Evolution and phylogeny, molecular
and traditional systematics, ultrastructure, host specificity and geographic
distribution of helminths (primarily flatworms) of wild animals.
Life cycles of
parasitic worms and their circulation in nature.
RESEARCH IN
PROGRESS
Parasites
of Australian turtles..
Collaborative project with Dr.
Scott D. Snyder, University of Nebraska at Omaha. Supported by three
year grant from National Science Foundation (Awards # 0515492 &
0515460). Funding period: October 2005-September 2008. Funds
are available to support undergraduate student research! A graduate
student position is available.
Molecular
phylogeny of the cestode order Cyclophyllidea. The project is
aimed at reconstruction of phylogenetic interrelationships among all
currently recognized and tentative families within the order and detailed
phylogenetic study (at level of genera) of the families Hymenolepididae,
Dilepididae, Anoplocephalidae, Gryporhynchidae, suborder Acoleata and
several other groups.
Molecular
phylogenetics of the Digenea with emphasis on the suborder Plagiorchiata.
The study includes taxa at all levels of systematic hierarchy, from
relationships of superfamilies and families to differentiation between
cryptic congeneric species. I co-work with many collaborators on particular
projects.
Ultrastructure
of egg differentiation and egg-protective structures in some cyclophyllidean
cestodes (families Hymenolepididae, Nematotaeniidae, Dilepididae
and Anoplocephalidae).
Occurrence
and biology of neorickettsiae in digenean trematodes. In collaboration
with Dr. Jefferson
Vaughan, University of North Dakota.
