Where art meets science … and parasites: workshop draws on expertise

14 AUGUST 2020

Where art meets science … and parasites: workshop draws on expertise

A pair of Charles Sturt University experts will share their fascination for parasites in a free online workshop on Wednesday 19 August.

  • Charles Sturt University parasite experts will highlight their research in an online workshop
  • The workshop is being hosted by the the Australian Society of Parasitology for National Science Week
  • The workshop will show people how scientists draw parasites

The mere thought of parasites might have you squirming or scratching your head but some Charles Sturt University researchers hope to change your view by showing the art of parasite drawing.

Charles Sturt University Associate Professor Shokoofeh Shamsi (pictured) from the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Dr Di Barton from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences will share their fascination for parasites in a free online workshop on Wednesday 19 August.

It’s part of ‘Parasites Online‘, a series of interactive events hosted by the Australian Society of Parasitology for National Science Week.

Professor Shamsi said the workshop is an opportunity to give people new insight into parasites and the scientists who study them.

“Drawing isn’t something you would normally associate with scientists working in the laboratory but it’s an important part of taxonomy, that is the naming, describing and classifying organisms,“ Professor Shamsi said.

“A parasite portrait is an amazing line drawing and the workshop is going to show people how we use a microscope drawing tube to accurately record the features of these tiny creatures.

“I’m passionate about my work to better understand parasites, their role in our environment and how they interact with fish, birds, animals and people.

“I’m looking forward to sharing this in the interactive workshop to hopefully inspire the next generation of ‘parasite artists’ or taxonomy experts.”

People are encouraged to put the workshop skills into practice and draw their own parasite then share it with the experts.

People can register through Eventbrite to attend the workshop live on Facebook from 1.30pm to 2pm on Wednesday 19 August.

This Inspiring Australia event is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.

Media Note:

To arrange interviews contact Graham Centre communications officer Emily Malone on 0439 552 385 or email emalone@csu.edu.au.

The Graham Centre is a research alliance between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

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All Local NewsAgricultural ScienceAnimal and Veterinary scienceCharles Sturt UniversityGraham Centre