Energetics of aquatic host-parasite interactions
Daniel Okamoto, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
This URAP opportunity focuses on the energetics of host-parasite interactions in a model zooplankton-fungal parasite system. Over the course of Fall 2025- Spring 2026, we will conduct several experiments that test how variable food resources shape host and parasite fitness. Students will have the opportunity to connect and meet with their graduate student supervisor (Grace Westphal), the PI of the lab group (Dr. Okamoto), and an external PI at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (Dr. Stewart Merrill).
Role: Daily tasks will include animal husbandry (Daphnia, freshwater crustacean zooplankton), fungal parasite culturing, and green algae culturing. URAP students will also learn skills including microscopy, respirometry, and statistical modeling in R.
Qualifications: Students should be able to demonstrate basic laboratory skills, proficiency in essential software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software), capabilities to read primary literature, and excellent writing skills.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Grace Westphal, Graduate Student
Hours: to be negotiated
Biological & Health Sciences Environmental Issues