Trent Bushmaker, Master of Science Student

“Could we counteract pathogen spillover if we understand the route of transmission from wildlife to humans?”

My research focuses on studies related to the aerobiology and transmission of maximum containment pathogens including Ebola, Nipah, and Hendra viruses. The goal of my research project is to understand spillover transmission by replication of the microclimates involved in spillover in a laboratory setting. These individual findings will strengthen the knowledge of the role of aerosol characteristics in cross species transmission and human-to-human transmission. The project will take form and show the relationship the natural environment has with the stability and transmissibility of the virus. Modelling will be an important bridge to understand how individual components interact to determine pathogen survival and the likelihood of spillover.

Bachelor of Science, 2006
Biotechnology with emphasis on Animal System
Montana State University, Bozeman