Timothy Sheahan

Dr. Timothy Sheahan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health. His research focuses on emerging viral diseases and developing broad-spectrum antivirals to combat pandemics like COVID-19. He earned his PhD in Microbiology/Immunology from UNC-Chapel Hill (2008) and a BS from the University of New Hampshire (1999). His work emphasizes understanding viral zoonotic transmission and drug discovery.

Education

• PhD, Microbiology/Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008
• BS, Microbiology/Water Resource Management, University of New Hampshire, 1999

Research Interests

Dr. Sheahan investigates mechanisms of viral emergence, particularly coronaviruses. His lab develops antivirals targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerases and explores host immune responses. Key projects include:

• Remdesivir and molnupiravir mechanisms
• Broad-spectrum antiviral drug discovery
• Mouse models for SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV pathogenesis

Awards

• 2020: Most Read Nature Communications article on SARS-CoV-2
• 2022–2024: Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List

Collaborations & Grants

Dr. Sheahan collaborates across UNC departments and globally on pandemic preparedness. His work is supported by NIH grants and industry partnerships focused on antiviral development.

Labs & Teams

He leads the Sheahan Lab, part of the Gillings School's Virology and Emerging Pathogens group. The lab integrates virology, pharmacology, and immunology to address urgent public health threats.