Teaching Academy (Purdue University), 1997

Honorary Member of Beta Beta Beta, Biological Honor Society (Purdue University), 1996

Honorary Member, Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, Freshman National Honor Society (Purdue University), 1995

Charles B. Murphy, Outstanding Teaching Award (Purdue University), 1992

Outstanding Teacher, School of Science (Purdue University), 1992

Honorary Member, P.U. Chapter of Golden Key National Honor Society (Purdue University), 1991

Associations
American Society of Parasitologists
Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists
Indiana Academy of Science
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society