Research Interests

My current research looks at how and why a facultative parasite, Macrocheles subbadius, produces aggregation (large numbers of parasites on a few hosts) in its host (Drosophila nigrospiracula) population.

On a broader scale, I find parasites and infectious disease extremely interesting in how they physically and behaviourally impact a host.

Publications:

• Luong, L.T., Brophy, T., Stolz, E., and Chan, S.J. 2017. State-dependent parasitism by a facultative parasite of fruit flies. Parasitology 1-8. doi:10.1017/S0031182017000890
• Luong, L.T., Horn, C.J., Brophy, T. 2017. Mitey costly: Energetic costs of parasite avoidance and infection. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 90: 471-477.

Contact Info:
Biological Sciences Bldg. B-322
Email: tbrophy@ualberta.ca