PhD Applicant · Parasitologist

Brooklynn
Minton

Shark Ectoparasites · Host-Parasite Dynamics · Elasmobranch Biology

Florida Southern College · Lakeland, Florida

Marine Biology Environmental Studies Shark Parasitology Honors Program
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About

Marine Biologist &
Shark Parasitologist

Brooklynn Minton

Brooklynn Minton is a senior at Florida Southern College pursuing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies through the Honors Program, with a focus on shark parasitology and elasmobranch biology.

Her research investigates the complex life cycles of cestodes infecting bull sharks, combining field sampling in the Alafia River, morphological analysis, and molecular techniques including PCR and DNA sequencing. She is actively seeking doctoral programs in parasitology to continue this work.

With a 4.0 GPA, multiple scholarships, and five honor society memberships, Brooklynn brings exceptional academic achievement and hands-on field and laboratory experience to her research.

✉Bminton@mocs.flsouthern.edu
☎817.771.4517
📍Lakeland, Florida

Research Experience

Current Projects

Honors Project · 2025–Present

Life Cycles of Bull Shark Tapeworms

Integrative parasitology study resolving the life cycles of cestodes infecting bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) by identifying intermediate hosts and linking larval and adult stages via field sampling, morphological examination, PCR, and DNA sequencing in the Alafia River and adjacent coastal systems.

Advisors: G.J. Langford · A. Durland-Donahou · M.L. Langford

Funded Research · 2025–Present

Microbiomes of Tampa Bay Elasmobranchs

Microbiological and parasitological research on shark and ray-associated microbes from Tampa Bay, investigating their potential as novel antibiotic sources. Funded by a Student-Faculty Collaborative Grant.

Advisor: M.L. Langford

Independent Study · Fall 2024

Salinity Stress in Exaiptasia pallida

Experimental study examining effects of salinity fluctuation on physiological and behavioral stress responses in a model marine invertebrate, demonstrating disruption of zooxanthellae symbiosis under hyper- and hypo-saline conditions.

Advisor: Dr. A. Durland

Research Interests

Shark Ectoparasites Host-Parasite Dynamics Elasmobranch Biology Cestode Life Cycles Marine Microbiology Molecular Parasitology

Scientific Presentations

Conference Activity

There and Back Again: Discovering the Complex Life Cycles of Bull Shark Tapeworms

Minton, B., Langford, G.J., Durland-Donahou, A., & Langford, M.L. (2026)

Fiat Lux Research Symposium — Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL · November 19, 2025

Presented

There and Back Again: Discovering the Complex Life Cycles of Bull Shark Tapeworms

Minton, B., Langford, G.J., Durland-Donahou, A., & Langford, M.L. (2026)

Southeastern Society of Parasitologists (SSP) — Charleston, SC · March 19–21, 2026

Presented

There and Back Again: Discovering the Complex Life Cycles of Bull Shark Tapeworms

Minton, B., Langford, G.J., Durland-Donahou, A., & Langford, M.L. (2026)

American Society of Parasitologists (ASP) — Orlando, FL · July 26–29, 2026

Upcoming

Recognition

Honors & Awards

Academic

4× President's List (4.0 GPA)

Academic

Dean's List (3.9–4.0 GPA)

Honor Society

National Society of Leadership and Success

Honor Society

Phi Eta Sigma

Honor Society

Delta Alpha Pi

Honor Society

Omicron Delta Kappa

Honor Society

Rho Rho Rho Marine Biology Honor Society

Scholarship

Danforth Scholarship

Scholarship

Christoverson Scholarship

Scholarship

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship

Scholarship

Hansen Science Scholarship

Award

FSC Cornerstone Recipient

Award

Tar-rific Tardigrade Award — Commitment to Research

Curriculum Vitae

Full CV

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