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October 6, 2025
Liam's Headshot

Liam Wimmer ('28), a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, conducted research with Dr. Dustin Brisson (Department of Biology) on parasites carried by little brown bats. This research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.

This summer, I traveled across Pennsylvania to study little brown bats and the parasites they carry, including ticks, pathogens, and other ectoparasites. I went camping, conducted nightly bat counts, and collected guano samples to be taken back to the lab for testing. Back in the lab, I helped process the guano into fecal slurries, used sedimentation and flotation methods to isolate parasites, and prepared slides to identify and quantify parasite species. I was immediately drawn to this project because it involved a lot of hands-on fieldwork, and I have always loved being outdoors. I also knew it would allow me to explore biology and the life sciences in a deeper, more meaningful way. Thinking about how the project would combine fieldwork, animals, and science made me excited from the very beginning, and once I started, it ended up being exactly what I imagined and even more rewarding.

This research experience felt especially meaningful to me because I have loved working with animals and insects for as long as I can remember. Being around them during this project made everything feel exciting instead of like schoolwork or a chore. I realized that research doesn’t have to feel boring when you truly care about what you are studying. It felt more like exploring the outdoors and learning with friends than simply doing work because it had to get done. It also taught me how valuable teamwork is, since it was truly rewarding to work alongside others toward a common goal and to know I didn’t have to do everything alone.

Liam in the field collecting samples.

One of my favorite parts of the entire project was the people I met along the way. I made real connections through this experience, and I am genuinely grateful for that. Everyone in the Brisson Lab was incredibly kind, smart, and always willing to help. Over time, the lab began to feel like a small community where everyone knew each other and had their own role. It was one of the first places at Penn where I felt completely comfortable and surrounded by people I connected with. Those friendships made the experience even more meaningful because I felt like I had found a group of people who enjoyed the same things I did and were always supportive. It was overall a great experience, and I loved it so much.

I also learned a lot about myself throughout the process. I discovered that I really enjoy being part of a team and that I feel happiest when I’m working on something I find interesting. I also realized it’s okay to speak up and say no to things I’m not comfortable with, and that doing so actually shows confidence and maturity. This experience made me want to continue doing research during my time at Penn and possibly even beyond college.

Interested in reading more first-hand accounts about undergraduate research? Check out the other experiences featured on our Student News Page and Social Media!

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