Story by Ava Chuppe
Contributing writer
am.chuppe@gmail.com
Biology students from Murray State are researching a fungal disease found in snakes in western Kentucky and other areas.
The lab group is led by Andrea Darracq, an assistant professor in the department of biological sciences. In a combination of field and laboratory research, students are learning more about what is known as snake fungal disease, an infection from the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola.
The student researchers capture snakes, test them for the fungus and return each of them to the wild with a newly implanted tracker. This type of research examines how SFD affects snake populations, communities and entire ecosystems, due to the snakes’ key role as predators.
Graduate student John Hewlett, a member of the research group, said he has been interested in snakes, especially timber rattlesnakes, for years. His graduate research focuses on how stress can lead to lower immunity in snakes.
“It’s a huge privilege to be able to do this here,” Hewlett said. “I’ve had basically a lifelong connection with the department here ever since I was a freshman in high school working in the genetics lab. I really can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather do this. Dr. Darracq has been extremely supportive in our research, and I can’t thank her enough.”
Another student in the research group is junior biology major Gage Barnes, who has worked to catch and assess snakes throughout western Kentucky. Barnes said nine of the 46 snakes he caught tested positive for the fungus.
“I’m extremely thankful for the experience I’ve had with undergraduate research at Murray State,” Barnes said. “It’s helping me prepare for the future and graduate school, and ultimately, my passion is not only research, but outreach opportunities and teaching why maintaining our ecosystems is so important. Without Murray State and Dr. Darracq, I wouldn’t have these opportunities.”
Darracq said the research was beneficial for the students as well as the scientific community.
“I love the research, but I’m always here first and foremost for our students,” Darracq said. “It’s so valuable for our students to carry out this professional-level work that they can present to colleagues at conferences and add to their resume. I’m extremely proud of the hard work that John, Gage and all the students in the lab have done.”
Hewlett and Barnes have both had the opportunity to present their work. Hewlett shared his findings at the Biology of Pitvipers Conference in Rodeo, New Mexico, while Barnes presented at the Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium at Murray State.
The department of biological sciences allows students to learn hands-on and to secure a lifetime of success through a high-quality education with experiential learning. Students in the department are prepared for a wide range of career fields, including wildlife conservation, physiology and microbiology. Undergraduate biology majors can also pursue medicine and health-related fields, and graduates of the department may also go on to teach in secondary and university settings.
For more information on the biology program at Murray State, visit murraystate.edu/biology.