My research has largely focused on filarial nematodes, vector-borne parasites transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods, and developing novel molecular diagnostics to improve detection and surveillance. These parasites have broad impacts on the health of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Furthermore, they are very susceptible to the effects of climate change and other environmental changes, which can lead to more frequent disease outbreaks. Despite this, little is known about filarial nematodes in North America, particularly ones that infect wild ungulates. Thus, my PhD research focused on filling these knowledge gaps by understading filarial nematode biodiversity, elucidating their phylogenetic relationships, geographic distribution, and host-associations across North America. I also utilized high throughput deep amplicon sequencing techniques that can detect potential filarial nematode co-infections within a single sample, including closely related ones. Acquiring valuable co-infection data has enormous implications for both human and veterinary medicine.