Article by: Johann Francis M Besoro, Zsarlette Alanne A Cabana, 
Technical Assistants, MAERS Center 

Xavier University - McKeough Advancement for Environment, Resilience and Sustainability Center (MAERS) hosted "Deadly Affection: The Horsehair Worms" on 23 February 2026, at AVR 1 in the Old Library Building. As part of the Valentine’s Day special talk series, the event brought together the Biology faculty, staff, and students to discuss the importance of conserving parasites, like the talk's focus specimen, as they play key roles in the greater ecological sphere.

Fr John Francis Shea PhD, during his talk.

Fr John Francis Shea SJ, BS, PHD, is an associate professor at Creighton University, Nebraska, USA. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in Biology, he took up graduate studies in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at Ohio State University. As part of his regency as a Jesuit, he taught biology and conducted research at Gonzaga University, where he investigated the use of snail parasites as indicators of ecosystem health. His current studies are focused on the Horsehair worms, a greatly understudied parasite.

Curious participants from both BS Biology and Marine Biology pay full attention to the talk.

Fr Shea's talk emphasized the importance of conservation, especially when it comes to parasites, which are now in decline due to unchecked human activities. He went on to highlight their diversity and importance in terms of providing ecosystem services, which were insights gained from his research. He stressed how research is important for identifying the geographical locations and even the behaviors of different parasites, their effects on diverse hosts, emphasizing how emerging technology can serve as tools that can bring a better understanding of these creatures.

Participants of the ‘Deadly Affection” talk, as the event concluded.

"You can't save what you don't know," said Fr Shea during his talk, highlighting how there are challenges when it comes to the conservation of parasites, and stressing the need for more research. After his talk, Fr Shea, alongside the faculty and staff of the Biology department, shared an open forum which fostered camaraderie, enabled scientific and cultural dialogue, ultimately allowing new ideas to spread.

"Deadly Affection: The Horsehair Worms" brings a thought-provoking conversation on the ecological roles that understudied parasites, such as horsehair worms, contribute greatly to a balanced ecosystem, even when they are not easily seen or noticed.