Meet the team
Sarah Dremel (she/hers)
Position.
Assistant Professor
Educational Background.
BS, Biochemistry; Genetics & Cellular Development, University of Minnesota
PhD, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh
Postdoctoral fellowship, Cancer Virology, National Cancer Institute
Research Interests.
I’m interested in all facets of gene expression, with a particular focus on the creative ways herpesviruses manipulate the nuclear environment to promote viral replication. I think studying this topic teaches us a lot about ourselves (the host) & core processes to target in future antiviral development.
Non-Science Interests.
Traveling, puzzles, board games, organizing everything in sight
Kathryn Harris (she/hers)
Position.
PhD Student
Educational Background.
BS, Biochemistry, University of Florida
Research Interests.
Digging into the other-than-canonical tactics viruses use to exploit the cell for their own gain during infection. At UVA, I’m interested in teasing out more about the role of circRNAs in the context of herpesvirus infection. Previously, I worked to optimize AAV capsids for intravenous delivery of gene therapy treatments to specific cell types.
Non-Science Interests.
Spending time outdoors, reading, weightlifting (and yoga and cycling), trivia, exploring historical sites around Virginia
Charlotte Wagenblast (she/hers)
Position.
Research Technician
Educational Background.
BS, Behavioral Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry & Psychology, Western Washington University
Research Interests.
I'm primarily interested in discovering more about Alzheimer's disease at the cell and molecular biology level, and how certain cellular mechanisms contribute to the progression of the disease and can thus be possibly therapeutically altered to slow or halt progression. Additionally, I am interested in viral vectors, and other ways in which viruses can be used to treat various diseases through manipulation of its innate mechanisms.
Non-Science Interests.
I enjoy writing and reading, crocheting, fencing, drawing, and going on adventures to try new things!
Caroline Mooney (she/hers)
Position.
Research Technician
Educational Background.
BA, Biochemistry, Mount Holyoke College
Research Interests.
Biochemistry, host-pathogen interactions, virology, immunology, and immune evasion.
Non-Science Interests.
Crocheting, cross stitching, baking, reading, playing amateur pickleball, and swimming.
Meghan Puppala (she/hers)
Position.
Undergraduate Researcher
Educational Background.
Expected 2027: BS, Biochemistry, University of Virginia
Research Interests.
Understanding how virus and foreign substances affect the immune system as well as drug discovery and immune response. Moreover, how other cellular pathways are interconnected with the immune system, and how carcinogens impact cell survival.
Non-Science Interests.
Going to the gym and playing sports, reading, crocheting baby yoda, and baking brownies