Students in Gustafson Lab Earn Awards at 2025 Parasitology Conference
JONESBORO – Students and faculty associated with the Department of Biological Sciences at Arkansas State University recorded several achievements at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Association of Parasitologists, held in Kingston, Okla.
Representing a range of degree programs, the team included Maria Bollinger of Stillwater, Okla., master’s student in biological sciences, poster presenter; Taylor Fiedor of O'Kean, doctoral student in environmental sciences, oral presenter; Renee Pye of Sheridan, bachelor’s degree pre-professional biological sciences student, attendee; Zach Campbell of Paragould, doctoral student in environmental sciences, oral presenter; Sam Messinides of Camden, S.C., doctoral student in molecular biosciences, oral presenter; and Dr. Kyle Gustafson, assistant professor of biology and principal investigator.
The conference proved to be a standout event for the group. Fiedor and Pye each earned competitive research grants for their ongoing work on coccidia parasites. Messinides received a student presentation award for his talk on the phylogeny of trematode parasites.
In addition to the student achievements, Gustafson was elected to serve as president-elect of the association, marking a major milestone in his service to the society.
Following the team’s return, Campbell was awarded a research grant from the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust to support his dissertation work on public attitudes toward conservation strategies.
“Congratulations to all for an outstanding showing at SWAP and best wishes for continued success in their research endeavors,” Gustafson told the A-State group.
Team participants are (from left) Maria Bollinger, Taylor Fiedor, J Renee Pye, Zach Campbell, Sam Messinides, and Dr. Kyle Gustafson.
