By Jill Pease
What mysteries are lurking under the microscope in a virology lab? In Emily DeRuyter’s case, through careful research, those secrets are likely to be revealed as previously undocumented viruses.
DeRuyter, a doctoral candidate in One Health in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions Department of Environmental and Global Health, is fresh off the first-author publication of two recent scientific papers detailing the discovery of three novel viruses found in Florida animals.
DeRuyter and her colleagues in the lab of John Lednicky, Ph.D., a research professor in the department and member of UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, were the first to report a jeilongvirus in the U.S. as well as new strains of rhabdovirus and orbivirus. Their findings have important implications for both human and animal health. DeRuyter explains:
Tell us about your new virus discoveries.
In our recent publications, we have highlighted the discovery of three previously undocumented viruses infecting rodents and white-tailed deer in Florida. Part of what is so interesting about our publications is that they represent new introductions of novel viruses to the United States. Jeilongviruses have been primarily reported in China and Belgium, but the identification of Gainesville Rodent Jeilongvirus 1 in Florida opens up a new realm of viral surveillance. Similarly, we believe that Hardee County Ephemerovirus is the first ephemerovirus to be identified in white-tailed deer.
I think the greatest takeaway from this research is that viruses are constantly evolving, and there is a critical need for viral surveillance. Our goals are to conduct more research to understand the potential spread of these viruses in other species, as well as to understand how they are being introduced into our wildlife populations.
What steps should we be taking to protect people and animals from the next pandemic?
It is common in our field to refer to the next pandemic as an eventuality rather than a possibility. I think that it is important for public health officials to impart this mindset to our policymakers. Continued investment in scientific research is crucial to ensure a rapid and calculated response to viral outbreaks. I also think we can stand to step back and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the response to SARS-CoV-2 and develop policy plans based on what we have learned using expertise not only from public health officials but stakeholders across the country, including teachers, farmers, health care workers and more.
What’s next for you and the Lednicky lab?
The Lednicky team is very proud to be a part of the Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI), which works to identify and address hemorrhagic diseases affecting white-tailed deer in Florida. This is an incredibly rewarding team to be a part of, as it is made up of individuals from many different backgrounds, truly embodying the goals of One Health.
How did you become interested in One Health research?
My interest in the connection between the environment, animal health and human health began early, largely due to my parents. My father owns a dairy farm in New Mexico, and growing up, we participated in 4-H activities, such as showing dairy heifers. A major part of the project is to manage the health and nutrition of your animal to ensure that it performs to the best of your ability. Additionally, growing up, my parents took us to national parks every summer. I think when you’re exposed to such environmental wonder as a child, you can’t help but feel compelled to protect it. This all came together as a freshman at Texas Tech University, where I learned about zoonosis research and found this topic to be incredibly fascinating.
Who are your heroes?
My personal hero is my grandfather, James Hindman. My grandfather also received a Ph.D. and has been my guiding light in navigating academia, but also life. He taught me to always pursue knowledge and motivated me to apply for this Ph.D. program.
My scientific hero is my principal investigator, John Lednicky. I have never met such an intelligent, kind and funny individual. John has fostered an incredible environment for me to learn and grow, and none of my success would have been possible without his guidance.
What are your professional goals following graduation?
I plan to complete a postdoctoral fellowship after graduating with my Ph.D. in One Health. My ultimate goal is to remain in academia, pursuing this research with my own laboratory.