The Department would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Morgen VanderGiessen, one of eleven UW-Madison distinguished research fellows participating in the RISE-THRIVE program. She will be participating in research with Dr. Darcie Moore, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, and Dr. Thomas Friedrich, Professor of Pathobiological Sciences. The goal of RISE is to support emerging scholars in collaborative research that spans two distinct units at UW-Madison, establishing interdisciplinary research efforts to answer impactful challenges facing society.
VanderGiessen received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry, followed by her Ph.D. in biomedical and veterinary sciences. Her focus is the long-term effect of zika virus increasing the risk of neurodegeneration, as well as determining its mechanisms of targeting neural stem cells. By integrating virology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine, her work aims to uncover new approaches to support brain health and aging.
Congratulations Morgen, and welcome to the department!