Doug Colwell was born and raised in Alberta with early years spent on the family farm near Cremona. Post-secondary education brought him to southern Alberta and the start of studies in biological sciences at the University of Lethbridge. Doug graduated with a BSc. and then continued with a M.Sc. from the University of Alberta and finally a PhD from the University of Guelph. As a parasitologist, the curiosity about the endless variety of host-parasite interactions and the possibilities for improving animal health, welfare and production, provided a rewarding career as a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and extensive network of experts from around the world. In 2009, Doug was recognized by the University of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society. Doug retired from AAFC in 2020; however, continues connections with science interests through his role as Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine), editor for the journal Medical and Veterinary Entomology, and as past-president of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. Doug looks forward to returning to the University of Lethbridge in a new role as a member of the Senate.