Dr. Seth H Bromagen
Assistant Professor of Zoology
seth.bromagen@kwc.edu
270-852-3162
120 Yu Hak Hahn Center for the Sciences
Education:
PhD Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University – New Brunswick 2022
MS Biology, Morehead State University, 2015
BS Biology, Morehead State University, 2012
Research:
I am a parasitologist, ecologist, and ichthyologist. Meaning I study the ecology and evolutionary biology of the little organisms living on and in fish. I prefer to focus on the sexual systems of these parasites, interactions with their host species, and the community dynamics of both. I am always looking for new ways to approach the study of parasites and fish.
If you want to know more about the specifics of my research and future plans, visit my website, bromagenparasitology.com, or follow me on Bluesky @seth-bromagen.bsky.social
My Academic Story:
Ask ten college professors about their path to academia, and you’ll get ten unique answers. My journey is no different. Growing up in eastern Kentucky near Morehead, I rarely left the state. As a teenager, I was aimless—playing football, earning minor awards, and being told I was smart, though I often disagreed. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, and that uncertainty continued into college.
I attended college on a full academic scholarship, initially thinking I should pursue Med School but that always felt like something I was supposed to do. My coursework drifted, and I almost minored in philosophy. Eventually, I moved away from medicine, becoming more interested in ecology and evolution, but I was still unsure of my future. After taking the MCAT, GRE, and LSAT, I stayed at Morehead State for an MS, where I became fascinated by parasites and their biology. My master’s thesis on parasite responses to stream pollution sparked a newfound interest in academia.
This led me to Rutgers University for a PhD. It was my first time far from home, but I found my footing, earned my PhD, and taught talented undergraduates. Now, I’m excited to work with more students, helping them craft their own academic paths.