Curriculum vitae
APPOINTMENTS
2020-present Postdoctoral Research, H.W. Manter Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2019-2020-Visiting Assistant Professor, Biology Department, Northern Michigan University
2019-present Fellow of the Leifur Eiriksson Foundation
2014-2019 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State Univ.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Oklahoma State University, Department of Integrative Biology Stillwater, OK. Advisor: Matthew Bolek. Dissertation Title: Comparative Study of Life Cycle Ecology and Host-Parasite Interactions of horsehair worms (Phylum Nematomorpha). July 2019
B.S. Biological Sciences. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Advisor: David J. Keil. December 2010
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Visiting Assistant Professor, Northern Michigan Univ. , Dept. of Biology Aug. 2019-May 2020
General Parasitology Lecture & Lab (Fall 2019)
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lecture & Lab (Fall 2019, Winter 2020)
Vertebrate Zoology Lecture & Lab (Winter 2020)
Graduate Teaching Assistant, OSU, Dept. of Integrative Biology. Aug. 2014-Aug. 2019
General Biology (Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Summer 2015, Fall 2016)
Human Heredity (Fall, 2015)
Invertebrate Zoology (Spring 2016, Spring 2017)
Vertebrate Morphology (Fall, 2018)
Human Physiology (Spring 2019, Summer 2019)
Guest lecture, Invertebrate Zoology.
Guest lecture, Physiology.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, California Polytechnic State University, Biological Sciences Department San Luis Obispo, CA
General Biology (Fall 2010, Fall 2013)
General Botany (Spring 2011
Plant Diversity and Ecology (Spring 2011)
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND FELLOWSHIPS
External Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships (Total=$47,900 as graduate student)
2018 Marc Dresden Student Travel Grant, American Society of Parasitologists ($600) *
2018 Leifur Eiriksson Foundation Fellowship ($25,000)
2017 Fulbright/NSF United States Student Scholarship to Iceland (2017-2018) ($17,500)
2017 Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitology Research Grant ($500)
2017 Philanthropic Education Organization, Oklahoma Projects Fund, Inc. ($1500)
2016 Philanthropic Education Organization, Chapter U ($500)
2010 American Assoc. of University Women, Atascadero Branch Scholarship Winner ($1000)
2002 National Institute of Health Bridges to Baccalaureate Scholar
*Received 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 (Total = $1,900)
University Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships (Total=$14,590 as graduate student)
2018 Women’s Faculty Council Student Research Award ($750)
2018 Graduate & Professional Student Govt. Assoc. Travel Award ($545)
2018 Hispanic/Latino Faculty & Staff Association, Dra. Cida Chase Scholarship ($250)
2017 College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Excellence and Scholarship Fund ($500)
2017 Women for OSU Philanthropy Student Scholarship ($5000)
2016 Graduate & Professional Student Govt. Assoc. Travel Award ($545)
2016 Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Scholar, Spears College of Business ($2000)
2014 Top Tier Graduate Fellowship, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK ($5000)
AWARDS AND HONORS
2019 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Asst. Award, Oklahoma St. Univ.
2018 Outstanding Poster Award Oklahoma Women Impacting STEM and Entrepreneurship, Oklahoma City, OK
2017 Wilhm Teaching Assistantship Award, Ph.D., Dept. of Integrative Biology
2017 2016-2017 Oklahoma State University’s Outstanding Doctoral Student OSU President’s Leadership & Service Recognition
2017 Herrick Award. Best Student Poster. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists, Wilmington, OH.
2017 Power of Business Award. Baylor University New Venture Competition. Team Leader, Christina Anaya: Redcedar Products
2017 Honorable Mention. Baylor University New Venture Competition. Team: Redcedar Products
2016 LaRue Award. Best Oral Presentation. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
2016 Best Overall Student Presentation. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists. Southern Illinois University. Carbondale, IL.
2016 Graduate and Professional Student Government Association Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Finalist
2016 Datus M. Hammond. Best Graduate Oral Presentation. Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists. Cedar Point Biological Field Station.
2016 Best Lunchtime Seminar Award, OSU Department of Integrative Biology
2015 Meritorious Student Paper Award. American Society of Parasitologists Annual Conference. Omaha, Nebraska
2015 Datus M. Hammond Award. Best Graduate Student Poster Award. Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists. Ogallala, Nebraska
INVITED TALKS
2020
Oct 20. Opening a can of worms: the discovery of the first terrestrial hairworm and new tools for evaluating the diversity of hairworms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout Iceland. Biology Department Seminar. Michigan State University USA
Feb. 14. Parasites and their Manipulative Ways. Science on Tap, Ore Dock Brewery
2019
Sept Comparative Study of Life Cycle Ecology and Host-Parasite Interactions of horsehair worms (Phylum Nematomorpha). Biology Department Seminar, Northern Michigan University, USA
Sept Parasites and their Manipulative Ways. Huron Mountain Club. Big Bay, Michigan, USA
2018
Nov 15. A year in the land of fire and ice: sampling parasites and experiencing traditions. Sierra Club Cimarron Group. Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Jun 23. Relationship of feeding, growth, and parasitism in Acheta domesticus infected with Paragordius varius (Phylum: Nematomorpha). Symposium: Immunological and physiological interactions between insects and pathogens, American Society of Parasitologists, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Feb 16. Opening a can of worms: host-parasite interactions of hairworms (Nematomorpha: Gordiida), the discovery of the first terrestrial hairworm and new tools for evaluating the diversity of hairworms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout Iceland. University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
November 9. Opening a can of worms: host-parasite interactions of hairworms (Nematomorpha: Gordiida), the discovery of the first terrestrial hairworm and new tools for evaluating the diversity of hairworms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout Iceland. Hólar University College, Sauðárkrókur, Iceland.
2017
April 4. The General Ecology and Life Cycle of Hairworms. Philanthropic Educational Organization. Stillwater, OK.
2015
October 15. Invasion of the mind-controlling parasites. Sierra Club Monthly meeting. Oklahoma City, OK.
2013
July 10. Feast or Famine: The Nutritional Ecology of a Host-Parasite System. Yosemite National Park Naturalist Meeting.
2012
April. Introduction to hairworms. Atascadero High School. Atascadero, California.
CONFERENCE ACTIVITY
Symposia Organized
2019
July 11-14. Annual Student Symposium. American Society of Parasitologists. Preparing for and Navigating Your Parasitological Future.
Oral Papers Presented
2019
July 11-15. Planning for Your Career in Parasitology. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists, Student Symposium presenter.
July 11-15. The other Oklahoma land rush: field and experimental observations on a new Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) with the first documented terrestrial life cycle for the phylum.
June 6-8. Sampling the Land of Fire and Ice: The First Documentation of Hairworms (Phylum Nematomorpha) in Iceland. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists, Mankato, MN.
April 14-17. Relationship of feeding, growth, and parasitism in Acheta domesticus infected with Paragordius varius (Phylum: Nematomorpha). Southwestern Branch Entomological Society, Tulsa, OK.
2018
Sept. 6-8. Sampling the land of fire and ice: the first documentation of hairworms in Iceland. Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitology, Ogallala, NE.
2017
Oct. 26-28. The discovery of the first terrestrial hairworm (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) and new tools for evaluating the diversity of hairworms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout Iceland. Iceland Biological Society, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Oct. 14. Freshwater and Marine Snails as Parasite Biodiversity Indicators in Iceland. Arctic Assembly. Reykjavik, Iceland.
June 27-July. Land Ho! Field observations and experimentation on a new Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) with the first documented terrestrial life cycle for the phylum. American Society of Parasitologists. San Antonio, TX.
June 8-10. Field and experimental observations on a new Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) with the first documented terrestrial life cycle for the phylum. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists. Wilmington, OH.
Apr. 23. Field and Experimental Observations on a new Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) with the first terrestrial life cycle for the phylum. Central Ecology and Evolution Conference. Stillwater, OK.
Apr. 21. Land Ho! Field and Experimental Observations on a new Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) with the first terrestrial life cycle for the phylum. Southwestern Association of Parasitologists. Lake Texoma, Kingston, OK.
Apr. 14. Living with parasitism: the pre- and post-partum effects of hairworm infection on the biology of Acheta domesticus. Southwestern Association of Naturalists. Lawton, OK.
2016
Sept. 8-10. Post-partum effects of parasitism of Acheta domesticus by Paragordius varius. Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists. Ogallala, NE.
July 11-15. Effects of hairworm (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) infection on cricket reproductive output. American Society of Parasitologists. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
June 9-11. Morphological and physiological effects of Paragordius varius (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) on the cricket host, Acheta domesticus. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists. Carbondale, IL.
June 25-28. Effects of Paragordius varius (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) on the cricket host, Acheta domesticus. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists. Omaha, NE.
2015
Bolek, M. G., C. Szmygiel, R. Shannon, C. Williams, A. Schmidt-Rhaesa, and B. Hanelt. 2015. The diversity and surprising complexity of larval and cyst stages of gordiids (Nematomorpha): How many types are there? Annual Meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists. Omaha, Nebraska.
2014
Sept. The diversity and surprising complexity of larval and cyst stages of gordiids (Nematomorpha): How many types are there? Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists, University of Nebraska Cedar Point Biological Station, Ogallala, Nebraska.
September 4-6. Chewing the Fat: The parasitic effects of a hairworm (Paragordius varius) on its cricket host (Acheta domesticus). Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists Annual Meeting, Ogallala, Nebraska.
July 25. Feast and Famine: The nutritional ecology of a hairworm (Paragordius varius) on its cricket host (Acheta domesticus). American Society of Parasitologists, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Posters Presented
2018
Sept. 14. Freshwater and marine snails as parasite biodiversity indicators in Iceland. OK Women Impacting STEM and Entrepreneurship. Oklahoma City, OK
2017
June 9, 2017. Effects of hairworm infection on diet, morphology and egg production of Acheta domesticus. Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists. Wilmington, OH.
April 20-22. The post-partum effects of hairworm infection on the biology of Acheta domesticus. Southwestern Association of Parasitologists. Kingston, Oklahoma.
2016
July 11-15. Observations on the life history of Gordius cf. robustus (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) from Oklahoma. Is this the first documented semi-terrestrial hairworm life cycle? American Society of Parasitologists. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
June 9-11. Observations on the life history of Gordius cf. robustus (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) from Oklahoma. Is this the first documented semi-terrestrial hairworm life cycle? Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists. Carbondale, IL.
2015
Sept. 10-12. Observations on the life history of Gordius cf. robustus (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) from Oklahoma. Is this the first documented semi-terrestrial hairworm life cycle? Rocky Mountain Conference of Parasitologists. Ogallala, Nebraska.
2013
May 13. Feast or Famine: The Nutritional Ecology of a Host-Parasite System. College of Science and Mathematics Student Research Conference, California Polytechnic State University. San Luis Obispo, California.
CAMPUS OR DEPARTMENTAL TALKS
2020
Oct 29. Opening a can of worms: the discovery of the first terrestrial hairworm and new tools for evaluating the diversity of hairworms in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout Iceland. Biology Department Seminar. University of Nebraska-Lincoln HWML seminar
2019
February 11. A year in the land of fire and ice: sampling parasites and the first documentation of hairworms (Phylum: Nematomorpha) in Iceland. Lunchtime Seminar, OSU, Stillwater, OK.
Mar. 6. Land Ho! Gordius cf. robustus (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) from Oklahoma. Is this the first semi-terrestrial hairworm life cycle? Department of Integrative Biology Lunchtime Seminar. Stillwater, OK.
2016
Anaya, C., Hanelt, B., Bolek, M.G. Oct. 17. Post-partum effects of parasitism of Acheta domesticus by Paragordius varius. Department of Integrative Biology Lunchtime Seminar. Stillwater, OK.
2015
Williams, C., Vredevoe, L., Hanelt, B. Nov. 16. Observations on the life history of Gordius robustus from Oklahoma. Is this the first documented semi-terrestrial hairworm life cycle? Department of Integrative Biology Lunchtime seminar Stillwater, OK.
2014
Williams, C., Vredevoe, L., Hanelt, B. May 16. Chewing the Fat: The nutritional ecology of a hairworm (Paragordius varius) and its cricket host (Acheta domesticus). College of Science and Mathematics Student Research Conference, San Luis Obispo, California.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Harold W. Manter Museum of Parasitology 2020-present
Dr. Scott L. Gardner, Curator
-
Project 1: Parasite assemblages in pocket gophers of the Nebraska plains (My role is dissections, prepping and mounting of specimens, and assist with writing).
-
Project 2: New species descriptions of 8 lice species of the Tuco-tucos of Bolivia (my role is microscopy and writing the publications).
Biology Department, Northern Michigan University. Marquette, MI 2019-2020
Independent Research
-
Project 1: Distribution of Psorospermium haeckeli in crayfish of the Upper Peninsula.
-
Project 2: Molecular characterization of European hairworms (Phylum Nematomorpha)
Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK
Doctoral Research 2014- 2019
Research Adviser: Dr. Matt Bolek
-
Doctoral Dissertation: Comparative Study of Life Cycle Ecology and Host-Parasite Interactions of Freshwater Hairworms (Phylum Nematomorpha)
-
The purpose of this study is to examine the ecology, distribution, and host parasite relationships of two species of hairworms.
Dept. of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Hólar University College, Hólar, Iceland 2017-2018
Fulbright/National Science Foundation Arctic Research
Host: Dr. Bjarni Kristjánsson
-
Freshwater and Marine Snails as Parasite Biodiversity Indicators in Iceland
-
Examine the current status of parasites using freshwater and marine snails in Iceland as baseline data for future climate research.
Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 2010-2014
Research Adviser: Dr. Larisa Vredevoe
-
Master’s Thesis: The effect of macronutrient deficiencies and parasitism on the generalist omnivore, Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
-
Examined the effect of energy deficiencies including macronutrient deficiency and parasitism on female house crickets and the morphological and physiological consequences of those deficiencies.
Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Field Research 2009-2011
Research Adviser: Dr. Frances Villablanca
-
Undergraduate Research: Quarterly project to conduct population status of the endangered kangaroo rat, Dipodomys heermanni arenae in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Wildlife Refuge.
Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Laboratory Research 2009
Research Adviser: Dr. Kingston Leong
-
Undergraduate Research: Examination of sperm storage in female Monarch butterflies at overwintering sites in California
Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Field Research 2009
Research Adviser: Dr. Frances Villablanca
-
Undergraduate Research: Survey for the endangered Morro Bay Kangaroo rat.
Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Field Research 2009-2010
Research Adviser: Dr. David Keil
-
Senior Project: Botanical Survey of Stadium Park, Atascadero, CA. Survey of botanical species and community structure.
SERVICE
Professional
Reviewer for Comparative Parasitology, Graellsia,
Society
Committee Service American Society of Parasitologists
Public Relations Committee 2019-2020
Co-chaired session in the Evolutionary Ecology II 2019
Co-chaired session in the Evolutionary Ecology II 2018
Student Representative American Society of Parasitologists 2018-2019
Developed the “Planning for and Navigating your Parasitology Career” for the Annual ASP Student Symposium.
Created the inaugural Palettes and Parasites Art Contest
Created the inaugural Meal-with-a-Mentor. 22 mentors and 48 time slots filled by 30 students.
Academic
Academic Planning Committee, Northern Michigan University 2019-2020
Undergraduate Student Mentoring 2011-2019
Developed Grad Student Workshop: How to Write Grants & Proposals 2019
Student Representative, Amer. Soc. of Parasitologists 2018-2019
HHMI: I Am Proud to be a Life Scientist 2015,2016, 2018
Developed Grad Student Workshop: How to Create Engaging Poster 2016
Student Sierra Club, Secretary 2016-2017
Developed Grad Student Workshop: Time Management 2015
Seminar Speaker Committee 2015-2017
Tri Beta Panelist: Undergraduate Research 2015
Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Research Symposium, judge 2015
Oklahoma State University Research Week, Moderator 2015
Community
Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly 2019
Salvation Army Thanksgiving Dinner 2014,2015
Wesley Foundation, Student Thanksgiving Dinner 2015
Outdoor Family Camping Insect Workshop 2015
Lake McMurtry Spring Celebration 2015
Into the Streets 2014
Hurricane Katrina Outreach, New Orleans Cal Poly Alternative Breaks 2009
Flying Samaritans, Dental Clinic, Mexico 2003
UNDERGRADUATE AND HIGH SCHOOL MENTORING- 2000+ hours
Bolek Laboratory, Oklahoma State University
Lila Trainor, Kenneth Rogers, Ayrianna Swanson*, Madison Houghton
Taliah Williams*(**), Gabriel Crow, Mia Milliner*, Zach Yarborough, Garrett Welch†, Isabel Vester†, Kenzie Hull, Tymara Nash*, Ela Baladjay, Melissa Daily, Britney Bryan, Diana Soriano*, Amanda Keck**, Madison Young, Claire Gallagher, Adrienne Horner, Abbi Wright**, Kaycee Forsythe, Beau Henneha*(**), Katelyn Nelms, Maddie Machart, Jonathan Hinck, Scott Ninke, Kelsey Pierce, Kierra Dixon*(**), Jordyn Taylor, Bailey Lagarde**, Camden Geary-Henderson
Drew Williams, Codi Sandefur
Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Iceland
Cirion Benhaim, Olivia Pires
Vredevoe Laboratory, California Polytechnic State University
Tyler Worley, Danielle Zezoff, Allie Gonzalez, Melissa Hollister, Hillery Nguyen, Olivia Origel, Jordan Landerman, Avity Norman
Jennifer Dunaj
Lindsey Day
Celeste McCormick
Chris Sherburne
* indicates underrepresented minorities in STEM
** indicates Freshman Research Scholar
† indicates high school student
Undergraduate Student Poster Presentations
Jordyn Taylor, C. Anaya. M.G. Bolek. April 2019. Non-adult survival of hairworms (Phylum: Nematomorpha) in extreme conditions. OSU Dept. of Integrative Biology Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Student Symposium.
Claire Gallagher, C. Anaya. M.G. Bolek. April 2019. Individual female fecundity in a terrestrial hairworm (Phylum: Nematomorpha). OSU Dept. of Integrative Biology Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Student Symposium.
Kierra Dixon, Beau Henneha, Bailey Lagarde, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. April 2019. The effect of hairworms (Phylum: Nematomorpha) on the diet of its cricket host, Acheta domesticus (Order: Orthoptera). OSU Dept. of Integrative Biology Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Student Symposium.
Amanda Keck, Abbi Wright, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. 2017. Defending Your parasite: the effects of hairworm infection on male cricket behavior. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freshman Research Scholars Symposium
Taliah Williams, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek 2017. Mortality rate in post emergence of Nematomorpha. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freshman Research Scholars Symposium
Claire Gallagher, Kaycee Forsythe, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. 2017. Prevalence of gordiid cysts in earthworms. Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Tymara Nash, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. 2017. Reproduction in crickets () after parasitism by horse hairworms. Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Gabriel Crow, C. AnayaM.G. Bolek. 2016. Survival of house crickets, Acheta domesticus after parasitism by the hairworm, Paragordius varius (Phylum: Nematomorpha). Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Kenneth Rogers, C. AnayaM.G. Bolek. 2016. Density-dependent effects on body size of hairworms (Phylum: Nematomorpha). Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Ayrianna Swanson, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. 2016. Egg production in female house crickets, Acheta domesticus after parasitism by the hairworm, Paragordius varius (Phylum: Nematomorpha). Karen L. Smith Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Undergraduate Student Awards
1st Place Best Poster Presentation. 2017. Taliah Williams, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. Mortality rate in Acheta domesticus post emergence of Nematomorpha.
3rd Place Best Poster Presentation. 2017 Amanda Keck, Abbi Wright, C. Anaya, M.G. Bolek. 2017. Defending Your parasite: the effects of hairworm infection on male cricket behavior. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freshman Research Scholars Symposium
MEDIA COVERAGE
2019
2017 https://news.okstate.edu/articles/osu-doctoral-student-pioneers-parasitology-research-iceland
2017
2017
2017 https://news.okstate.edu/articles/osu-doctoral-student-conduct-research-iceland
2017
ACTIVE PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY AFFILIATIONS
2012 The American Society of Parasitologists
2014 Rocky Mountain Parasitologists Group
2015 Southwestern Association of Parasitologists
2015 Sigma Xi
2016 Entomological Society of America
2016 American Association of University Women
2016 Midwestern Association of Parasitologists
2017 Southwestern Association of Naturalists