I am a lucky person—honored in a peculiar way to be here and to introduce Don Duszynski, the recipient of this year's Clark P. Read Mentor Award. I am lucky because I am a parasitologist, working at the interface of ecology, behavior, epidemiology, you name it, with animals that most folks can not be bothered with—animals that nonetheless rule the universe. I am lucky because Steve Upton shared in the delightful experience of nominating and introducing Don, and kept me on task. Steve also contributed to an early draft of this presentation and reviewed the present manuscript. He was a major contributor to the nomination and presentation of the award.
Finally, I am lucky because Steve and I encountered a fantastic mentor in Don Duszynski—and more than a mentor, we encountered a loyal friend, a zealous missionary for science, an untiring coach, and if you happen to be silly enough...