Darrell has been fascinated with how seemingly miniscule and simple organisms like viruses and bacteria can cause humans so much trouble for almost his entire life. As a child he wondered how something invisible could make people so sick. As a scientist he is still amazed at how little we understand about pathogens and how they evolve and adapt to host immune systems and therapeutic interventions so rapidly. His career goals are to elucidate the mechanisms and factors that drive virulence and pathogenesis of infections to fundamentally change clinical management therapies and practices. He is a native New Mexican, that loves all the outdoor activities that the amazing climate of New Mexico provides.