Neurovirology | Public Health | SciComm

Hi, I'm Kaleigh.

I'm a PhD in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology within the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA. I'm interested in what viruses do when they infect our brain. As a post-doctoral associate in the Hartman Lab at the Center for Vaccine Research I study the neuropathogenesis of diverse bunyaviruses. 

Specifically, I study how Rift Valley fever virus and the host-response to viral infection in the brain contribute to neuronal injury and death. My goal is to use this information to identify targeted therapeutics that improve survival and reduce long-term impairment following viral encephalitis. 

My research interests include zoonotic infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, immune response to disease, and translational science. My academic interests include teaching and mentoring the next generation of creative research scientists. 

I advocate for accessibility and equity in the classroom, the research lab, and in scientific societies.