Randi Rollins was awarded the GSO Merit Based Award for Research (PhD)
for 2019-2020. Her dissertation focuses on the natural and zoonotic
transmission of rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a parasitic
roundworm and cause of a debilitating and occasionally deadly neglected
tropical disease, angiostrongyliasis. Despite discovery of the disease
in 1961, relatively little is known about the parasite?s biology and
ecology. Randi employs ecological concepts in conjunction with
epidemiological approaches to understand the relationship of the
parasite with its environment and host organisms (snails, slugs and
rats), to elucidate infection pathways, and provide insight into
treatment options. During the past four years working in the Cowie and
Medeiros labs, both in the Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Randi
has had opportunities to collaborate with the Hawaii State Department
of Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, local physicians, and
local farmers (contaminated produce is a possible pathway for
transmission) to understand and prevent this enigmatic disease. Her
research contributes to reducing infection in communities across the
Pacific Islands and around the globe where this deadly brain parasite
is present, and serves as a model for other zoonotic diseases.
Thursday, 25 February 2021