Brian Lund Fredensborg

Short presentation

I study the ecological and evolutionary relationship between parasites and their hosts. A main focus area is the interaction between parasites and other stressors (e.g. pesticides) inside the host. Those interactions are studied quantitatively and qualitatively using helminths in arthropod hosts as study systems.

Other interests of mine include:

The transmission of parasites in relation to host diversity, abundance and distribution. Previous research demonstrate that the diversity, prevalence and abundance of parasites are sensitive tools to evaluate changes in the diversity of free-living organisms. Therefore parasites may be appropriate indicators of the effects of habitat degradation, and invasive species on overall ecosystem health.   

Life history adaptations of parasites and their hosts. In particular parasite behavioural manipulation of hosts to increase transmission to the next host in the life cycle of parasites where I examine the relationship between specialisation and host specificity. My main study system is the trematode Dicrocoelium dendriticum and its ant hosts.

CV

Personal statement

I am a parasite ecologist that conducts basic and applied research on host – parasite interactions. My main focus is the effect of parasites on host ecology, and to investigate factors that determine the distribution and transmission of helminths in host populations. I also have an interest in the evolutionary consequences of host-parasite interactions that shape host and parasite life histories and affect host specificity.

My teaching is research-based, and I strive to engage students in interactive and experiental learning experiences that challenge and inspire them to achieve. I am passionate about advising and mentoring student research in my research lab. I thrive in a collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged and where colleagues motivate each other to perform at their best.   

PhD (Zoology). Department of Zoology, University of Otago, New Zealand, 2005.

Thesis: “Impact of the trematode parasite, Maritrema novaezealandensis (Microphallidae) on the ecology and evolution of intermediate hosts in the New Zealand soft bottom intertidal zone”.

MSc (Biology). Institute of Biology, Dept of Marine Ecology, University of Aarhus, Denmark, 2001. Thesis: “Dynamics of microphallid trematodes in the intermediate hosts Hydrobia ulvae and Corophium volutator during bird final host autumn migration”.

BSc  (Biology). Institute of Biology, University of Aarhus, Denmark.

Sept 2012-present: Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen.

Sept 2007 – August 2012: Assistant Professor, Biology, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX, USA.

May 2005 – June 2007: Postdoc, Marine Science Institute & Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. National Science Foundation (NSF) Ecology of Infectious Diseases (EID) Grant: “Anthropogenic effects on host-trematode dynamics”.     

January – March 2007: Lecturer, Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA (Parasitology (E111))

Teaching experience