Degree Program: PhD in Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Co-Advisors: Dr. John M. McEvoy & Dr. Mark E. Clark
Office: Van Es 193
May 2008, B.S. in Zoology from NDSU (emphasis fisheries, wildlife, ecology and behavior)
Conservation biology, wildlife diseases, taxonomy, ecology, animal behavior
Thesis/ dissertation research
My dissertation research focuses on host-parasite co-evolution and host specific adaptation of Cryptosporidium species and animals. I am also looking into the relationship between Cryptosporidium in wildlife and surface water along the Buffalo River watershed near Hawley, MN.
I am collecting fecal samples (with help from some volunteers) from any species I can get my hands on. Please let me know if you have any fecal samples, especially from wildlife and/or zoo animals, that I could extract DNA from.
Awards and Honors
2007 North Dakota State Chapter of the Wildlife Society Student Academic Award
GraSUS Fellowship 2008-2009
Feltus, D.C; Giddings, C.W.; Schneck, B.L.; Monson, T; Warshauer, D; McEvoy, J.M.; 2006. â€œEvidence supporting zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium in Wisconsin.â€ Journal of Clinical Microbiology 44: 4303-4308.
Feltus, D.C; Giddings, C.W.; Schneck, B.L; McEvoy, J.M. Poster. â€œEvidence that Cryptosporidium parvum is the primary cause of sporadic Cryptosporidiosis in Wisconsin.â€
Rummel, S.A.; Giddings, C.W.; Schneck, B.L; McEvoy, J.M. â€œCryptosporidium Detection Methods in Water.â€ Poster presentation by the 2006 Governorâ€™s School Students.
Kaous, M.; Vogel-Ciernia, A.; Schneck, B.; Giddings, C.; McEvoy, J.; 2008. Two Poster presentations. â€œRole of Rhomboid Protease in cleavage of Thrombospondin Related Adhesive Protein (TRAP) during attachment to host cells of Cryptosporidium parvum.â€