Yanelyn Perez
I'm currently working on figuring out successful ways to inoculate and test C. elegans and comparing them to a nematodes found in a natural setting. In addition to that, I am also working to see if we can figure out what physiological processes lead to amphibian death once infected with Bd and testing current theories on the pathophysiology of the disease. I'm interested in Zoology, Parasitology, and Disease Ecology. I hope to go to grad school to pursue a PhD and have a career in research!
Josephine Graeber
I’m currently working on an experiment pertaining to the viability and longevity of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in various water samples using a live dead assay. I’m interested in infectious disease ecology, genomics, and epidemiology as well as how each play a role in public health. After my remaining years as an undergraduate, I hope to figure out whether I want to hone my focus on public health and go to medical school to become a physician or pursue my love for infectious diseases and continue research in grad school!
Alyssa Byer
Hello! I am studying Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a fungal pathogen responsible for species declines in amphibian populations all over the world. I am examining insects as a possible reservoir for Bd, specifically looking at Bd’s ability to infect and reproduce on fruit flies. I am interested in disease ecology and immunology, which I hope to pursue in graduate school. After graduate school, I hope to have a career in research and expand our knowledge concerning infectious disease management.
Rebecca Abel
I am currently working on a project to test the ability of Bd to live and grow of soils of different compositions to see the potential disease reservoirs it may take advantage of. I spent the summer helping Tatum Katz, a graduate student here in the Briggs lab, on her research project looking at the prevalence of Bd across California and the abiotic reservoirs where it remains infectious. I am interested in all things animals and love working with the frogs here in the lab! I am exploring possibilities for my future whether it involves veterinary school, graduate school, or a career where I can still be as challenged as I am by research.
Chloe Swain
I am assisting Yanelyn Perez, a fellow undergraduate researcher, with her project that is experimenting with C. elegans infected with Bd. We are currently focusing on discovering the appropriate procedure that will successfully inoculate C. elegans. Once a successful inoculation procedure is set and stone, we will analyze the nematodes to distinguish how they differ and how they are similar to worms found in nature. I’m am most interested in neurosciences, plant biology, disease ecology, and I have recently sparked an interest in parasitology! I plan to attend graduate school and obtain a PhD or masters. I have not quite figured out my career path yet, but I have no doubt that I will continue to pursue research during my graduate studies.
