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Class of 2025: Morgen VanderGiessen brings a passion-driven focus to infectious disease research

Morgen VanderGiessen, far right, with her lab partners at the photo booth for the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens annual symposium.
Morgen VanderGiessen. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gouger.

Name: Morgen VanderGiessen

College: Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Department: Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology

Degree: Biomedical and veterinary sciences

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Plans after graduation: Postdoctoral fellow

Favorite Hokie memory: Attending football games at Lane Stadium with friends, family, and especially my lab is always unforgettable. The electrifying energy of the crowd, the roar of “Enter Sandman” echoing through the stands, even in 20-degree weather and trailing by 14 points, is an experience that truly captures what it’s like to be a Hokie.

Research interest(s): Infectious disease, virology, neuroscience, and translational research in veterinary and human health.

Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies: Cooking, baking, camping, and spending time with my partner and labradors.

Morgen VanderGiessen with members of her lab team at the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens annual symposium photo booth.
Tapping into the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens community has fostered Morgen VanderGiessen's connections with students, faculty, and researchers working in the infectious disease space. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gouger.
Morgen VanderGiessen enjoys the many themed social events sponsored by the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens.
The infectious disease community is a festive one. Morgen VanderGiessen enjoys the many themed social events sponsored by the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gouger.

What inspired you to choose your major, and how has it shaped your journey so far? During my master’s program in biochemistry at Virginia Tech, I joined the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens (CeZAP) to connect with more researchers in infectious diseases.

At the time, I was looking to shift from insect chemical ecology into the field of virology. The following year, I was accepted into the first cohort of the Infectious Disease Interdisciplinary Education Program and began a rotation in Dr. Kehn-Hall’s laboratory. There, I discovered a deep passion for studying critical pathogens affecting both livestock and humans and this experience ultimately led me to pursue a degree in biomedical and veterinary sciences.

Over the past four years, my research has centered on identifying virus-induced neurological symptoms and developing treatments aimed at protecting against a wide spectrum of neurological diseases, from viral infections to traumatic brain injuries.

Are there any professors or mentors who made a significant impact on your path? Dr. Kehn-Hall, my research advisor, has been instrumental in my academic and professional development. Her mentorship taught me to approach scientific challenges with both analytical precision and ethical responsibility. She has continually supported my growth by encouraging exploration, providing financial backing, and allowing the freedom to pursue passion-driven projects.

I am also deeply grateful to my committee members and collaborators including Dr. Ivan Ahkrumuk, Dr. Caitlin Woodson, Dr. Michelle Theus, Dr. Timothy Jarome, Dr. Hehuang “David” Xie (all at Virginia Tech), and Dr. Erik Johnson at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, whose guidance and expertise have been critical in shaping and achieving my research goals.

What are you most excited about as you step into this new chapter? I’m excited to contribute to cutting-edge research during my postdoctoral fellowship and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams tackling real-world challenges in disease prevention and treatment.

Anything else you would like: I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my peers, faculty, and family throughout this journey. Virginia Tech and CeZAP have shaped who I am today, and I look forward to giving back to the community that has given me so much.