Shannon French

Program

Pathobiology, PhD

Why I Chose Guelph… 

As a veterinarian with an interest in animal health research, the presence of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, as well as it's close relationship with the CWHC and the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, provides an ideal collaborative environment to pursue the study of zoonotic disease within the framework of wildlife disease ecology.

About My Advisor… 

My advisor is a fantastic mentor who is very supportive of the projects I wish to pursue. Not only does she provide academic support, she also emphasizes the importance of wellness and balance and provides whatever tools she can to help her students grow both as researchers and as people.  She is always willing to meet and chat about road blocks or other struggles, big or small. I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to work with her.

How Will Your Research Improve Life?

The first step in prevention is being informed; my research focuses on zoonotic diseases of wildlife, specifically the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. A better understanding of the ecology of this parasite will help us develop strategies to reduce the risk of human and animal exposure in the future.