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 family and friends, biking, reading, watching movies, and exploring any 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.
Aritra Bhattacharya
PhD Student
Aritra did his undergrad studies in Zoology and holds a master’s in biotechnology from educational institutions in India. He has worked on diverse aspects of ecology and evolutionary biology before joining TAMU. Apart from research, Aritra is interested in music and street photography.
Sam Cerezo
Master's Student
Sam Cerezo holds a Bachelors of Science from Texas A&M with a double major in Biomedical Sciences and Entomology as well as a minor in public health. From Texas A&M, he also holds a certificate in Public Health Entomology. Some of Sam’s experience involves working as a teaching assistant for a Biomedical Microbiology Laboratory and research working with gene drives. He is excited to bridge the disciplines of Public Health and Entomology. Outside of the lab he enjoys exercising and hanging out with his family and his girlfriend.
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.