The Woolsey Lab is a virology and immunology research group at the Galveston National Laboratory at UTMB. We focus on high consequence viruses and use them as tools to understand how the immune system responds, fails, and can be redirected to prevent severe disease. Our work sits at the interface of basic mechanism and translational science for pandemic preparedness.

We bring together people with backgrounds in virology, immunology, bioengineering, neuroscience, and data science. In the lab, traditional in vivo models are integrated with organ on chip platforms, spatial biology, and single cell technologies to answer questions that are difficult to address with any single approach alone.

Scientific rigor, biosafety, and teamwork are central to how we operate. We design experiments to be reproducible, quantitative, and clinically informed, and we value open communication about results, challenges, and next steps. Trainees are encouraged to develop independence while working within a supportive environment that emphasizes mentorship and shared success.

Ultimately, we are motivated by a simple idea: understanding virus host interactions at a deep level can help protect vulnerable populations, inform better vaccines and therapeutics, and improve how we respond to the next outbreak.