Meet the team
Sarah Dremel (she/hers)
Position.
Assistant Professor
Educational Background.
BS, Biochemistry; Genetics & Cellular Development, University of Minnesota
PhD, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh
Postdoctoral fellowship, Cancer Virology, National Cancer Institute
Research Interests.
I’m interested in all facets of gene expression, with a particular focus on the creative ways herpesviruses manipulate the nuclear environment to promote viral replication. I think studying this topic teaches us a lot about ourselves (the host) & core processes to target in future antiviral development.
Non-Science Interests.
Traveling, puzzles, board games, organizing everything in sight
Tania Strilets (she/hers)
Position.
Postdoctoral fellow
Educational Background.
BS, Immunology and Infection, University of Alberta
PhD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch
Research Interests.
My research interests lie at the intersection of RNA biology, innate immunity, and virology. By studying how viruses manipulate cellular RNA landscapes, we can gain better insights into how our own RNAs function.
Non-Science Interests.
Hiking, running, and cooking
Kathryn Harris (she/hers)
Position.
PhD Student
Educational Background.
BS, Biochemistry, University of Florida
Research Interests.
Digging into the other-than-canonical tactics viruses use to exploit the cell for their own gain during infection. At UVA, I’m interested in teasing out more about the role of circRNAs in the context of herpesvirus infection. Previously, I worked to optimize AAV capsids for intravenous delivery of gene therapy treatments to specific cell types.
Non-Science Interests.
Spending time outdoors, reading, weightlifting (and yoga and cycling), trivia, exploring historical sites around Virginia
Aleksandra Maciejczuk (she/hers)
Position.
PhD Student, co-mentored with Mariano Garcia-Blanco
Educational Background.
BS, Biotechnology, University of Warsaw (Poland)
MS, Molecular Biotechnology, University of Warsaw (Poland)
Research Interests.
I'm curious about how genes, their interactions, and the regulation of their expression shape the cellular phenotype. This is why I'm excited to study how viral infections perturb host cell homeostasis at the transcriptomic level. This research can reveal not only the mechanisms underlying host defense but also the complex strategies viruses use to manipulate cellular machinery. It feels like dissecting a molecular arms race that has been unfolding behind our backs for millions of years.
Non-Science Interests.
Weightlifting, running, juggling, hiking, crafting (from embroidery to putting together furniture)
Caroline Mooney (she/hers)
Position.
Research Technician
Educational Background.
BA, Biochemistry, Mount Holyoke College
Research Interests.
Biochemistry, host-pathogen interactions, virology, immunology, and immune evasion.
Non-Science Interests.
Crocheting, cross stitching, baking, reading, playing amateur pickleball, and swimming.
Meghan Puppala (she/hers)
Position.
Undergraduate Researcher
Educational Background.
Expected 2027: BS, Biochemistry, University of Virginia
Research Interests.
Understanding how virus and foreign substances affect the immune system as well as drug discovery and immune response. Moreover, how other cellular pathways are interconnected with the immune system, and how carcinogens impact cell survival.
Non-Science Interests.
Going to the gym and playing sports, reading, crocheting baby yoda, and baking brownies
Lab Alumni
Charlotte Wagenblast
Tenure in the lab.
Oct 2024 - June 2026
Dremel lab position.
Research Technician
Subsequent position.
PhD student at UVA School of Medicine
Agata Kublicka
Tenure in the lab.
July 2025 - June 2026
Dremel lab position.
Visiting Research Graduate Student [BioLab]
Subsequent position.
PhD student at University of Wrocław, Faculty of Biological Sciences