In his generous introduction, Professor Richardson mentioned several achievements that he surmised were among my proudest. He is correct that I am proud of those accomplishments, but the achievement from which I derive the most satisfaction is the role I have played in the academic development of many fine parasitologists. I am proud of them all, individually and as a group.
I suspect that all who receive recognition are frustrated by the fact that they are simply the focal point for the achievements of many—too many to acknowledge. A good thing about the ASP Mentorship Award is that a criterion for selection is, “… the training of young scientists who have successfully pursued the independent study of parasites….” It is obvious, then, that it is the accomplishment of others that qualifies the mentor for this recognition.
I was first introduced to parasitology, in a formal way, as an undergraduate in...