Ticks and tick-borne diseases
The laboratory of medical zoology is focused on translational work with ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Skills developed and work will progress from a very basic introduction (field work collecting ticks for experiments) and basic laboratory skills (pipetting and preparing reagents) to possibly more advanced methods (DNA extractions and others). There is an urgent need this tick season to get enough ticks to perform planned experiments. Experience is not needed, I will mentor you along your path where needed to do what work is arranged and if decided to develop your visions into a unique project.
There is a progression stepwise into more advanced work if the lab and students feel that it is a good fit. This can include independent performance of repellency and other studies. Certain advanced work may make authorship on a paper possible. Work will support several ongoing projects. Other opportunities are available besides the traditional laboratory experience, including journalism work (preparing communications for research under the supervision of the communications coordinator), handling/bottle feeding fawns at the NEWVEC deer enclosure, and others. Experiences will be matched to what is a good fit with skills and interests.
Students who will need an honours college thesis are particularly encouraged to learn new tools/methods, attend the journal club to gain insights on current literature, and then apply the tools they learned to a project idea of their own. This project can be developed through mentoring with me. I will work with you 1-on-1 to determine the best capacity for you to support project efforts and how you can get what you need out of the experience for professional development, resume builder, etc.
Please consider the following if interested in our lab work. I am happy to meet and discuss.
- Why are you interested in a research and what initially got you interested in research? What kind of research particularly interests you?
- What are you hoping to get out of a laboratory experience at this time? What are the next steps for you after? What are your needs from a mentor in this area -- how may I best support you in this stage of your career?
- What are some of your short-term and long-term goals? These can be academic, professional, anything.
- Finally, can you join the medical zoology journal club (see spire) -- low stakes, no pressure environment to connect with literature in this field?
Methods and work can be used as a foundation to ideally develop an honours thesis or individual vision to pursue. If the placement is a good fit, students may be able to continue through the summer term and further with more advanced part-time/full time work for pay. This is a great opportunity to connect with faculty and graduate student mentors and find your place in research.