Studying Viruses and Shaping Futures: Assistant Professor Hannah Murphy’s Virology Research Takes Root at UMN Crookston

"Hannah is a teacher-scholar ideal for our mission at the Crookston campus. In her first year, she is already inspiring students. We are delighted that she has joined our faculty."

When the University of Minnesota Crookston welcomed new faculty members to campus in August 2025, Hannah Murphy, assistant professor in biology, arrived ready to create meaningful research opportunities for students while advancing critical work in virology, focusing on how viruses interact with host cells and exploit cellular machinery during infection.

In Murphy's first semester at UMN Crookston, she is already establishing a research program that blends her passion for science with hands-on undergraduate mentorship. A native of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, she joined UMN Crookston with a clear goal: to work at a primarily undergraduate institution where she could focus on both teaching and research.

"I was looking for a place where I could do both," Murphy said. "My passion has always been teaching, but I didn't want to give up research. I wanted the best of both worlds."

"Hannah is a teacher-scholar ideal for our mission at the Crookston campus," noted Rosemary Johnsen, senior vice chancellor at UMN Crookston. "In her first year, she is already inspiring students. We are delighted that she has joined our faculty."

Murphy has known she wanted to be a scientist since she was a child. Her parents bought her a microscope at a young age, and her curiosity only grew from there. As a high school junior, she took college courses through Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program at South Central College, completing coursework in the Biology Transfer Pathway before transferring to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she majored in biomedical science and minored in chemistry. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research with Dr. Michael Bentley on imaging methods for glaucoma.

Her interest in virology was sparked in part by the book The Hot Zone, which chronicles Ebola outbreaks from the perspective of scientists racing to contain the virus. She later referenced the book in her graduate school application.

Murphy completed her graduate work at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus, where she studied arenaviruses under the mentorship of Dr. Yuying Liang and Dr. Hinh Ly. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, her lab shifted focus to SARS-CoV-2 research and continued working in the lab as part of the university's essential research efforts during campus shutdowns, an experience that further solidified her commitment to studying viruses and their impact.

Now at UMN Crookston, Murphy is leading a project funded by a competitive Grant-in-Aid award from the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office. This supports the University's strategic plan, Elevate Extraordinary 2030, and promotes academic excellence by bolstering the research, scholarly, and artistic activities of faculty university-wide.

Her research uses the Pichinde virus as a safe laboratory model to study Lassa virus, a dangerous pathogen endemic to West Africa that causes hundreds of thousands of infections each year and currently lacks an approved vaccine or effective treatments.

"We're using Pichinde virus to understand the molecular biology of Lassa virus," Murphy said. "If we can learn how the virus interacts with host cells, it could help inform future vaccine and therapeutic strategies."

The project aims to identify host cellular proteins involved in the viral life cycle and generate preliminary data to support future grant applications. Murphy began applying for the grant just two months after arriving in Crookston. The award provides essential funding for equipment, reagents, and student support, allowing her to establish a virology research program that expands the range of microbiology research opportunities available to students at UMN Crookston.

Two undergraduate students, Maggie Lawler (freshman) and Catie Neumann (senior), are already involved in preliminary bioinformatics work and plan to transition fully into the lab once biosafety approvals are finalized. "Getting them ready for their next step is really important to me," Murphy said. "They're developing the foundational skills of a scientist and will be contributing to real-world problems."

She remembers her own first experience in undergraduate research as a turning point. "It was a lightbulb moment," she said. "I realized this is where I'm supposed to be. I hope Maggie and Catie feel that same excitement."

Murphy encourages students interested in research to get involved early and not be intimidated by a lack of experience. "Everyone has to start somewhere," she said. "The earlier you begin, the better."

As someone who grew up in a rural Minnesota community, Murphy intentionally chose to work in a similar setting. She wanted to give back while building meaningful opportunities for students. As her research program takes shape, she is excited not only about the scientific discoveries ahead but also about helping students find their own lightbulb moments along the way.

About UMN Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 best value ranking, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, #1 ranked dorms, and a supportive environment, UMN Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at UMN Crookston. Small campus. Big degree. The best of both worlds. Learn more and apply at umcrookston.edu.

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