Eric Laing

Dr. Eric Laing is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), School of Medicine, since October 2021. He holds a joint appointment with the Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Graduate Program and focuses on biosurveillance, zoonotic RNA viruses, virus-host interactions, and medical countermeasure development.

• Education: Ph.D. in Emerging Infectious Diseases (2016) and B.S. in Biology (2008).

Dr. Laing's research integrates molecular virology and epidemiology to address emerging pathogens. His work on SARS-CoV-2 includes investigating antibody longevity post-vaccination, hybrid immunity, and variant neutralization. Earlier studies focused on henipaviruses and filoviruses, analyzing receptor interactions and zoonotic spillover risks.

His publications highlight trends in pandemic response, including serological surveillance, vaccine efficacy, and viral evolution. Key methodologies involve reverse genetics, antigen-based serosurveillance, and multiplex diagnostic platforms.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NSF East Asia Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI) fellowship (2008)
  • Outstanding Research Accomplishment/Team/SARS-CoV-2, Military Health System Research Symposium (2021)

Dr. Laing collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in military medicine and global health initiatives, contributing to biosurveillance frameworks and medical countermeasure development. His work bridges academic research with operational public health strategies in military and civilian contexts.