Adam Ray

Research Project: 

The main goal of my research is the creation and manipulation of an epidemiological model that represents the basic life cycle of Ceratomyxa shasta and its two obligate hosts.  Using the basic parameters of the life cycle, this model will identify the sensitivities of each of the parameters and, also, those parameters that require further research.  This model can also be used to assimilate data from the various agencies and organizations researching and monitoring this parasite on the Klamath River (KR).   Once values have been estimated for these parameters, computer simulations can be conducted to examine different management strategies and determine their efficiency at reducing the parasite burden and potentially improve the out-migration success of juvenile salmonids. This model is the main component of my Master's thesis and the first parameter I quantified is the infectious dose of C. shasta on native KR Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).   I will continue to work on this model as a PhD student and will begin to explore the effects environmental factors will have in this disease cycle.