Von, a new PhD candidate from the Philippines just joined the MECOH laboratory.

Von earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biology from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City, Philippines. His research has focused on Philippine wildlife and emerging infectious diseases in Mindanao, with particular emphasis on the wildlife ecology, biodiversity, and the transmission dynamics of emerging infectious diseases between humans and various mammalian species. Currently, Von is investigating the virome of dengue vector mosquito populations.

​His research aims to identify and characterize co-infecting viruses in vector mosquitoes accurately. The main goal is to gain novel insights into viral dynamics, which will aid in developing targeted dengue vector mosquito control strategies and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of arboviral disease prevention efforts. His research interests include molecular ecology, vector biology, and infectious diseases.