Wesley Freppel

Dr. Wesley Freppel is a Research Fellow at Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, focused on molecular virology and virus-host interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Virology and Immunology from INRS (Canada) and M.Sc. degrees from Aix-Marseille University and the University of Strasbourg (France). His research examines the replication dynamics of +ssRNA viruses, including flaviviruses and alphaviruses, and their manipulation of host cell processes like mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism. He leads multidisciplinary projects to develop antiviral therapies and optimize diagnostic methods.

Education:

• Ph.D. Virology and Immunology, INRS, Canada
• M.Sc. Human Pathology, Aix-Marseille University, France
• M.Sc. Cellular Physiopathology, University of Strasbourg, France
• B.Sc. Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Strasbourg, France

Research Interests: +ssRNA viruses, flavivirus/alphavirus pathogenesis, cell metabolism, viral replication mechanisms, and antiviral drug development. His work bridges virology, cell biology, and biochemistry to address pandemic threats like SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and Ross River virus.

Funded Projects: Includes grants from Griffith University and external agencies for studies on flavivirus-peroxisome interactions, panflaviviral therapeutics, and alphavirus-induced arthritis. Recent awards include travel grants to the American Society of Virology and Australasian Virology Society.

Media Contributions: Authored articles on viral immunity, antiviral treatments, and pandemic responses for public health awareness. Contributed to optimizing SARS-CoV-2 saliva testing during the pandemic, achieving 20,000 weekly tests in Montreal hospitals.

Advising & Grants: Current associate supervisor for a doctoral project on host-pathogen interfaces. Secured over AUD 300,000 in internal grants for virology research. Collaborates with Prof. Lara Herrero's lab, ranked #1 in Ross River virus research.

Labs & Teams: Member of Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, part of a team advancing viral diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.