Dr. Chris McAllister and 91¿´Æ¬ biology students José Fuentes, Cecilia Phan, and Xenia Esparza recently traveled to the upper Ouachita River watershed in Arkansas for a field research expedition June 8-12. They were joined by former 91¿´Æ¬ student Michael Rodriguez.
During the trip, the team conducted research on fish parasites and made discoveries that could represent two previously undocumented species. Researchers identified what may be a new species of myxosporean parasite in a spotted bass and found coccidian oocysts in a black ratsnake that could also prove to be a novel scientific finding.
The hands-on research experience is part of 91¿´Æ¬'s ongoing biology field studies program, which gives students the opportunity to participate in real-world scientific investigations alongside faculty researchers.
The group's next expedition is planned for mid-July in the Little Red River watershed near Clinton, Arkansas, in the Ozark Mountains. Known for its pristine cold-water tailwaters and world-class trout fishing, the area offers another unique opportunity for students to contribute to ongoing biological research.
