Alan Gillen, Ed.D.

Biography

Dr. Gillen earned a M.S. in Zoology at The Ohio State University, specializing in aquatic ecology, which began his study of parasites. He completed his Doctorate at the University of Houston and Baylor College of Medicine where he did graduate study in medical microbiology and science education. He began teaching at Liberty University in 2004, where he focuses on integrating Creation themes with biology. He has written three books and two lab manuals on various biology topics including, The Human Body: An Intelligent Design, Body by Design: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made, and The Genesis of Germs. His current research interest include detecting water parasites and pathogens in surface waters across Lynchburg, VA, describing the origin of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Serratia marcescens, along with detecting coliforms in local waters. Dr. Gillen emphasizes educating his students on water quality and disease prevention.

Courses Taught

• BIOL 203 Introduction to Microbiology
• BIOL 305 Parasitology

Research Interests

Dr. Gillen and his lab students are interested in tracking the incidence of water parasites and pathogens in local streams and lakes. His major research interests are detecting water parasites and pathogens in fish and snails, like those associated with Black Spot disease. He is studying black spot disease in Gambusia, the mosquitofish, and how parasites affect their blood circulation. Samples are taken from local ponds, lakes, and streams. The results of this research educate students regarding good public health, blood circulation, and the importance of controlling parasitic diseases, especially those that are vector-borne diseases (schistosomiasis, malaria, West Nile fever).