I am a PhD candidate studying virology and disease ecology at the University of Georgia. I study arboviruses, viruses transmitted by insect vectors. I seek to understand the interactions between hosts, vectors and viruses. I also have an interest in molecular epidemiology and the evolution of viruses through space and time. In addition to my academic interests and endeavors, I am also interested in recruitment and retention of minorities and STEM and science communication. I think it is important to raise science literacy within the black community. This will allow those within the community to have more agency over their health and the lifestyle choices as well as know the difference between psuedo-science and science facts.