Corey Brelsfoard
Graduate Students
Hunter Covey
B.S. Texas Tech University
I graduated from Texas Tech University in the fall of 2019 with my Bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Following my graduation, I accepted a position in Dr. Brelsfoard’s lab as a lab technician where I advanced my knowledge within the field. I held this position throughout the pandemic, and with the guidance of Dr. Brelsfoard, I decided to further my education by applying to the Master’s program. I am now working towards a Master’s in microbiology.
My research within the Brelsfoard lab is centered on Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. I am looking at the potential effects of temperature on these two species. With global climate change, it is essential to understand how different temperatures may impact vector competency, change geographical range, and the implications this may have on public health.
When I am not in the lab I enjoy spending time with my doggo. His name is Zeke, Ezekiel when he is in trouble, and he is currently 3 years old. He is a husky/malamute mix and has the BIGGEST personality you can imagine. I know it may sound cliché but that furball has brought so much joy into my life (when he isn’t destroying my house). After my dog I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, hiking, skiing, skydiving, and gaming. I honestly love anything that will give me an adrenaline rush. I also have a love for flight and would love to work towards receiving my private pilot’s license.
After completing my Master’s I would like to continue my education, whether that is pursuing a Ph.D. or attending medical school.
B.S. Texas Tech University
I graduated from Texas Tech University in the fall of 2019 with my Bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Following my graduation, I accepted a position in Dr. Brelsfoard’s lab as a lab technician where I advanced my knowledge within the field. I held this position throughout the pandemic, and with the guidance of Dr. Brelsfoard, I decided to further my education by applying to the Master’s program. I am now working towards a Master’s in microbiology.
My research within the Brelsfoard lab is centered on Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. I am looking at the potential effects of temperature on these two species. With global climate change, it is essential to understand how different temperatures may impact vector competency, change geographical range, and the implications this may have on public health.
When I am not in the lab I enjoy spending time with my doggo. His name is Zeke, Ezekiel when he is in trouble, and he is currently 3 years old. He is a husky/malamute mix and has the BIGGEST personality you can imagine. I know it may sound cliché but that furball has brought so much joy into my life (when he isn’t destroying my house). After my dog I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, hiking, skiing, skydiving, and gaming. I honestly love anything that will give me an adrenaline rush. I also have a love for flight and would love to work towards receiving my private pilot’s license.
After completing my Master’s I would like to continue my education, whether that is pursuing a Ph.D. or attending medical school.
Amanda Ramirez
M.S. Texas Tech University
As a master’s student at Texas Tech University, I chose to take an optional non-thesis route. This gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of professors and PhD candidates on a number of research projects. During this time, I developed a particular interest in microbial symbionts, working mostly with plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Throughout the summer of 2022, I went on a solo 20-state field sampling expedition to collect soil throughout the US for a large-scale PPN project under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Brown.
In the Brelsfoard lab, I am currently working on a project to track the evolution of bluetongue virus (BTV), a vector-borne virus transmitted primarily by midges of the Culicoides species. I’m interested in observing mutations of BTV within Culicoides midges, and as it alternates between hosts. Additionally, I hope to better understand the Culicoides midge microbiome and its composition of microbial symbionts as use for possible biocontrol targets.
When I’m not working in the lab, I love to travel. I enjoy exploring cultures and cuisines, learning languages, and chatting with local people. If unable to find adventure abroad, my time is spent outdoors - either hiking, biking, or lost in a good book.
M.S. Texas Tech University
As a master’s student at Texas Tech University, I chose to take an optional non-thesis route. This gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of professors and PhD candidates on a number of research projects. During this time, I developed a particular interest in microbial symbionts, working mostly with plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Throughout the summer of 2022, I went on a solo 20-state field sampling expedition to collect soil throughout the US for a large-scale PPN project under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Brown.
In the Brelsfoard lab, I am currently working on a project to track the evolution of bluetongue virus (BTV), a vector-borne virus transmitted primarily by midges of the Culicoides species. I’m interested in observing mutations of BTV within Culicoides midges, and as it alternates between hosts. Additionally, I hope to better understand the Culicoides midge microbiome and its composition of microbial symbionts as use for possible biocontrol targets.
When I’m not working in the lab, I love to travel. I enjoy exploring cultures and cuisines, learning languages, and chatting with local people. If unable to find adventure abroad, my time is spent outdoors - either hiking, biking, or lost in a good book.