I obtained my BSc in Medical Microbiology and Immunology and PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I then performed postdoctoral research in Dr. Greg Ebel’s lab at Colorado State University, followed by a second postdoc in Dr. Marco Vignuzzi’s lab at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France. My training has mostly been in virology, vaccinology, and virus evolution with a focus on mosquito-borne viruses. I am interested in using molecular and evolution-based approaches to generate new viruses that can be used as vaccines, therapeutics, or cancer treatments. I’m also interested in gaining a better understanding of virus-host interactions, using this knowledge to develop new antivirals or therapeutics that can be used to target a wide array of viral diseases. I’m also highly passionate and motivated about properly training the next generation of young scientists. Finally, I’m passionate about maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health.