TELUS Spark Science Centre: Monster Mash-up

Parasitology trainees do the Mash... The Monster Mash

Halloween weekend saw graduate students and postdocs from the Universities of Calgary and Lethbridge take part in the Telus Spark Science Centres Monster Mash Up event. The trainees were part of the NSERC CREATE program in Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI), involving the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and the Department of Biological Sciences. The Monster Mash Up, celebrating Halloween and the Spark's birthday, was held on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th of October. The Spark invited the HPI group to put together a display about parasites. The HPI volunteers did not disappoint, putting together a fun and engaging exhibit packed with scientific  content.

The HPI trainees encouraged visitors to explore the world of parasites: their bizarre morphology, life history as well as the techniques researchers can use to diagnose infections. There were dozens of specimens on display ranging from tapeworms, flukes and nematodes, to fleas, ticks and bed bugs with accompanying information about the parasites. Kids from four to eighty-four were encouraged to examine specimens. Microscopes were available so the public  could visit the microscopic world of parasites. Other display materials included slideshows and posters of parasite pictures.

There were many squeamish faces but these were almost always followed by great questions, genuine interest and fascination. The volunteers did an excellent job engaging both parents and children alike. The Spark's Public Programmer, Stephanie Nemcsok, was full of praise: "With your awesome demonstrations, fascinating specimens, and engaging scientist, you guys made parasitology really meaningful and engaging for all 3,000 visitors at the Monster Mash-up event."

Thanks to all the HPI members who helped out in designing the display and volunteering for the event. Extra special thanks go out to graduate student Russell Avramenko for coordinating our efforts, and Paul Gajda and Dr. Mani Lejeune from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for material, expertise and lots of scientific information. Finally, thank you to Stephanie Nemcsok for inviting us.

All told the event was a great success and the HPI group is now looking to reuse the display and format to further engage the community at more public events. So keep on the lookout for the Host Parasite Interactions group and the traveling parasite show.

To see more Monster Mash-up photos click here.