I’m a PhD candidate in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at Virginia Tech, within the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. My research focuses on host-pathogen interactions in hemorrhagic and encephalitic arboviral diseases, particularly Rift Valley fever virus. I’m deeply passionate about uncovering molecular mechanisms to support the development of vaccines and therapeutic strategies targeting critical and neglected zoonotic emerging threats. ———————————————————————————— My journey into virology began during my veterinary medicine degree at Santa Catarina State University in Brazil, where I worked on serological diagnostics and autogenous vaccine development for bovine viruses. A pivotal internship at George Mason University’s Biomedical Research Lab (Manassas, VA, USA) deepened my passion for host-pathogen interactions, giving me hands-on experience in sterile technique, cell culture, and in vitro infections. Now pursuing a PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at Virginia Tech, I study protein-protein interactions in hemorrhagic and encephalitic arboviruses—especially Rift Valley fever virus—under Dr. Kylene Kehn-Hall’s mentorship. I am proud to be part of a strong community of scientists at Virginia Tech who embrace the One Health concept, studying the interconnectedness of animals, humans, the environment, and pathogens. Additionally, I am a member of the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens (CeZAP), a collaborative initiative focused on interdisciplinary work addressing the global challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases. I’m always open to connecting with fellow researchers, collaborators, and science enthusiasts. In my free time, I explore the outdoors with my stubborn and sweet Beagle mix, Calvin.