Cara Brook

Cara Brook is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago, leading the Brook Lab. Her research focuses on zoonotic infections, particularly bat-borne pathogens, and integrates field biology, molecular immunology, and epidemiological modeling. She studies viral persistence in wildlife, conservation trajectories in Madagascar, and transmission dynamics of vector-borne/respiratory viruses in the Global South.

Key research themes include understanding why bat viral zoonoses are highly virulent, mechanisms of pathogen maintenance in reservoir hosts, and dynamics at the animal-human interface. Her work spans applied public health (e.g., dengue virus in Cambodia) and conservation biology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

Recent studies highlight climate and demographic drivers of disease, virulence evolution in zoonotics, and genomic characterization of novel pathogens like Angavokely virus. The lab collaborates globally, with a focus on Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and epidemiological challenges.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. The lab’s activities include field studies, genomic analysis, and computational modeling, with a commitment to both basic science and applied public health outcomes.

Grant and advising details are not specified here, but the lab’s work reflects collaborative efforts across disciplines. The Brook Lab’s webpage (https://brooklab.org) provides further details on ongoing projects and team collaborations.