About Me
Academic Credentials:
Doctor of Agricultural Sciences honoris causa 2017, University of Melbourne
PhD 1991, Flinders University of South Australia
BSc Hons 1982, Flinders University of South Australia
BSc 1981, University of Adelaide
Undergraduate Teaching:
Currently teaching BIOL 121.3 (Diversity of Life - Course Coordinator), BIOL 436.3 (Animal Parasitology, BIOL 479.3 (Literature Research in Biology), BIOL 480.3 (Research Project in Biology) and BIOL 481.6 (Extended Research Project in Biology) Also, recently contributed to teaching of PBIOL 230.3 (On the Origin and Life of Animals).
Teaching Awards and Recognitions:
- USASK Distinguished Teacher Award (previously called the Master Teacher Award), 2023 https://news.usask.ca/articles/colleges/2023/biology-professor-to-receive-usask-distinguished-teacher-award.php
- Teaching Excellence Award, University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU), 2022-2023
- Teaching Excellence Award, University of Saskatchewan Student Union (USSU), 2015-2016
- Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching, College of Arts and Science, Division of Science, 2012-2013
- College of Arts and Science Teaching Excellence Award, Division of Science, 2011-2012
Other USSU Teaching Excellence Awards Nominations:
- 2021-2022 for BIOL 121
- 2019-2020 for BIOL 121
- 2019-2020 for BIOL 436
- 2018-2019 for BIOL 121
- 2018-2019 for BIOL 436
- 2012-2013 for BIOL 121
- 2011-2012 for BIOL 121 (ASAP)
Research interests:
These include: (1) the ecology, evolution and population genetics of ixodid ticks (Dermacentor & Ixodes) and other ectoparasites (e.g., fleas), and their microbiomes (e.g., species diversity of pathogenic & endosymbiotic bacteria), and (2) the evolution and systematics of bursate nematodes (order Strongylida).
Research Awards and Recognitions:
- Distinguished Scientist Research Award, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, 2018
- John Frederick Adrian Sprent Prize, Australian Society for Parasitology, 1993