Chelsea S. Thorn, M.S.

I study



Chelsea Thorn, M.S.

cthorn@tamu.edu

Doctoral Candidate

Criscione Lab

Department of Biology

Texas A&M University


Biologist using genomics, population genetics, and bioinformatics to study endohelminth parasites, parasite gene expression, host-parasite coevolution, and parasitic infections of reptiles. My research focuses primarily on parasite counterdefense to the host immune system and genetic/genomic factors that influence tapeworm virulence.

Education

Ph.D. in Biology

2021-Present

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Advised by: Charles Criscione
Committee: Heath Blackmon, Brian Davis, and Kira Delmore

M.S. in Biology

2021

Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

Thesis: Comparison of endohelminth parasites in alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) and spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) from Sabine Lake.
Advised by: Tami Cook and Autumn Smith-Herron
Committee: Jerry Cook and Amber Ulseth

B.S. in Biology

2017

Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

Experience

Graduate Assistant - Research

2021 - Present

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Collection of endohelminth parasites from wild caught Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) via necropsy. Genomic DNA extraction and whole genome amplification of tapeworms collected from the geckos followed by downstream population genetic analyses.
  • Genome assembly and annotation of the gecko tapeworm Oochoristica javaensis

    • Graduate Assistant - Research

    2018-2019

    Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

    Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies.
    Developed and implemented training protocols with the PIs to instruct graduate and undergraduate assistants on projects being done in the lab. This included field sampling techniques for fish, invertebrates, herpetofauna, and water. Instructed other research assistants and volunteers how to sort and identify fishes, invertebrates, and various herpetofauna.
    • Bluehead Shiner Project: Sampled, sorted, and identified fish specimens. Trained undergraduate research assistants in these tasks.
    • Camp Bowie Invertebrate Survey: Sampled, sorted, and identified terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate specimens. Trained graduate and undergraduate research assistants in these tasks. Assisted with placement in museum collections.
    • Camp Bowie Herpetofauna Survey: Collected, field-identified and PIT tagged turtle and terrapin specimens to track movements. Field-identified and counted frog, toad and snake specimens.
    • Clean Rivers Program: Quarterly water sampling of rivers and creeks in the San Jacinto River and Winter’s Bayou watershed. Trained undergraduate research assistants.

    Graduate Assistant - Teaching

    2021 - Present

    Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

    Courses Taught: Introductory Biology 111 Lab, Introductory Biology 112 Honors Lab, Chordate Anatomy Lab

    Graduate Assistant - Teaching

    2018 - 2021

    Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

    Courses Taught: Zoology Lab, Parasitology Lab, Histology Lab

    Research

    Publications

    Thorn, C. S.; Maness, R. W.; Hulke, J. M.; Delmore, K. E.; Criscione, C. D. Population Genomics of Helminth Parasites. Journal of Helminthology 2023, 97, e29.

    Lab and Field Photography