Parasites are some of the most complex and misunderstood organisms on earth. By definition, they subsist by living off of another organism, and it has been said that a good parasite will not kill its host (until it no longer needs it). Parasites can have many different effects on their hosts and there is a parasite for most organisms. What are some of these effects? In this lecture, we will discuss the effect of parasites on humans, insects and other animals’ behaviors. Cases will be presented and discussed.

Paloma Vargas, PhD Biomedical Sciences (NYU Sackler) emphasis in parasitology, MS. Molecular Parasitology (NYU), and BS Biology (UT El Paso and EP Community College)

Dr. Vargas serves as the Dean of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at San Diego Mesa College. Dr. Vargas has over 10 years of teaching experience and over 15 years of experience in research. Her graduate and post-doctoral work focused on host-pathogen interactions of both parasitic amoeba (E. histolytica) and Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaire’s Disease.

Dr. Vargas is a published author, has served as a tenure-track faculty member, researcher, culturally relevant pedagogy facilitator, and higher education administrator. Dr. Vargas is an anti-racist in training, centers culturally relevant pedagogy in her teaching and is an active member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Latinos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and of the Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institute Educators (AHSIE).

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.