Dr. Tyler Achatz, assistant professor of biology at MGA, was recently featured in the Smithsonian Magazine article, "Parasites Are Everywhere. Why Do So Few Researchers Study Them?" The article explores parasitology and features experienced parasitologists who are "working hard to inspire more students" to enter the career field.
"Tyler Achatz, a parasitologist at Middle Georgia State University, echoed his colleagues’ concern. As an early career scientist, Achatz, who described 25 new parasite species during his PhD, has watched the community of parasitologists he can consult dwindle around him. He worries young biologists like himself aren’t learning the necessary skills to identify and describe new parasite species.
"'Unless people step up and start filling that gap, the knowledge is going to get lost,' he says."
