I am a current PhD/DVM candidate at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (Blacksburg, VA) and will graduate in 2025. I recently defended my PhD in September 2022. My dissertation research sought to understand pathogenesis and enzootic transmission of Usutu virus, a mosquito-borne zoonotic virus that is closely related to West Nile virus. I am proficient in cell culture and numerous virology assays. I also have extensive experience working with animal models of research including mice and chickens. Additionally, I am trained in trapping and handling wild birds including house sparrows. I have experience with data analysis and graphics software including GraphPad Prism. I have previously taught college level biology and anatomy and physiology courses. I earned my Master's in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology from Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD) in May 2017. My thesis research sought to determine the prevalence of Lyme-disease causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, in ticks and wild rodents at a state park in Western Maryland. Upon graduation, I will pursue positions in academic or government settings that utilize the strengths of both degrees so that I can help develop impactful solutions to protect human, animal, and environmental health as a One Health veterinarian scientist.