Ellis Greiner just added a new plaque to his wall.
Greiner, who has won numerous awards throughout his more than 30 years teaching at UF, recently received the Distinguished Veterinary Parasitologist Award, a national award given annually to parasitologists who have made significant achievements in the field.
Greiner studied neurological diseases in horses caused by parasites.
Despite his achievements, Greiner said the most important work he's done has been with his students.
Alexa McDermott, president of the class of 2010 in the College of Veterinary Medicine, said students are taught by Greiner at opposing ends of their doctorate degree, first as freshmen, and then again in upper level classes.
"He frequently helps with things outside of the classroom as well, such as being a research adviser for some students," McDermott said. "And he serves as an academic adviser to many."
McDermott said when she was a freshman Greiner went out of his way to get to know the incoming class by organizing freshman orientation and spending time with the students.
"Dr. Greiner is a professor who is concerned that his students do well," she said.
Greiner, who received his doctorate degree in Parasitology from the University of Nebraska, has worked with parasites in dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, goats and a variety of wildlife.
"The first course I ever took in parasitology made me realize how unique and distinct parasites were from all the other forms of life," he said. "They're very intriguing."
Greiner said he teaches his students that parasites are the highest evolved form of life on earth, higher even than humans.
"No matter what people have done, no matter how smart we are, as soon as we design something to control parasites, like a new drug, the parasite evolves around it," he said.
