This presentation will provide an introduction to the fascinating adaptations of diverse parasites and the intricate ecological roles they can play in nature.
Dr. Tim Goater was a professor in the Biology Department at Malaspina/VIU for 32 years. Tim completed his B.Sc. degree in Zoology at Brandon University and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Ecological Parasitology at Wake Forest University, North Carolina. Since his arrival on campus in 1990, Tim has taught courses in Introductory Zoology, Parasitology, Ecological Parasitology, Evolution, Invertebrate Zoology, and Entomology. Since 2004, he has also co-taught the Tropical Field Biology course in Belize. Tim’s greatest career satisfaction is to engage his students and inspire a life-long passion for the spectacular diversity and ecological and evolutionary importance of invertebrate animals, especially parasites. He especially enjoys the experiential learning that takes place in field situations. Hundreds of students accompanied Tim on annual spring field trips to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and to Nanaimo’s Pipers Lagoon to explore the marvels of marine invertebrate diversity and ecology. Tim has mentored over 50 highly motivated independent research students throughout his career. Their research projects have dealt with the ecology of diverse parasites in a wide variety of wild animals. Another highlight of Tim’s teaching and research academic career is the textbook published by Cambridge University Press that Tim and his brother Cam co-wrote together, ‘Parasitism: The Diversity and Ecology of Animal Parasites’. Tim was presented the VIU Provost Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2015 and a 2021 President’s Award for Community Leadership. Along with his brother, Tim was recognized with the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award for Career Achievement from Brandon University. Upon his retirement in December 2021, Tim was awarded VIU’s Academic Emeritus designation.