Matthew Atkinson's Research at UCF: Unveiling Amphibian Pathogens and Ecological Interactions
Introduction
Dr. Matthew Atkinson is a researcher whose work significantly contributes to the understanding of amphibian diseases and their ecological implications, particularly within the context of the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the broader Central Florida region. His research encompasses pathogen dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and the impacts of invasive species on native amphibian populations. This article will explore Dr. Atkinson's research, highlighting key projects, collaborations, and contributions to the field.
Unveiling Amphibian Pathogens: A Focus on Perkinsea and Ranavirus
Dr. Atkinson's research has significantly focused on two prominent pathogens affecting amphibians: Perkinsea and Ranavirus. His dissertation, completed in 2023, delved into the prevalence and impact of these diseases on Florida amphibians.
One notable study, "Widespread Amphibian Perkinsea Infections Associated with Ranidae Hosts, Cooler Months and Ranavirus Co‐infection," published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, explored the prevalence of Perkinsea infections in relation to host species, seasonality, and co-infection with Ranavirus. This research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the spread and severity of Perkinsea infections in amphibian populations.
Another research article, "Novel quantitative PCR assay specific for the emerging Perkinsea amphibian pathogen reveals seasonal infection dynamics" published in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, provides information about the seasonal dynamics of Perkinsea infections.
Invasive Species and Host-Pathogen Dynamics
Dr. Atkinson's research also investigates the impact of invasive amphibian species on native host-pathogen interactions. A study published in Biological Conservation in 2023, titled "Invasive amphibians alter host-pathogen interactions with primarily negative outcomes for native species," highlights the detrimental effects of invasive amphibians on native species through altered pathogen dynamics.
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His work also extends to understanding the invasion routes of specific species, such as the Cuban treefrog. In the research article "Tracing invasion routes of Cuban treefrogs into Louisiana using mitochondrial DNA" published in Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science, Dr. Atkinson and his colleagues used mitochondrial DNA to trace the invasion routes of Cuban treefrogs into Louisiana. This research contributes to understanding the spread of invasive species and their potential impact on native ecosystems.
"Shed Happens": Examining Snake Fungal Disease
Dr. Atkinson mentors undergraduate research at UCF. One project, "Shed Happens," led by William, a student at UCF, focuses on Snake Fungal Disease (SFD). This landscape-scale assessment examines how habitat type influences the prevalence and intensity of SFD infections across Central Florida. As of now, fifty snakes (n = 50) from fourteen distinct habitat types, ranging from wetlands to extremely dry (xeric) uplands, have been sampled.
Leveraging Technology for Multi-Pathogen Analysis
Recognizing the complexity of pathogen interactions, Dr. Atkinson's research also incorporates advanced analytical techniques. The research article "Leveraging machine learning to uncover multi-pathogen infection dynamics across co-distributed frog families" published in PeerJ highlights the use of machine learning to analyze multi-pathogen infection dynamics across different frog families. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between different pathogens and their hosts.
Collaborations and Mentorship
Dr. Atkinson's research is characterized by collaboration and mentorship. He has worked with researchers. He also actively involves undergraduate students in his research, providing them with valuable experience in field work, data analysis, and scientific writing.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) supports UCF undergraduates who are conducting research and taking courses at UCF over the summer. The Knights Research Scholars Program is a new initiative that expands research opportunities for the University of Central Florida community, so all UCF students can gain valuable research experience through this program.
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William joined the Herpetology Society at UCF and would engage in discussions, post pictures, and help identify species for people when they needed help. Through this registered student organization (RSO), he connected with Dr. Matthew Atkinson who invited him into his lab to join as a field technician. After his first semester in the lab, Dr. Atkinson allowed him to design a research project and handle permitting, grant applications, and much more. William’s advice: “Be patient with yourself. Put yourself out there, talk to your professors and other faculty, and ask them which labs at UCF may be accepting people in. Also, I am an Officer in the Herpetology Society at UCF and I host monthly research hikes where I explain my journey, how I got into research, and what it all entails.
Selected Publications
- Atkinson, MS, Savage, AE. Invasive amphibians alter host-pathogen interactions with primarily negative outcomes for native species. Biological Conservation 286, 110310, 2023.
- Karwacki, EE, Atkinson, MS, Ossiboff, RJ, Savage, AE. Novel quantitative PCR assay specific for the emerging Perkinsea amphibian pathogen reveals seasonal infection dynamics. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 129, 85-98, 2018.
- Rivera, B, Cook, K, Andrews, K, Atkinson, MS, Savage, AE. Pathogen dynamics in an invasive frog compared to native species. EcoHealth 16 (2), 222-234, 2019.
- Galt, UN, Atkinson, MS, Glorioso, BM, Waddle, JH, Litton, M, Savage, AE. Widespread Ranavirus and Perkinsea Infections in Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) Invading New Orleans. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 16 (1), 17-29, 2021.
- Atkinson MS, Savage AE. Widespread amphibian Perkinsea infections associated with Ranidae hosts, cooler months and Ranavirus co‐infection. Journal of Animal Ecology 92 (9), 1856-1868, 2023.
- Brosnan, EB, Paniagua Torres, KA, Martin, KR, Atkinson, MS, Glorioso, BM, et al. Tracing invasion routes of Cuban treefrogs into Louisiana using mitochondrial DNA. Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science 3, 1646714, 2025.
- Wiley, DLF, Omlor, KN, López, AST, Eberle, CM, Savage, AE, Atkinson, MS, et al. Leveraging machine learning to uncover multi-pathogen infection dynamics across co-distributed frog families. PeerJ 13, e18901, 2025.
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