Lien Luong

Lien Luong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. Their research focuses on the ecology and evolution of host-parasite interactions, including the evolution of parasitism, phenotypic plasticity in parasites, and physiological ecology of parasitism. Additional research examines parasite transmission dynamics and biotic/abiotic drivers of these processes.

Education:

• PhD Entomology, University of California, Davis (2004)
• MSc Biology, University of California, Riverside (1998)
• BSc Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis (1996)
• Postdoctoral Fellowships at Pennsylvania State University (2007-2011) and University of Cincinnati (2005-2007)

Research Interests: Dr. Luong’s work integrates behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives to study how parasites influence host behavior, physiology, and population dynamics. Key themes include non-consumptive effects of parasites, host-parasite co-evolution, and the role of environmental stressors in parasite transmission.

Teaching: Teaches courses such as BIOL 108: Introduction to Biological Diversity, BIOL 495/595: Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases, and ZOOL 352: Principles of Parasitism. Leads research project courses (BIOL 299, 399, 498, 499) and supervises undergraduate research in BIOL 298: Understanding Biological Research.

Research Lab: The lab investigates host-parasite interactions using Drosophila-mite systems and honey bee parasites. Current projects explore parasite-induced behavioral changes, non-consumptive effects of parasites, and the ecological drivers of transmission dynamics.