Church Research

Giardia is the most frequently identified intestinal protozoan parasite in humans and has also been found in a number of specia of wild animals. We are conducting a study to investigate the prevalence of Giardia sp. in meadow voles (Mictotus pennsylvanicus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) from Niwot Ridge, Colorado. Niwot Ridge is an alpine tundra and subalpine forest site located west of Boulder. I work with students to collect fecal samples and transport them to the lab for analysis. The specimens are evaluated for the presence of intestinal parasites using common methods of stool parasitology.