We again have to say goodbye and congratulations to another wonderful friend and colleague, Neha Tyagi. As our research associate, Neha was what we all would consider the “glue” that held our lab together at its metaphorical seams! From establishing new techniques and protocols to maintaining the daily upkeep of a busy molecular lab, Neha ensured that our lab’s research carried on unabated. In addition, her willingness to provide help and support for all was crucial to the lab’s project goals and fostered an environment of collaborative teamwork. While we are excited for her new career opportunity, we will especially miss her thoughtfulness, dedication, and her famous samosas (however, she is probably relieved she does not need to make them for all our birthdays anymore). We wish the best and hope to see you soon in the near future!

In early July we were able to ‘travel’ to the 97th annual conference of the American Society of Parasitologists in College Station, Texas! Although only down the road from our lab, our team was exposed to new colleagues, ideas, and all kinds of strange parasites (if you don’t know about the horse hairworm, we suggest you take look!). Not only did we attend and give four oral lectures at this meeting, but we also were able to help bring parasites to the our local Texas community! “Parasites on the Green”, our parasitology-centric event at Century Square, was a resounding success of fun, games, prizes, and learning. Take a look at all the Verocai Lab experiences below!

Conference Presentations

• Matthew Kulpa (PhD student) – MULTI-LOCUS PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ONCHOCERCA ISOLATES FROM NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIAN UNGULATES.
• Kaylee Kipp (PhD student) – RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES IN COMMERCIAL NORTH AMERICAN BISON HERDS. 2017-2021 AT THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY PARASITOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC LAB
• Maureen Kelly (PhD student) – PRELIMINARY VALIDATION OF A PROBE-BASED QPCR FOR DETECTION OF ZOONOTIC ONCHOCERCA LUPI IN CLINICAL SAMPLES OF COMPANION ANIMALS
• Hannah Danks (veterinary student) – OPENING A CAN OF (LUNG)WORMS: MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF DICTYOCAULUS (NEMATODA; DICTYOCAULIDAE) INFECTING NORTH AMERICAN BISON (BISON BISON). [Recently published here]

ASP Conference

Parasites on the Green