The article, published in Virus Genes, shares findings from a two-year undergraduate research project led by Charlotte Dagli ’25 that identified viruses with enhanced oncolytic potential, or the ability to selectively infect and kill cancer cells, against fibrosarcoma.
Elon alumna Charlotte Dagli ’25 and Efrain Rivera-Serrano, assistant professor of biology, have co-authored an article in the journal Virus Genes highlighting findings from a two-year undergraduate research project led by Dagli. The article, “Identification of reovirus reassortants with enhanced oncolytic activity in human fibrosarcoma cells,” also includes undergraduate researchers Ryder Hutchinson ’28 and Alice Efremov ’26 as co-authors, underscoring the collaborative, student-centered nature of the research experience.
The article shares findings from a two-year undergraduate research project led by Dagli while at Elon. The study identified genetically diverse reoviruses with enhanced oncolytic potential against fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that arises in connective tissue. By focusing on viruses that preferentially infect and kill cancer cells, the work advances ongoing efforts to explore new strategies for cancer treatment.
Dagli completed four semesters of mentored research in Rivera-Serrano’s laboratory and participated in Elon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in 2024. She received internal and external funding for her work and presented her research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh, the annual meeting of the American Association of Immunologists in Honolulu, and multiple local venues. She was selected as an Elon’s Provost Scholar, and received the Acorn to Oak Senior Award by the Biology Department in 2025 for her growth during her undergraduate years and contributions to the department.
Dagli is currently completing a postbaccalaureate research experience at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where she is continuing to build expertise in virology and immunology research as she prepares for the next stage of her career as a health professional. Her current work includes HTLV (Human T-lymphotropic virus 1)-related diagnostic research under the mentorship of Steven Jacobson, allowing her to continue building expertise in virology and translational biomedical science.