Santiago calls Monterrey, Mexico home, and he completed his biology degree at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León in the same city in 2022. He has a broad interest in the biological sciences, and he is now focusing on yeast, in-lab evolutions, and heavy metal pollution. He is currently working on measuring the bioaccumulation properties of yeast to bind to lead molecules and hopes to use yeast cells to develop a probiotic that will serve as a preventative measure against lead poisoning in high-risk populations. Santiago intends to use the One Health program as an opportunity to get some valuable research and writing experience, and to learn as many tools as possible for use in a graduate degree and in future work in academia or natural resource management. In his free time, Santiago enjoys cooking, reading, playing video games, and generally being outdoors and in the water.

Noah is from Tecumseh, MI and has always enjoyed exploring the natural world. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 2024. His research interests are in plants, forest ecology, and ecosystem ecology. Noah works with Dr. Palmquist and is examining the ecosystem services provided by urban trees. His research project studies flood mitigation by looking at what physical traits of trees intercept water during major precipitation events. Ultimately, Noah hopes to earn a graduate degree and work in academia or natural resource management. In his free time, Noah enjoys running, kayaking, playing the violin, gardening, and exploring with maps.

Nazim Mustafa received their Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Computer Science from West Virginia University. Their interdisciplinary background allows them to integrate computational tools with biological research, optimizing the analysis of viral genetics and environmental data. 

Nazim is a virologist focused on the study of influenza A virus (IAV), particularly in associating the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene segments to detect specific viral strains more effectively in environmental samples. By targeting these key viral components, Nazim aims to build comprehensive epidemiological profiles, enabling public health authorities to respond more proactively to flu epidemics and potential pandemics. Their work contributes to improved detection methods, helping predict and manage outbreaks with greater precision. They hope to join the forefront of developing innovative approaches to influenza surveillance, ensuring preparedness for future health challenges.

Mary is from Decatur, GA and completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Artificial Intelligence from Agnes Scott College in 2024. Her research interests are in microbiology, evolutionary biology, and genomics. Mary is currently investigating the effects of biofilm communities in wastewater on recovery of viral genetic material for disease surveillance, working with a bioreactor maintained with wastewater from the city of Huntington. Eventually, Mary hopes to earn a doctorate and work in academia or education. In her free time, she enjoys art, writing, sewing, listening to audio drama, and hiking.

Maria, a Charleston, WV native, has always had a passion for working in research laboratories. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from West Virginia State University in December 2022. Her research interests focus on remediating water from emergent contaminants, and improved health quality. Currently, Maria is expanding her skills in instrumental analysis by learning about HPLC, LCMS, and other techniques. She aspires to either enroll in graduate school or work in a healthcare facility. In her free time, Maria enjoys traveling, walking along trails, camping, nature photography, and painting.

Kameryn Overton is a 2024 graduate of Tuskegee University with a BS in Environmental, Natural resources, and Plant Sciences and a minor in biology. Her research interests include public health, environmental health, and urban sustainability. For her project, she is working with Dr. Gregory Dahle to examine the connection between urban canopy cover, air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2), and chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD. She plans to collect air pollutant data in 4 cities in West Virginia and conduct a seasonal comparison. After this program, Kameryn would like to pursue a professional certificate or a federal job.

Gregory Biddle, a post-baccalaureate researcher working with Dr. Matt Kasson at West Virginia University, is investigating the thermotolerance and antifungal resistance of environmental fungi across the central Appalachians. The fungal kingdom has incredible diversity and although many species of fungi benefit humans or provide ecosystem services essential for life, a small but important subset of fungi can serve as pathogens, some of which pose serious risks to human health. Dr. Kasson and Greg will survey and sample across the region to identify possible environmental reservoirs for antifungal-resistant and thermotolerant fungi. In doing so, they hope to characterize species of particular concern to West Virginia residents and the healthcare systems that support them. After the One Health WV program, Greg is looking to pursue a PhD studying biology.

Born and raised in Houston, TX, German started his education at his local community college (HCC). After a motivating summer in a Research Experience for Undergraduates program, he transferred to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to pursue a bachelors degree in physics. German’s work centers on creek water quality in previously mined lands, specifically those affected by mountaintop removal valley fills (MTR-VF) created in the process of surface mining. Despite reclamation practices in place aimed at restoring prior mined site ecosystems, MTR-VF have been shown to still be a detriment to stream water quality. German is analyzing the effects of in-stream hydrologic features on levels of total dissolved solids. He is developing a model that can guide future practices and regulation toward mitigating the effects of MTR-VF to downstream ecosystems and communities. German is still deciding if he would like to pursue graduate school or become career oriented. German enjoys listening to music, photography, exploring his surroundings, and hanging out with good company.