FAIRFAX, Virginia — University of Mount Union students Jake Metzger ’26 and Eleanor Pace ’27 earned significant recognition for their unique environmental science research presentations at the 735^th meeting of the Helminthological Society of Washington. 

Metzger’s presentation, titled “The Role of Diplostomid Parasites in the Maintenance of a Subordinate Mating Strategy of Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)” took home the Society’s Stirewalt-Lincicome Student Award for the best student presentation at the conference among undergraduate and graduate students. The award came with a $200 cash prize.

The conference has a focus on parasitology, and Metzger’s research was through the lens of the bluegill sunfish. According to Metzger’s project, bluegill sunfish have two types of males—alpha dominant males that build nests and care for eggs, and smaller beta males that freeload off their efforts—yet both types are roughly equal in number, despite the dominant males being far better at reproduction. His study found that dominant males are much more likely to be heavily infected by parasites, which harms their health, and this may be why the underdog male strategy sticks around in nature.

“The most rewarding part of this experience would have to be the experience that it gave me. I was extremely excited to be able to not only share my own research but to learn about others as well,” Metzger said. “Having the opportunity to learn from fellow students from around the DC area and other professionals within the field was invaluable.”

Pace’s presentation was titled, “The Impact of Eutrophication on Parasite Diversity at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center,” and focused on determining whether eutrophication impacts parasite diversity. The findings did support the hypothesis that parasite diversity would be lower in eutrophic water, which Pace found exciting. She was awarded second place among all undergraduate presentations at the conference.
 
“I think the most rewarding part of this experience was gaining hands-on experience during the research. From collecting and processing samples to identifying parasites, and even in data analysis and presenting, I have learned a lot!” Pace said.
 
The students were led by Dr. Mike Zimmermann, associate professor of biology.
 
“Dr. Zimmermann has introduced me into a world of study that I did not even know about and taking part within his courses and research lab has given me skills and knowledge that I would not have otherwise,” Metzger said. “Mount Union’s biggest resource and advantage within the world of higher education is the faculty that it has like Dr. Zimmermann.”
 
Metzger aims to work within clinical healthcare following graduation, with the goal of pursuing medical school to become a pathologist. Pace plans to attend graduate school for ecology with a focus on freshwater ecosystems.
 
Learn more about the opportunities with a biology degree or an environmental science degree at Mount Union by visiting the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.