I use field studies and experiments to investigate parasite communities, local adaptation, host specificity, life cycles and ecological factors related to transmission. Currently, I am particularly interested in exploring the evolutionary ecology of the parasite-host systems found in the local aquatic systems around Stephenville and involving undergraduate and graduate students in both field and laboratory research. Fieldwork typically consists of collecting host organisms and transporting them to the lab. Laboratory research includes a large amount time working at a dissecting scope, dissecting hosts and collecting, measuring, preserving and identifying species of parasites.

I have a well-established interest in the trematode-host interaction and ask research questions on evolutionary ecology. I am particularly interested in exploring anti-parasite behavior of host species. My second major research area encompasses the mechanisms that drive the evolution of parasite life history traits, including host specificity, development, fecundity, transmission pathways and host manipulation.