Dr. Moriah Szpara

Professor

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Biography

Moriah Szpara is a Professor in the Department of Biology and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. She is also affiliated with the Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences and the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics. Moriah's research focuses on neurovirology, particularly the genetic and molecular interactions of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and host neurons. Her laboratory employs genomics and bioinformatics to study viral genetic variation and its impact on neurovirulence. Moriah has developed tools such as VirAmp and VirGA to assist in viral genome assembly and comparison. Her work has significant implications for understanding the persistent nature of HSV infections in the human nervous system and the development of targeted therapeutics. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to teaching and research in the field, including the Priscilla Schaffer Memorial Award and the National Institutes of Health Research Scholar Development Award. Moriah's ambition is to shed light on the complexities of HSV latency and its neuronal consequences, with an aim to improve clinical outcomes for those affected by viral infections.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

Pennsylvania State University • University Park, PA

Teaching and conducting research in neurovirology, with a focus on viral genetic contributions to disease.

Awards

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Spear Colloquium Lecturer

2018-01-01
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Priscilla Schaffer Memorial Award & Lectureship

2017-01-01
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Daniel R. Tershak Memorial Teaching Award

2017-01-01
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National Institutes of Health Research Scholar Development Award

2013-01-01

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.