Michael Barger

Michael Barger is the Dean of the Women’s College at Stephens College, which includes the School of Integrative Studies and the School of Health Sciences. He previously served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences and has held academic roles at Peru State College, Westminster College, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His research focuses on parasitic worms, host-parasite ecology, and biodiversity analytics.

• Ph.D. in Spatial Ecology of Fish and Parasite Communities from Wake Forest University
• B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Parasitology from University of Nebraska–Lincoln

His research spans parasitology, ecology, and biodiversity, with projects funded by the National Science Foundation. Key areas include acanthocephalan parasite taxonomy, host behavior influenced by parasitism, and ecological dynamics of parasite communities.

Dr. Barger’s lab has conducted long-term studies on creek chub parasites in Nebraska and turtle parasites across North America. Current work explores competition in parasite communities and life cycle elucidation of helminths.

Personal interests include backpacking, fishing, gardening, and outdoor activities.