Meagan Rippee-Brooks graduated from Missouri State University with her Master of Science degree in Biology in 2019. Her thesis research was centered around infectious disease immunology, which solidified her passion for the field. She has extensive experience in academically organized research with general topics ranging from virology, microbiology, genetics and immunology. Meagan is a dedicated and passionate researcher who strives to learn and facilitate science in a true, positive, genuine, persistent and enthusiastic light! Her favorite place to be is at the bench within the lab. Here, she is humbled daily by pursuing a career that brings her such joy, challenge and grand opportunities for growth! She is exploring biological research-focused career sectors (currently gov’t) before applying to prospective vector biology, medical entomology or Neglected Tropical Disease/Emerging Infectious Disease-based doctoral programs. Meagan also has an interest in gaining experience in field work and integrating this into the vector-virus-host infection. She also has a strong interest in innate immunological pathway —especially pathways including inflammasomes, interferons, transcription factors and mitochondrial defense responses due to her previous research experience. She hopes to integrate that into her aspirations with arbovirology.