TEAM
We are a diverse group of scientists from Honduras, the United States, Mexico, India, and Pakistan at different levels in our scientific careers, from early-stage principal investigator to undergraduate students. What we all have in common is an innate curiosity for science, three/four-legged creatures (a.k.a. ticks), and the pathogens they harbor.
Adela Oliva Chavez Ph.D.
Assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University. Her interest focuses on the molecular host-pathogen and vector-pathogen interactions. She is interested in how vector-borne pathogens influence host and vector cellular responses, such as immune responses, cellular trafficking, and vesicle secretion. She is also interested in finding management alternatives to stop tick feeding and pathogen transmission in animal systems and in humans. She has published her research in several high impact journals, including Nature Communications, PNAS, PLoS Pathogens, and others. She has also contributed to a book chapter on “Protozoal and Rickettsial vaccines” in “Veterinary vaccines” by FAO and another on “Intracellular Pathogens II: Rickettsiales” in “The Way Forward: Improving Genetic Systems”. During her 3 years at Texas A&M University she has secured around $1M dollars in support of her research program as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI). For more information visit: https://entomology.wisc.edu/directory/adela-oliva-chavez/
Stephanie Guzman Valencia (Ph.D. student)
I am interested in the role of genetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and host-associated genetic differentiation (HAD) in tick populations and their role in vector borne diseases. Outside of the lab, I enjoy walking with my family, traveling, playing with colors, sharing a cup of coffee with friends and I love eating pastries.
Brenda Galvan (Ph.D. student)
Hi, my name is Brenda Galvan. I am a PhD student focused on understanding what roles microRNAs play during tick feeding. I have dedicated my academic career to understanding vector-host interactions and how we can use this knowledge to help others. I love science, naps, and food:)
Sarah Durski (undergraduate student)
My name is Sarah Durski, and I am a Junior at UW-Madison. I am interested in cancer biology as well as the genetic basis of infection and disease. I hope to one day be a researcher and get my doctoral degree. I enjoy reading, hanging out with my dog, and playing games on my laptop. I also love to travel, and the photo of me was actually taken in Spain!
Jillian Amstrong (undergraduate student)
My name is Jillian Armstrong, and I am a sophomore here at UW-Madison. I am majoring in genetics and genomics, and I am especially interested in epigenetics and genetic disorders. My goal is to one day become a researcher in the field of genetics and to get my PhD. I enjoy dancing, spending time with friends, and cooking!
Tean Zaheer, Ph.D. (Post-Doctoral trainee)
Tean (DVM, M.Phil., PhD.) is a Veterinarian, specialized in parasitology. She has been working on the epidemiology and control of ticks (by application of nanomaterials). Tean has worked on novel combinations that are effective in halting the major life cycle stages of Hyalomma ticks, having public health importance. She has also worked on potential eco-toxic and genotoxic impacts of using nanomaterials on the off-targets. Her hobbies are: online learning through MOOCs, calligraphy and sightseeing.
Kavyasri Karumuri (Under-graduate student)
My name is Kavyasri Karumuri, and I am a sophomore at UW-Madison studying Neurobiology and Information Science. While I’m on the pre-med track, I also have a strong passion for pursuing neuroscience research in the long run. In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing, and watching super long-running TV shows!
Meet the Team
Former team members
