Dr. Bolek's Lab
I am currently an assistant professor of zoology in the Department of Zoology at Oklahoma State University. My research interests are in the area of ecology and evolution of parasite life histories and parasite taxonomy.
I utilize parasites of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates in order to investigate parasite ecology and evolution because lower vertebrates and invertebrates have invaded a multitude of micro-habitats and exhibit a striking diversity of life histories, reproductive modes, body sizes, foraging modes and trophic relations. They serve as both intermediate and definitive hosts and their parasite fauna is diverse. Therefore, these hosts provide a good model for studying biotic and abiotic ecological factors that determine parasite species’ distribution, abundance and movements through ecosystems.
This system enables our laboratory to investigate questions of how host and parasite life histories co-evolve, and affect parasite community structure, parasite biogeography and distribution in time and space.
Our current work focuses on questions in parasite ecology and life cycle variation of helminth and protozoan parasites. From the host perspective, I utilize parasites of amphibians (anurans and caudatans) and invertebrates (odonates, crickets and snails) in order to investigate questions on parasite ecology and evolution because lower vertebrates and invertebrates have invaded a multitude of micro-habitats and exhibit a striking diversity of life histories, however students in my laboratory can also work on similar questions using other host groups such as fish and reptiles (testudines and squamata).
From the parasite perspective I use groups of parasites that vary in their life-cycle complexity from one-host life-cycle parasites (coccidia, flies and nematodes) to two and three-host life-cycle parasites (myxozoans, nematomorpha and trematodes). I conduct field studies, laboratory experimental infections and with collaborators we use molecular tools to ask general questions about parasite life histories, host specificity and ecology and evolution relationships of parasites.
I am always excited to talk to students who wish to pursue their M.S. or Ph.D. in my lab, as well as to undergraduates looking for research experience. Students interesting in joining the Bolek parasitology laboratory for B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. level research should contact Dr. Bolek directly. Include in your letter information about yourself and why you are interested in parasitology and our work specifically. Please provide any additional information about your research background if any.
Courses Taught
- General Parasitology (ZOOL 4104) fall
- Introduction to Biology (BIOL 1114) spring
- Animal Biology (ZOOL 1604) fall and spring 2009-10
- Ecol and Evol Parasitology (ZOOL 5010-363) fall
- Invertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 3104) spring
- Field Courses at Cedar Point Biological Station (CPBS) UNL
- Cedar Point Biological Station offers three week field courses during the summer.
- I teach Natural History of the Invertebrates and Organismal Biology at CPBS.