Brooke Borgert
Science for Life Scholar
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Biology and Emerging Pathogens Institute
Email: bab [at] ufl.edu
Degrees
BS in Biology - University of Florida, Expected 2015
Background and Research Interests
Brooke’s curiosity for science and medicine led her to join the Pulliam Lab in 2012. She focuses on infectious diseases and mechanisms of infection. This is the basis of her current work on host competency (how well an animal can replicate virus and infect a vector) for Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV is a mosquito-transmitted virus and is the leading cause of human encephalitis in Asian countries. By fitting simple mechanistic models to published measurements of within-host viral replication, she hopes to improve understanding of JEV transmission cycles, which she hopes will ultimately aid in the reduction of JEV burden.
Brooke is currently a candidate for a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with minors in Entomology and Anthropology and a certificate in Dance in Healthcare. On the road to receiving her Bachelor’s degree, she was accepted into the HHMI Science for Life Program. After graduation, Brooke hopes to attend medical school and continue infectious disease research, combining her passions for helping others and making a difference through medical discoveries.