Gwynyth Hansen

Hometown and state: 

Louisa, VA

Advisor: 

Dr. Elsio Wunder

Gwynyth (Gwyn) Hansen is a master’s degree student in Dr. Elsio Wunder’s lab. She is looking into the abundance of Leptospira (causative genus of the zoonotic disease, Leptospirosis) in wild rodents in both urban and rural locations. Since Leptospirosis has historically been associated with tropic regions, there has been limited investigation into its animal reservoirs in non-tropic regions. Her research will aim to lay foundational knowledge on how rodents serve as Leptospirosis reservoirs within their local ecosystems, which can serve as important information for limiting Leptospirosis from spilling over to human (and other mammal) populations. Gwyn is from Louisa (Charlottesville-area), Virginia. Outside of the lab, She loves to draw, act, go to the theatre, hike, play games, and watch bad horror movies with friends. 

Education: 

AS in Biology, Piedmont Virginia Community College- Charlottesville, VA, 2024

BS in Biology, William & Mary- Williamsburg, VA, 2026