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Tereza Magalhaes
Principal Investigator
Tereza Magalhaes is a vector biologist with a B.S. in Biology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-MG), Brazil, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Parasitology from the University of Miami. Throughout her career, she has researched various aspects of mosquito-transmitted pathogens using disease models such as malaria, filariasis, and arboviral diseases. Her projects involve aspects of mosquito-pathogen-vertebrate host interactions, and disease epidemiology and ecology. She joined Texas A&M as an Assistant Professor in January 2023, and her current research program focuses on understanding the transmission cycle of Madariaga virus and its potential as a health threat, the impact of host factors on arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes, and the epidemiology of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses in Brazil by studying human cohorts. Outside work, Tereza enjoys spending time with her husband and son, socializing with family and friends, biking, reading, watching movies, and exploring other activities that catch her interest.
Danilo Carvalho
Research Scientist/Postdoc
Danilo Carvalho earned his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and holds a master and a PhD degree in Animal Biology from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. His previous research on Medical Entomology primarily focused on mosquito immunity and transovarial transmission using the Aedes aegypti mosquito-dengue virus model. Apart from his research, he is a CrossFit enthusiast, pet lover and enjoys watching movies with his partner.
Mia Ryon
Research Assistant
Mia Ryon has a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Texas and is expecting to graduate with her Master’s in Environmental Science from Baylor University in December 2023. Her previous research background is in aquatic insect identification, genetics, aquatic toxicology and epidemiology, and she is very excited with the opportunity to get involved with and give support to mosquito-borne disease research in the Magalhaes lab. When she is not in the lab, she is cooking, gardening or spending time with her dog and cat.
Isabella Tyler
Undergraduate Student
Isabella Tyler is a senior projected to graduate in May of 2024 with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Entomology. She has experience working as both a certified pharmacy technician and clinical medical assistant, and she is looking forward to branching into the research side of public health entomology. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and baking.
Hayden Elliott
Undergraduate Student
Hayden Elliott is an undergraduate student at Texas A&M, pursuing a double major in Biomedical Sciences and Entomology. He is eager to explore the overlap between these two fields and gain hands-on research experience in projects focusing on insects as vectors of pathogens that affect both humans and animals. Beyond his studies, Hayden enjoys video games, reading, and experimenting with cooking.
PhD Student
We are currently looking for motivated individuals to join our team as PhD students.
Master’s Student
We are currently looking for motivated individuals to join our team as Master’s students.