Stephen is a microbiologist with broad interest in many scientific fields. In his current position as a Research Associate Professor at OSU, he investigates the structure, function, development and genetics of fish parasites. He also discovers and describes new host and parasite species. Stephen’s practice is grounded in the scientific method, which begins with observation, involving macrophotography, microscopy and DNA sequencing. He synthesizes these observations to formulate hypotheses of organism identity, connections within complex parasite life cycles (those with multiple hosts), and overall dimensions of the micro-biosphere. These hypotheses can then be tested through follow-up characterization of species morphology, morphometrics and genetics. He uses DNA sequencing to inform phylogenetic analysis, and thereby to discover broader patterns of organism evolution and the relationships between hosts and parasites across space and time. Stephen shares the results of his discoveries through writing journal articles, giving oral presentations to both scientists and the general public, and teaching students. Although not a formally trained artist, Stephen actively seeks opportunities to engage with artists and their work through his science career and particularly the OSU arts-sci community. Slowly, he is building skills in artistic expression of his science, using photography, collage, cyanotype and other media. Stephen has used art in his teaching to engage students more broadly to understand diversity of life around them.