The Verocai Lab is pleased to welcome Dr. Meriam Cautiver  Lauron, a veterinarian and assistant professor of Veterinary Parasitology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). She is joining us through a Faculty Exchange Program with the Borlaug Institute, funded by the USDA, and will be with the lab until early May. During her stay, Dr. Lauron will participate in ongoing research to gain hands-on experience with the laboratory techniques used in the Verocai Lab, and take part in lectures, laboratory sessions, and research meetings.
Welcome Dr. Lauron!

“My name is Fariba Khanzadeh, and I am nearing the completion of my Ph.D. at Comenius University, Slovakia. On August 1, 2025, I had the opportunity to join Dr. Verocai’s lab at Texas A&M University as a Visiting Scholar. This research stay allowed me to further develop my doctoral project in a dynamic, internationally recognized research environment.

My research focuses on black flies (Simuliidae) and their potential role in the transmission of filarial parasites of the genus Onchocerca. As part of my work, collected specimens are carefully dissected and separated into the head, thorax, and abdomen to investigate the possible presence of filarial larval stages. Particular attention is given to the head and mouthparts, as the detection of infective-stage larvae in these regions may indicate the vectorial potential of the species under study.

In addition, I conduct blood meal analysis to identify the feeding sources of black flies. This approach contributes to a better understanding of host-feeding patterns and their relevance to parasite transmission dynamics. Combining dissection findings with molecular analyses provides a more comprehensive perspective on the epidemiology of these parasitic infections.

Beyond laboratory activities, I also had the opportunity to participate in a field visit to a farm, which was a different and enjoyable experience alongside my research work.

This period has been an important step in my academic and professional development. Working in a collaborative research environment and exchanging ideas with fellow researchers has strengthened my motivation to continue advancing research in parasitology and vector-borne diseases.”