Currently this is ad hoc committee
About the Committee
Chair
- Kayce Bell (kayce.bell@gmail.com)
Members
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History and Mission
In 2025 the Eckerlin Mammalian Parasitology Award was established by the ASM to honor the contributions of Dr. Ralph Eckerlin to the study of mammals and their parasites. Dr. Eckerlin was an active, lifelong member of the ASM, and he trained many mammalogists to collect, identify, and study mammalian parasites. His enthusiasm for teaching and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations resulted in an impactful career that supported multiple generations of mammalogists both across the United States and internationally.
The Eckerlin Mammalian Parasitology Award supports graduate students in the study of mammalian parasites, with a specific emphasis on mammal/parasite systems investigating ecology, behavior, biogeography, systematics, or evolution. A goal of this award is to specifically encourage research on parasites of mammals that will yield insights into host biology and include a training component. To be eligible for the Eckerlin Mammalian Parasitology Award, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program (MS or PhD) and must be members of the ASM. Dr. Eckerlin was a strong advocate for international collaboration and education, so there is to be no restriction on citizenship. Applicants can be from or reside in any country. In recognition of Dr. Eckerlin’s extraordinary life-long commitment to teaching, proposals are required to incorporate an aspect of training in mammalian parasitology. The training component may include specialized parasitological training the applicant will receive from a qualified expert, or it could involve the applicant providing training in some aspect of mammalian parasitology to others.
Statement from The Helminthological Society of Washington
Ralph P. Eckerlin, mammalogist, parasitologist, pulicologist (flea specialist), colleague, and friend to many was a truly remarkable person. His breadth of knowledge, enthusiasm for mentoring, and outgoing personality charmed those who knew him, both casually and as a good friend. The Helminthological Society of Washington recognizes his influence, leadership, and service to the Helminthological Society of Washington as one who made significant contributions to all facets of our organization. The Helminthological Society of Washington's belief in his influence and service is such that we are honored to make a significant contribution to the ASM Eckerlin Mammalian Parasitology Award fund to encourage graduate student research and training on mammalian parasites.
Donations for this award can be made here.
Eligibility
This award is not yet open for applications.
To be eligible for the proposed Eckerlin Mammalian Parasitology Award, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program (MS or PhD) and must be members of the ASM. Dr. Eckerlin was a strong advocate for international collaboration and education, so there is to be no restriction on citizenship. Applicants can be from or reside in any country. In recognition of Dr. Eckerlin’s extraordinary life-long commitment to teaching, proposals will be required to incorporate an aspect of training in mammalian parasitology. The training component could include specialized parasitological training the applicant will receive from a qualified expert, or it could involve the applicant providing training in some aspect of mammalian parasitology to others. The award can only be received once by any applicant.