Dr. Christopher M. Ritzi

12/09/11

Welcome to the Mites' Niche!

Feel free to browse around my web page.  Below is information about the courses I teach, the research I conduct, as well as some personal information.

Home Personal Information Research Graduate Students Courses Photo Gallery Success in College

   

Courses

Research

bulletMedical Terminology
bulletGeneral Zoology
bulletGeneral Zoology Lab

Video by Martin Mack, Germany

bulletEnvironmental Biology and Lab
bulletHuman A&P I and Lab
bulletHuman A&P II and Lab

                  

bulletInvertebrate Zoology and Lab
bulletParasitology and Lab

  

 

 

 

Copyright Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.

bulletGeneral Entomology
bulletMammalogy and Lab
bulletAnimal Behavior
bulletCollections Management
bulletMed/Vet Entomology
bulletApplied Entomology

Information about mammalian ectoparasites and the world they live in.  The realm of little creepy crawlers is actually a fascinating one, where tiny animals a millimeter in size can possess such complexity and form as to almost be considered a work of sculpted art. These fascinating animals can be found just about anywhere, and in fact, are found just about everywhere.  From the hairs on your head, to the pores in your skin, mites and other Acari may be making their homes. 

Ex. Alabidocarpus calcaratus from Myotis velifer

I have also branched into the world of pollination ecology, examining the pollinator communities that surround several types of plants found out in the Trans-Pecos. This project is designed to compile a list of pollinators associated with the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, as well as study the degree of specialization in several of our native pollinators.

My lab is also involved with current studies in applied entomology, through the use of a beetle to control saltcedar.  This work, in collaboration with the USDA and the TACCO (Tamarisk Control Committee), aims to reduce the impact of saltcedar on the Big Bend region of the Rio Grande. We have managed to successful establish two species of salt cedar leaf beetle along the river from Candelaria to Big Bend National Park. 

Another project my lab is working on is a deployable wasterwater treatment plant to be used for military and civilian use. This DAAB unit project is currently looking to see if we can adapt the organism consortium to break down pharmaceutical and sanitary chemical waste.

Finally, my work, and that of my students, encompasses the variation in arthropods found in this region.  We are conducting both current collections and museum studies into Sulifugids (sun scorpions), as well as several other arthropods.

Graduate Students

Cynthia McAlister    Melinda Dooley            Rosie Meraz

Amanda Gutierrez   David Sauerzopf          Lori George 

Raquel Acosta         Kody Kubala                Erin "Lance" Chambers

Karin Nilsen            Lizbeth Marquez         

Congrats to Alice Harris : our most recent MS Graduate!!

 

Toward Success In College

This is a fun-to-read, easy-to-use guidebook for students trying to make it through college.  Recommended reading for anyone trying to get their degree in four (or more) years.

Photo Album

Links

Pictures of myself, my wife Clare, and most importantly, our daughters Catherine and Teresa.

 
bulletDepartment of Biology, Sul Ross State University

 

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Send questions and comments to : critzi@sulross.edu

The content of this page does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Sul Ross State University.

This site was last updated 12/09/11