Breaking Barriers: Dr. Shannan Rossi on Viruses and the Business of Science

Ever wondered about the intricate connection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health? Join us as Dr. Shannan Rossi, an associate professor in the Department of Pathology at UTMB, illuminates this fascinating concept known as 'One Health'. Dr. Rossi enchants us with her research on developing countermeasures for mosquito-borne viruses, specifically the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. She makes a compelling case for the continuous research and preparedness necessary for potential future outbreaks, underscoring the cyclical nature of such occurrences and the challenges of garnering interest and funding during quieter periods.We then deeply dive into the world of sexually transmitted viruses, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes. Dr. Rossi shares her captivating journey into this field, shedding light on the unique challenges of working with semen samples and detecting viral infections. She stresses the importance of diversity in science, opening up about her experiences as a female scientist. Furthermore, she shares her unique experience of juggling an MBA with her scientific pursuits, revealing the oft-ignored business aspect of science. We also discuss the crucial role of science in society, particularly amid a pandemic. So, join us for a conversation filled with stories of tenacity, curiosity, and the pivotal role of effective communication in funding vital research.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!