
Dr. Kevin Friesen
Associate Dean, Operations, Faculty of Arts and Science
Room 7-310S, City Centre Campus
780-633-3373
friesenk8@macewan.ca
Education
- PhD, Physiology and Cell Biology (Alberta)
- BSc, Zoology (Alberta)
Previous Appointments
- Chair, Department of Biological Sciences (MacEwan University)
Areas of Specialization and Scholarly Activity
Dr. Friesen’s research is aimed at understanding arthropod physiology and development. He uses molecular biology tools to answer questions about the biology of ticks. His research considers two general topics: 1) the physiological mechanisms of tick survival under freezing conditions, and 2) the molecular and genetic basis development of tick embryo development. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of tick survival and reproduction and helps explain how tick populations might spread with our changing climate.
Previous Publications
Friesen KJ, Dixon M, and Lysyk, TJ. 2016. Embryo development and morphology of the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Acari: Ixodidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 52 (4): 279-89 http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjv193
Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2009. Salivary gland degeneration and vitellogenesis in the ixodid tick Amblyomma hebraeum: Surpassing a critical weight is the prerequisite and detachment from the host is the trigger. Journal of Insect Physiology 55: 936-42.
Seixas A, Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2008. Effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone and haemolymph on oogenesis in the ixodid tick Amblyomma hebraeum. Journal of Insect Physiology 54: 1175-83.
Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2004. Effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone and other hormones on egg development, and identification of a vitellin-binding protein in the ovary of the tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Journal of Insect Physiology 50: 519-529.
Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2003. Cypermethrin inhibits egg development in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 76: 25-35.
Friesen KJ, Suri R, Kaufman WR. 2003. Effects of the avermectin, MK-243, on ovary development and salivary gland degeneration in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 76: 82-90.
Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2002. Quantification of vitellogenesis and its control by 20-hydroxyecdysone in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Journal of Insect Physiology 48(8): 773-782.