What’s lurking in Montana’s tall grasses? Carroll College Biology Professor Dr. Grant Hokit is on the front lines of a statewide effort to better understand the spread of ticks and the diseases they may carry. In a recent feature by Montana Public Radio, Dr. Hokit leads a field survey team through the Swan Mountains as they search for native and invasive tick species, including the recently spotted deer tick, a known carrier of Lyme disease. Their work is part of a broader effort to help public health officials and physicians stay ahead of emerging health risks.
Listen to the full story here: MTPR - Surveyors Are On the Lookout for New Tick Species in Montana.
About Grant Hokit, PhD:
Dr. Grant Hokit joined Carroll in 1996 as an Assistant, Professor of Biology. Over nearly 30 years, Dr. Hokit has played a pivotal role in shaping the college’s research culture. He has mentored more than 100 students, directed over 50 senior theses, and secured over $4 million in research funding, advancing both student opportunities and scientific understanding of infectious disease in Montana. In addition, he has built collaborations with state and national research agencies and led initiatives that have expanded research access for students from tribal colleges.
A passionate teacher and lifelong learner, Dr. Hokit has brought energy and curiosity into every classroom. He has taught across a wide range of subjects, including botany, ichthyology, entomology, conservation biology, GIS, statistics, and animal behavior. His dedication earned him Carroll’s Outstanding Teaching and Distinguished Scholar awards, and he was recently awarded Professor Emeritus status.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hokit has served in numerous leadership roles including Chair of Natural Sciences, Director of the Environmental Program, Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advisor, and he currently serves as Interim Associate VP of Academic Affairs.