Event Information
Date
January 12th, 2027
Time
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Winter Water Talks is a series of free online webinars hosted by the Water Action Volunteers (WAV) program and the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network. This winter learning series is open to the public and focuses on a variety of lake and stream topics, including water quality, weather and climate, watershed health, aquatic animals and plants, and more!
Description
Parasites are an often-overlooked part of freshwater ecosystems, but they connect an incredible diversity of organisms — from tiny aquatic invertebrates to fish, birds, and other wildlife. In this talk, Dr. Sarah Orlofske (UW–Stevens Point) will explore some of the fascinating parasites found in and around lakes and rivers, how their complex life cycles move them through the food web, and even how tiny invertebrates can help transmit parasites, such as those that cause avian malaria. Along the way, we’ll discover why parasites can tell us surprising things about the ecosystems we care about.
Speakers
Dr. Sarah Orlofske
UW–Stevens Point, Department of Biology
Dr. Sarah Orlofske grew up in southeastern Wisconsin and was fascinated by aquatic life from a young age. She obtained a bachelor of science in biology and wildlife from UW–Stevens Point and then a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is passionate about studying the multifaceted ways parasites influence communities and ecosystems.
Date and Time:
Tuesday, January 12
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration:
Jan. 12 | Winter Water Talks Registration
Location:
Virtual (Zoom)
Cost:
Free