BYU NewsNet - Microbio professor uses mice to find cures

By TODD HOLBROOK

Some people may jump on a couch and scream at the sight of a mouse, but not Bradford Berges.

In his eyes, he sees a prime opportunity to discover ways to help humans be safe from diseases.

Berges, a new faculty member of the Microbiology and Molecular Biology Department, said his humanized mice are essential for his research. He said he is working hard so one day he will find immunities for different viruses and perhaps help cure those who may already be infected.

The process of producing mice with a human immune system alone will be long, but it is something he said he is excited about.

“Right now we are in the early stages of preparing the mice for the research,” Berges said while enthusiastically describing his research

Berges’ excitement stems from his desire to learn what his mice study will uncover. He studies various viruses including HIV, dengue, mono and others through a careful procedure.

“We work with humanized mice,” he said, “and see how responses interact with certain diseases. These are the kinds of tests you can’t do with a test tube.”

As a teacher of several undergraduate classes, Berges said he was glad to come to BYU because it is a university with hard-working students.

“BYU is a great place to do research because there are undergraduates who have excitement to learn how to do research they hear about so often in lectures on their own,” he said.

One such student is Freddy Sanchez, 30, a graduate student from Ecuador who is working on his Ph.D. at BYU. Sanchez said Berges’ mentoring is critical.

“I was interested in this new animal model technique to study human infections,” Sanchez said. “I need the mentoring, and Dr. Berges teaches me all of the procedures.”

The new professor is not a stranger to campus. Berges graduated with a degree in microbiology from BYU before going on to the University of Pennsylvania and Colorado State University for further education.

“People who used to be my professors are now my peers,” Berges said.

Other faculty members are pleased to work with him.

“Dr. Berges is very friendly, enthusiastic and has a positive attitude,” said Brent L. Nielsen, professor and chair of the department. “He brings recent experience from other institutions to help in our graduate and also our undergraduate courses. We expect him to develop a solid research program in molecular virology.”