Ben Klaffke, class of 2010, is currently working as a virologist at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. After graduating from A&M with an extensive background in microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics, Ben has made a career out of studying some of the most dangerous viruses on the planet today.
Ben has done groundbreaking research on Ebola and other hemorrhagic viruses, such as Marburg. He discussed where Ebola comes from, what it can do to humans, how it passes from person to person (or animal to person), and quarantine measures used to slow outbreaks. Ben made it clear that Ebola is the virus that many horrifying movies are based on!
Ben is also an expert on COVID, so he was also able to discuss a few points pertaining to that virus and many others.
At the end of the presentation, Ben gave “gifts” from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute to each participant. The participants also got to see the type of Tyvek suit that Ben has to wear when working with these dangerous viruses. It was awesome! Thank you, Ben, for the work that you do. And also, thank you for making us proud!!!