Graham Rosser
Graham Rosser, a dedicated parasitologist and proud Mississippi State alumnus, has a fascinating career in veterinary and biological sciences. Rosser鈥檚 story began like many鈥a love for animals and an interest in science. As a biological sciences undergraduate at 汤头条, he initially considered a career in veterinary medicine, but a chance encounter with parasitology opened his eyes to an entirely new world, and he has never looked back.
With encouragement from his professor Linda Pote, Rosser enrolled in a graduate parasitology course. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know much, but I jumped at the chance,鈥 he said. That decision marked the beginning of a journey filled with research and discovery.
After completing his Ph.D., he was offered a position at 汤头条鈥檚 College of Veterinary Medicine, where he now leads a lab focused on parasites impacting the state鈥檚 vital catfish industry. Dr. Rosser鈥檚 team works to identify these parasites, study their life cycles, and develop ways to help producers reduce disease鈥ensuring healthier fish and stronger yields.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about problem solving for people,鈥 he said. 鈥淚f we can help the industry, we鈥檙e helping our community and our state. Catfish is one of Mississippi鈥檚 top commodities; it鈥檚 a huge contributor to the state鈥檚 economy.鈥
Rosser鈥檚 passion for his work extends far beyond his research. Around Halloween each year, he hosts the popular 鈥淟ife After Dark: Parasites and Their Hosts鈥 event, where students and community members can get up close with some of the strangest parasites from around the world. From eerie slides to preserved specimens, the showcase offers a window into a world few have seen.
鈥淧arasites play a role in our ecosystem that鈥檚 as interesting as it is misunderstood,鈥 he said. 鈥淗alloween seemed like the perfect time to share a glimpse into these amazing creatures and make it fun and accessible for anyone intrigued by or interested in what we do.鈥
For Rosser, the true reward lies in mentoring students and fostering their growth in science. In addition to research, he teaches first- and second-year veterinary students and serves as an advisor to postdoctoral students. He also is actively involved with several of the college鈥檚 outreach efforts, including the Study Abroad in Uganda One Health program and VetAspire, which gives high school and undergraduate students the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a veterinarian.
Rosser emphasizes that his greatest joy is watching his students excel and surpass his own achievements. 鈥淭he most rewarding part of my job is working with students and seeing them grow,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hen they go on to do amazing things, that鈥檚 the best.鈥
When asked what he loves most about his field, Rosser pointed to its incredible breadth and opportunity for lifelong learning. 鈥淚 get to explore so many areas of science on a small scale because parasites exist in every imaginable context,鈥 he said. 鈥淛ust when I think I understand what a parasite is, I鈥檓 proven wrong.鈥