Ph.D., Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University (2022)
M.S. Zoology, Oklahoma State University (2016)
B.S. Microbiology, Oklahoma State University (2013)
I am a parasitologist who studies the life cycles and biodiversity of parasites of wildlife. I specialize in vector-borne blood parasites of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. I aim to identify patterns of host ecology that provide avenues and constraints for parasite evolution as shown by differences in host specificity and parasite diversity.
Publications
CC Taff, JR Shipley, DR Ardia, L Albert, … RP Shannon, …. MN Vitousek. 2026. Divergent climate impacts despite similar response to temperature in a widespread aerial insectivore. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2601817123
A Soldo, RP Shannon, AC Love, S McNew, J Chaves, SA Knutie. 2026. Priority Effects Shape Interactions Between Invasive Parasites in Darwin's Finches of the Galápagos Islands. Molecular Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70548
Shannon, R.P., C. T. McAllister, and M. G. Bolek. 2025. Morphological and molecular characterization of Hepatozoon spp. infecting frogs and snakes across the central and eastern United States. Journal of Parasitology. 111: 674-689.
Musbach, W., D. Browning, R. Shannon, S. Nikolai, and D. Townsend. 2025. Molecular tracking of fecal indicator bacteria and protozoan parasites in mixed‑use watersheds: Implications for human recreation, livestock stream access, and nutrient management. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 236: 638.
Shannon, R. P. and Bolek, M. G. 2023. A method for isolating and sequencing trypanosome cells to investigate species associations in multiple morphotype infections. Journal of Parasitology. 109: 592-602.
Koch, R. W., R. P. Shannon, J. T. Detwiler, and M. G. Bolek. 2021. Molecular identification of juvenile Neoechinorhynchus spp. Phylum: Acanthocephala) infecting ostracod intermediate and snail paratenic hosts provides insight into acanthocephalan host use. Journal of Parasitology. 107: 739-761.
McAllister, C.T., R. P. Shannon, T. J. Fayton, and H. W. Robison. 2020. Hemoparasites (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoon; Kinetoplastida: Trypanosoma) of Green Frogs, Rana clamitans (Anura: Ranidae) from Arkansas. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science. 74: 37-40.
Pierce, C. C., R. P. Shannon, and M. G. Bolek. 2018. Distribution and reproductive plasticity of Gyrinicola batrachiensis (Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae) in tadpoles of five anuran species. Parasitology Research. 117: 461–470.
Harkins, C., R. P. Shannon, M. Papeş, A. Schmidt-Rhaesa, B. Hanelt, and M. G. Bolek. 2016. Using Gordiid Cysts to Discover the Hidden Diversity, Potential Distribution, and New Species of Gordiids (Phylum Nematomorpha). Zootaxa. 4088: 515-530.
Bolek, M. G., E. Rogers, C. Szmygiel, R. P. Shannon, W. E. Doerfert-Schrader, A. Schmidt-Rhaesa, and B. Hanelt. 2013. Survival of larval and cyst stages of gordiids (Nematomorph) after exposure to freezing. Journal of Parasitology. 99: 397-402.
