Science without borders: gnathiids leap the wall between Mexico and the United States to advance marine science research
Keywords:
Academic stay, parasites, MazatlanAbstract
In October 2025, the Faculty of Marine Sciences at the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa welcomed researchers Paul Carl Sikkel and Matthew David Nicholson, along with student Isabella Cunio, from the University of Miami. Their work focuses on ecological interactions between parasites and hosts, particularly isopods of the genus Gnathia, organisms of relevance due to their capacity to act as vectors of infectious agents in reef systems. The purpose of their visit was to strengthen scientific collaboration with researcher Mayra I. Grano Maldonado at the CA-UAS-162 Laboratory and to advance research lines on aquatic parasitology in the northeastern Pacific. As part of their academic activities, the visitors participated in the UAS-2025 University Knowledge Conference with the lecture “Ecology of host-parasite interactions in coral reef systems.” The presentation highlighted recent advances in the ecology of the genus Gnathia, its role in pathogen transmission, and its impact on coral reef health, ecosystems that are critical for marine biodiversity. Interaction with the university community enabled students and faculty to update their knowledge, formulate research questions, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The visit also reaffirmed the position of the Faculty of Marine Sciences as a regional reference in the study of aquatic parasitology and in the training of new generations of researchers. As a result of this experience, student-led initiatives emerged focusing on the analysis of gnathiids along the coast of Mazatlán, expanding the scope of ongoing projects.
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