Knight Mic: The Weird World of Parasites

Knight Mic: The Weird World of ParasitesParasites may sound like something out of a horror movie, but they’re also at the center of fascinating scientific discovery.In this episode of Knight Mic, hosts Dr. Kristie Roberts-Lewis and Rick Devens sit down with Dr. Tyler Achatz to explore the strange and surprising world of parasitology. Achatz shares how his research is gaining national recognition and explains how studying parasites can reveal important insights about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the hidden relationships between species.The conversation also highlights the opportunities Achatz creates for students, including hands-on research experiences and international fieldwork in places like Australia. Along the way, he discusses the thrill of scientific discovery, like identifying and naming newly discovered parasites, and what it’s like to contribute something entirely new to science.And because parasites can be a little creepy, the episode ends with a fun question: if filmmaker Steven Spielberg were making a movie about a parasite, which one would make the most terrifying star?