Alt text: a colorful abstract painting of a human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) virus particle.
In the Morrison Virology Lab at WMU, we investigate novel host-virus interactions required for herpesvirus infectivity and determine the mechanisms of how these interactions promote infectivity of produced virus particles. Each project in the lab is undertaken in pursuit of advancing the field's understanding of host-virus interactions required for successful herpesvirus infection cycles. Our work further aims to illuminate potential intervention points for herpesviral pathogenesis and disease. Our team works individually and in collaboration to achieve this goal by embracing diverse perspectives, working creatively to answer cutting-edge questions in virology, and never forgetting our shared humanity in the process.
We are recruiting at least one graduate student, but no more than 2, (preferably a PhD student, but open to an exceptional MS student) to begin in Fall of 2027. The application form is now live and will be open until November 16, 2026. Please see the Opportunities tab for more information.
New additions to the lab for Fall 2026! We are welcoming two new undergraduate researchers to the lab this fall: Willsun Fuller and Lexi Lamb, both juniors at WMU. Welcome, Willsun and Lexi!
Sabrina has also transferred from the MA to the MS program in Biological Sciences to do research in the lab full-time. Time to lock in and do some cool science! Our first PhD student is also coming soon 😀 stay tuned!
Will Geiger joins the lab for the summer! Will is an undergraduate at Kalamazoo College, working in the lab on his Senior Integrated Project. Welcome, Will!
Congratulations to Anika for being awarded the undergraduate Merrill Wiseman Award for Microbiology! Anika Arya was honored at this year's WMU Biological Sciences Department Awards Luncheon. Well deserved!
Join us at Old Dog Tavern in downtown Kalamazoo for Science on Tap on Thursday, April 2, where Dr. Morrison will present a public-facing talk entitled: "Got herpes? Probably! Why most of us have lifelong viral hitchhikers and that's okay"