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Hector Aguilar-Carreno is a Professor of Virology in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where he also serves as Associate Vice Provost in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. His research focuses on high-mortality paramyxoviruses including Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), as well as coronaviruses and other enveloped viruses. Dr. Aguilar-Carreno received his BS in Biochemical Engineering from Instituto Tecnologico de Tepic, Mexico, followed by an MS in Biology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Southern California. He completed postdoctoral training in Virology at UCLA under Dr. Benhur Lee before becoming an Assistant Professor at Washington State University's Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health. His research spans four main areas: (1) Viral entry mechanisms, where his lab has identified novel domains in viral glycoproteins important for membrane fusion; (2) Viral egress, using multi-omics approaches to study viral assembly and budding; (3) Vaccine development using viral-like particles to generate neutralizing antibodies; and (4) Antiviral discovery targeting enveloped viruses. His lab employs innovative techniques including Flow Virometry and Raman Spectroscopy to study viral entry processes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on paramyxoviruses (particularly Nipah and Hendra viruses), coronavirus research, and the development of broad-spectrum antivirals. His work spans fundamental virology to translational applications, with numerous publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Cell Reports. President Elect of the American Society of Virology Chair of the American Society of Virology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee Chair of the Cornell CVM Diversity Committee Director of the Cornell Program for Achieving Career Excellence Chair of 16 PhD student thesis committees Dr. Aguilar-Carreno has served on numerous scientific committees including the American Society for Virology Education Committee, the American Society of Microbiology Committee for Minority Education, and as a Standing Member of the VIR-A NIH study section. His leadership extends to chairing the Cornell CVM Diversity Committee and serving on the Cornell presidential postdoctoral fellowship committee, demonstrating significant commitment to diversity and mentorship in science.

• Virology
• Paramyxoviruses
• Viral Entry Mechanisms
• +7 more

Dr. Biao He holds the rank of Professor and the Fred C. Davison Distinguished University Chair in Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a GRA Distinguished Investigator and affiliated with the Center for Vaccines and Immunology. His primary research focuses on paramyxoviruses, including PIV5, mumps virus, and emerging Jeilongviruses, with applications in vaccine development and antiviral strategies. Research Interests include: Paramyxovirus-host interactions Innate immunity Anti-virals Vaccine development Emerging paramyxovirus and oncolytic virus studies His lab has contributed to the development of paramyxovirus-based vaccines and explores viral pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms. Dr. He’s work bridges basic virology with translational medicine, particularly in veterinary and human health contexts.

• Immunology
• Animal Models of Human Disease
• Cell Culture
• +5 more

Dr. Rebecca Poulson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, affiliated with the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study. She holds a BS in Biology from Cornell University (2001) and a PhD in Infectious Diseases from the University of Georgia (2016). Her research focuses on viral pathogens in wildlife, particularly influenza, paramyxoviruses, and orbiviruses, with an emphasis on their ecology, epidemiology, and evolution. Key interests include viral persistence in natural environments, migration-driven pathogen spread, and conservation implications of wildlife diseases. Education: Bachelor of Science (2001), Cornell University, Biology Doctor of Philosophy (2016), University of Georgia, Infectious Diseases Dr. Poulson's work addresses critical questions such as the movement of viruses with migratory hosts, mechanisms of viral persistence, and surveillance strategies for emerging pathogens. Recent projects include studies on avian influenza persistence in wetlands, viral spread in shorebirds, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 in lagomorphs. Her research integrates field studies, genomic analysis, and experimental infections to understand disease dynamics in wildlife populations. Notable contributions include investigations into the intercontinental spread of H5N1 influenza and the role of wild birds as reservoirs for viral pathogens. Dr. Poulson collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing One Health approaches to combat zoonotic diseases. She has published widely in journals such as Nature Communications , Emerging Infectious Diseases , and Viruses , and contributes to global efforts to monitor and mitigate avian influenza outbreaks.

• Wildlife Health
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Evanthia Galanis, M.D., is a Professor of Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with joint appointments in the Department of Oncology (Division of Medical Oncology) and the Department of Molecular Medicine. She is a leading clinician-investigator in the fields of oncolytic virotherapy and neuro-oncology, with a focus on translating novel gene and virus-based therapies into clinical applications for solid tumors, particularly glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Executive Dean for Development, Mayo Clinic (2019–present) Co-chair, Glioblastoma Working Group, National Cancer Institute (2015–present) Chair, Neuro-Oncology Committee, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (2011–present) Leader, Gene and Virus Therapy Program, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (2012–2020) Chair, Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic (2009–2019) Dr. Galanis earned her M.D. and D.Sc. from Athens University School of Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship training in Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Clinic. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology. Her research is centered on engineering oncolytic measles virus derivatives to target cancer cells, enhance immune response, and improve delivery through innovative strategies such as cell-mediated carriers. She has led numerous Phase I and II clinical trials, including the first human use of measles virus in brain and ovarian cancers. Her work is supported by the National Cancer Institute and integrated into multiple Mayo Clinic SPORE programs. Recent publications highlight her leadership in advancing oncolytic virotherapy, with key themes including viral retargeting, combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and radiation, immunomodulation, and clinical trial design in neuro-oncology. Her articles reflect a strong emphasis on translational innovation, molecular engineering, and patient-centered outcomes. Dr. Galanis has received numerous honors, including: Distinguished Mayo Clinic Investigator Award (2020) Victor Levin Award for Achievement in Neuro-Oncology (2023) Sandra J. Schulze Professorship (2013–present) Election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation (2011) Professor Honoris Causa, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2023) She has served as principal or co-investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants and collaborative trials through the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. Her mentorship and leadership have shaped the development of novel therapeutic platforms and the training of future physician-scientists. She is actively involved in advancing structured oncology data systems and innovative trial designs to improve cancer care. Dr. Galanis leads or participates in several research teams and programs, including: Gene and Virus Therapy Program, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Brain Cancer SPORE Ovarian Cancer SPORE Breast Cancer SPORE David F. and Margaret T. Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Program Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology – Neuro-Oncology Committee

• Oncolytic Virotherapy
• Cancer Gene Therapy
• Neuro-Oncology
• +12 more

Benhur Lee is a Professor of Microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) , holding the Ward-Coleman Chair in Microbiology since 2014. He obtained his MD from Yale University School of Medicine in 1995 and completed clinical pathology training at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Chief Resident (2015-2019). His postdoctoral work with Robert W. Doms at Penn (1997-2001) established foundational HIV entry research. Education: MD, Yale University School of Medicine (1995) Clinical Pathology Residency, University of Pennsylvania (1997-2001) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania with Robert Doms Dr. Lee’s research focuses on molecular viral-host interactions for emerging RNA viruses like Henipaviruses (Nipah/Hendra) and HIV-1. His lab pioneered HIV entry standards and developed reverse genetics systems for paramyxoviruses to enable vaccine and gene therapy research. Key collaborations include Thomas Bowden’s structural biology group at Oxford and Regeneron’s VelocImmune® technology. Selected Publications highlight work on viral entry mechanisms, gene editing vectors, and zoonotic disease prevention. His lab’s #ViralLeeLab maintains a global research network. Scientific Awards : Culpepper Biomedical Scholar Award (2002-2005) Rockefeller Brothers Fund Dolph Adams Award (2006) Dr. Lee contributes to policy as a member of NIH’s NExTRAC (2016-2020) and CIRM’s Standards Working Group (2014-present). His work aligns with Mount Sinai’s institutional policies on research integrity, conflict of interest, and global health security.

• Antibody Development
• Antivirals
• Biodefense
• +32 more

Dr. Ming Luo is a Professor at Georgia State University's College of Arts and Sciences, specializing in virus structure, biochemistry of viral replication, drug design, and cancer treatment. His research focuses on influenza virus proteins and the replication mechanisms of negative strand RNA viruses including vesicular stomatitis virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and Ebola virus. He investigates nucleocapsid formation and viral polymerase function, using structural biology approaches to understand viral replication. His work on vesicular stomatitis virus explores its potential as an oncolytic agent for cancer therapy. Recently, he has developed novel antiviral drugs targeting virus entry mechanisms, including approaches for SARS-CoV-2. His honors include the Sidhu Award from the Pittsburgh Diffraction Society (1989) and service as session chair at the 15th International Negative Strand Virus Meeting (2013).

• Virus Structure
• Viral Replication
• Drug Design
• +3 more

Patti Miller is a Part-Time Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center (PDRC) within the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian paramyxoviruses, and their implications for poultry health and global epidemiology. She specializes in vaccine development, viral pathogenesis, and molecular diagnostics. Key contributions include advancing recombinant vaccine technologies, defining NDV genotype classifications, and investigating virus-host interactions in diverse bird species. Her work emphasizes understanding transmission dynamics in wild and domestic populations, particularly in live bird markets and transboundary contexts. Research highlights include: Genetic characterization of NDV strains from Ukraine, Tanzania, and Pakistan Evaluation of IL-4-modified NDV vaccines and adenovirus vector efficacy Phylogenetic frameworks for NDV strain classification and nomenclature Neuropathogenic mechanisms in poultry and wild passerines Her articles emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches to control avian diseases, integrating virology, immunology, and ecological surveillance. Ongoing efforts address vaccine spillover risks and zoonotic potential of avian pathogens.

• Avian Virology
• Newcastle Disease
• Veterinary Medicine
• +3 more