Hailey Johnson

Position: Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education: B.S. Chemistry, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Hailey’s research focuses on the complex relationship between the parasite Brugia malayi and its endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. The interactions of these organisms are a delicate balance where each relies on components of the other’s life cycle. Disruption of this balance could lead to important therapeutic breakthroughs. Hailey’s work focuses on defining the role of microRNAs produced by Brugia in regulating key metabolic pathways. Additional work includes exploration of the role of microRNA in interactions between Wolbachia and Zika virus in mosquitos.

Career Goals: Hailey would like to pursue a career as a veterinarian-scientist with the goal of serving the public through studying zoonosis.