Chris was born and raised in Miami, Florida where he attended Florida International University and completed his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in biology. After graduating in 2021, he joined the Ghedin Research Group at NIAID and studied SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology and the role of the Brugia malayi secretome on the lymphatic system. He joined UF as an MD/PhD student and is now pursuing his Ph.D. after completing the first portion of his medical studies. His research will focus on comparing the role of interferons in different mucosal surfaces and how that regulates viral tropism amongst different tissues. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, cooking, and reading.