Joanie’s interest in evolution of vector-borne infectious diseases started as an undergraduate at Tulane University. She further pursued her interests in vector-borne diseases while obtaining a Master’s in Public Health at Yale University and completing a CDC/NCID/APHL Fellowship in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following fulfillment of the fellowship requirements, Joanie decided to pursue a PhD in her field. She is currently working in Dr. Scott Weaver’s arbovirology lab studying the mechanisms of initial infection and dissemination of enzootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus within a competent enzootic mosquito vector, Culex( melanoconion) taeniopus.