Ronald E. McNair Program

Alfred Robinson

Name: Alfred Robinson
School: Rust College
Major: Biology
Mentor: Dr. Richard Buchholz
Expected Graduation Date: May 2007
Organizations & Honors:

• Ronald E. McNair Scholar
• Alpha Kappa Mu Honors Society
• Phi Beta Sigma
• Honors Track Scholar

E-MAIL: tharealbigal2002@yahoo.com

COMMENTS
The McNair Program has been a blessing to me. I have been able to travel to places that I have never been. My mentor Dr. Richard Buchholz has been very helpful. My GRE math scores have increased and I have learned a great deal about research and presentation.

ABSTRACT

Coccidia: Eimeria gallopavonis Effects on Turkey Behavior

There is a constant threat of coccidian infection to turkey flocks. Recent studies have involved the ability of turkeys to determine infection among one another called immunocompetence. These studies have also included the effects of infection on mate selection. This investigation concentrates on the effects of parasites on turkey’s behavior: feeding, defecation, and thermoregulation. The goal is to isolate these behaviors and connect them with host or parasitic control in mild infection. Each white broad-breasted domestic turkey will be infected with Eimeria gallopavonis, a strain of coccidia, and observed before and after infection.