Brett Hurst

Brett Hurst is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Animal, Dairy, & Vet Sciences at Utah State University (USU), where he has been a core member of the Institute for Antiviral Research since 2006. His work focuses on developing and evaluating antiviral therapies against emerging viral threats using cell culture and animal models, with particular emphasis on translational applications for human and veterinary medicine.

His educational foundation includes:

• PhD in Animal Health & Disease (Virology) from Utah State University (2018)
• MS in Bioveterinary Science (Virology) from Utah State University (2012)
• BS in Microbiology (Chemistry) from Weber State University (2006)

Dr. Hurst's research program centers on antiviral therapy development for high-impact viral pathogens. His laboratory specializes in establishing in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate therapeutics against influenza viruses, picornaviruses (including Enterovirus D68 and A71), and coronaviruses. This work bridges fundamental virology with preclinical drug testing, directly supporting pandemic preparedness efforts through the Institute for Antiviral Research's mission to combat emerging infectious diseases.

Analysis of his 2021-2024 publications reveals a dominant focus on coronavirus therapeutics (particularly SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors and animal models) and enterovirus countermeasures, with significant contributions to vaccine adjuvant technology and broad-spectrum antivirals. His collaborative approach spans immunology, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine, consistently targeting translational outcomes for clinical application.

His scientific contributions have been recognized with:

• 1st Place Ph.D. Oral Presentation (2018) at the Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Student Research Symposium
• Poster Award (2018) from the International Society for Antiviral Research

Dr. Hurst actively mentors graduate students in virology and biotechnology, having guided five students to completion in USU's Animal, Dairy & Vet Sciences program. His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in Veterinary Virology, Science Communication, and Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering, reflecting his commitment to training the next generation of scientists in both technical and ethical dimensions of biomedical research.

As a key researcher at USU's Institute for Antiviral Research, he operates within a multidisciplinary team equipped with advanced biosafety facilities for studying high-consequence pathogens. This environment enables his critical work on emerging viral threats through integrated approaches spanning target identification, compound screening, and preclinical validation of novel therapeutics.