Sharing Parasites through Original Catchy Songs
Rina Wong (Fu)1,2,3
1School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia;; 2Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia;; 3Dr Rina, PO box 393, Osborne Park, Western Australia 6917, Australia.
Abstract: Community engagement is often pitched for specific age groups and abilities. Music and song serve as a special medium that can effortlessly connect the subject to a broad audience regardless of age and background, which can thus be leveraged as an effective outreach tool. As a scientist and artist, singer-song writer, the author has composed a number of parasite themed songs for toddlers, primary school children, high school aged and grown-ups from a non-scientific background as well as professional scientists.
Dr Rina’s songs include Hail to Parasites, Big Bugs Small Bugs Microscopic Bugs, Hook-a-Worm and Fight Against Malaria. These songs are original compositions, professionally recorded at a studio, and road-tested in over 100 workshops in the community and public events, university classes, scientific conferences and outreach activities that are enjoyed by children and adults alike, including those with intellectual disabilities. Some of the pieces are produced with engaging music videos and lyrics, Australian sign language (AUSLAN) that are ready-to-use for parasitology outreach and for leisure listening on Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms. Dr Rina will provide a taste of these pieces with a live performance including behind-the-scenes production and implementation for outreach.
Enhancing livestock nematode management by building trust and effectively communicating with farmers.
Cara Brosnahan1, Angela McFetridge1, Ginny Dodunski2, Dan Brier1, Suzanne Keeling1
1Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand; 2Wormwise, Wellington, New Zealand
Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) research programme fosters genuine co-development partnerships with sheep and beef farmers. The aim is to find common ground and language between farmers and researchers to support mutual learning and practice change.
We explore key considerations for effectively delivering research-based GIN material to farmers, emphasising a strategic approach that begins with understanding farmers' circumstances and challenges. This involves active listening, trust-building, and relationship cultivation to identify farmers’ values and priorities, shaping the communication narrative.
Our discussion highlights the importance of producing clear, accessible content, acknowledging the diversity in farmers' preferences for receiving information. We also stress the significance of a dynamic feedback loop through engagement with our farmer advisory group and others, who provide practical perspectives and guidance.
We share insights and learnings to support on-farm practice change in GIN management by increasing awareness and understanding. Additionally, we discuss the evolution of our communication strategies and the importance of consolidating and adapting learnings across various research programs. B+LNZs research is driven by co-development, fostering lasting partnerships among farmers, researchers, and rural professionals to support resilient farm systems.
Parasite Camping VR: a student designed immersive virtual reality game for parasite education
Jill Chmielewski1, Stuart Ralph2, Sarah Preston3
1The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; 2Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, 3010, Australia; 3Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, Federation University Australia, Australia
Immersive virtual reality (iVR) technology designed for education purposes has been heralded as the next big thing in experiential learning. Previous work has shown that iVR use in teaching parasitology is fun, useful and that users would like to see more of this technology in parasite education. Consequently, during 2022 Australian Society for Parasitology (ASP) Concepts in Parasitology Course (CIP), participating students were asked to design and pitch iVR games to teach concepts in parasitology. The winning pitch, as voted by peers, was then developed into an iVR game prototype, Parasite Camping VR, funded via the ASP education committee. The game explores the ‘One Health’ approach to parasite control, highlighting that ‘Prevention is Better than a Cure’. It is set in a natural Australian bush environment, with users required to navigate common camping activities, including taking preventive measures to avoid parasite infections. Tasks include boiling water and cooking food for safe consumption, protecting against mosquitoes, and performing parasite treatment in pets. Feedback for further development was gathered from participants at the ASP 2023 Annual Conference and the game was further designed by 2023 CIP participants. The game is now freely available on iVR headsets for use in parasite education.
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