جست‌وجوی استاد و پژوهشگر

Christopher S. Sullivanمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Virology
• Non-coding RNA Biology
• RNA Interference
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Christopher S. Sullivan is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences within the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. He directs an active research laboratory focused on viral non-coding RNA biology and host-pathogen interactions, with continuous funding evidenced by publications spanning 2005-2025. His work bridges molecular virology, immunology, and RNA biology through investigations of tumor viruses and host defense mechanisms. Research interests center on the role of non-coding RNAs in viral infection and host defense pathways, with particular emphasis on viral microRNAs , RNA interference mechanisms , and host-pathogen coevolution . His lab studies diverse virus families including Polyomaviridae, Herpesviridae, Retroviridae, and avipoxviruses, with key discoveries regarding viral miRNA functions in tumorigenesis and immune evasion. Research approaches integrate molecular virology, next-generation sequencing, and computational analysis to dissect RNA-based regulatory networks. Publications reveal consistent focus on viral non-coding RNA functions, particularly how viruses exploit host RNA machinery (notably DUSP11 phosphatase) to modulate immune responses. Recent work (2021-2025) expands into viral shedding dynamics, SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, and circular RNA biology in polyomaviruses, demonstrating evolving yet cohesive research trajectory in RNA-virus interactions. Scientific contributions include: Pioneering identification of viral microRNAs across multiple virus families Discovery of DUSP11's critical role in RNA triphosphate regulation during infection Mechanistic insights into viral evasion of RNAi and innate immunity Development of novel RNA-based detection methods The Sullivan lab maintains active collaborations through the Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, John Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs. Lab culture emphasizes collective scientific inquiry with stated mission to 'increase understanding of pathogen-host interactions while enjoying the company of fellow lab members.' Current research directions include viral exploitation of RNA modification pathways and identification of novel host defense mechanisms using viruses as 'molecular divining rods.'

Jane A. McKeatingمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Jane A. McKeating is a Professor of Molecular Virology at the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Medicine. She holds the Hans Fischer Senior Fellowship at the Technical University of Munich's Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) since 2015. Her research focuses on viral infections, particularly hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), exploring how hypoxia and circadian rhythms regulate viral replication and pathogenesis. She has held roles at institutions including the University of Birmingham (2005–2017) and Rockefeller University (2000–2005). Education: BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Warwick (1982) PhD in Virology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University College London (1987) Research Interests: Her work investigates how low oxygen (hypoxia) and circadian signaling pathways influence viral replication and tropism, particularly in liver and immune cells. Recent studies include SARS-CoV-2 regulation by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and circadian clock components like BMAL1. She also examines therapies targeting these pathways to combat viral infections. Publications: Her recent work spans hepatitis virus biology, antiviral screening tools, and circadian regulation of viral infections. Key themes include viral entry mechanisms, immune evasion, and drug development. Awards: 2015 Founders Award, University of Birmingham 2006 Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award 1995 Fleming Award, Society of General Microbiology Lab & Collaborations: Her research group at Oxford focuses on viral-host interactions, with collaborations on spatial transcriptomics of HBV/HDV/HIV co-infections and antiviral drug screening platforms.

Jaquelin P. Dudleyمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Retroviral replication
• Viral vectors
• Breast cancer
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Jaquelin Dudley is Professor in Molecular Biosciences and Associate Director of the LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease at UT Austin. Her lab studies mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) as a model for breast cancer and retroviral pathogenesis. Research Focus: MMTV-induced tumor mechanisms through insertional mutagenesis Viral Rem protein processing via ERAD pathways APOBEC-mediated antiviral innate immunity Publication analysis shows 45% focus on viral replication, 30% on cancer links, 15% on immunity, and 10% on gene therapy vectors. Recent studies examine VCP/p97-mediated viral protein trafficking. Honors & Education: American Academy of Microbiology Fellow (2009) PhD from Baylor College of Medicine Postdoctoral training with Harold Varmus (UCSF)

Deni S. Galileoمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Cell Migration
• Neurobiology
• Developmental Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Deni S. Galileo is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware. His research focuses on cell migration mechanisms in the developing brain and malignant gliomas, utilizing chick embryo models and retroviral gene transfer technologies. His work explores how integrins, extracellular matrix molecules, and adhesion proteins like L1CAM regulate normal and abnormal cell migration. Key projects include developing novel models for studying glioma invasiveness and breast cancer brain metastases, and investigating the role of QSOX1 and PMCA4 in tumor progression. Education: B.A., New College of Florida Ph.D., University of Florida College of Medicine and Whitney Laboratory Postdoctoral Research, Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis) Research interests span developmental neurobiology, tumor biology, and gene therapy. Current projects include: Control of glioma invasiveness via L1CAM Integrins' roles in neuronal migration and survival Ex vivo analysis of glioblastoma behavior using chick embryos His lab has pioneered the use of replication-competent retroviral vectors and in ovo electroporation for widespread protein misexpression in developing brains. Collaborations with Dr. John Koh (Chemistry and Biochemistry) explore axon outgrowth on gene-patterned cell monolayers. Lab Resources: Office 232 Wolf Hall, Lab 248 Wolf Hall Teaching: Courses include Cell Biology (BISC 305), Developmental Neurobiology (BISC 439/639), and Special Topics in Modern Biological Microscopy (BISC 400). Notable contributions include establishing chick embryo models for studying glioma and breast cancer metastasis to the brain, and discovering roles for integrin α6β1 and α8β1 in cell migration and survival.

Eric O. Freedمشاهده پروفایل

استاد مدعو

• HIV-1 assembly and release
• Retroviral replication
• Virus-cell interactions
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Eric O. Freed, Ph.D. is a Senior Investigator and Director of the HIV Dynamics and Replication Program at the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research. He also serves as Head of the Virus-Cell Interaction Section and holds adjunct professor positions at the University of Maryland and University of Delaware. Dr. Freed is recognized as a leader in the field of virus assembly with significant contributions to understanding retroviral replication at the molecular level. Dr. Freed received his Ph.D. in 1990 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Drs. Rex Risser and Howard Temin, followed by postdoctoral training with Dr. Temin in 1991. He joined NIAID in 1992, was appointed Tenure-Track Investigator in 1997, promoted to tenured Senior Investigator in 2002, and joined the HIV Drug Resistance Program (now HIV Dynamics and Replication Program) in 2003. He was appointed to the NCI Senior Biomedical Research Service in 2011, became Deputy Director of the HIV DRP in 2014, and Director in 2015. Dr. Freed's research focuses on HIV-1 Gag trafficking, Env incorporation, virus assembly, budding, release, maturation, and drug resistance. His work has revealed critical insights into how retroviruses interact with host cellular machinery, particularly in identifying key host factors like phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate and inositol-hexakisphosphate that regulate viral assembly. His recent work has demonstrated how Env mutations can confer broad resistance to multiple classes of antiretrovirals and discovered that neutral sphingomyelinase 2 is required for HIV-1 maturation. His laboratory combines cell biology, virology, biochemistry, and imaging approaches to characterize viral and cellular determinants of HIV replication. Dr. Freed's recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 replication, with particular emphasis on viral maturation, drug resistance mechanisms, and host-virus interactions. His work spans virology, molecular biology, structural biology, and drug development, with strong translational implications for novel antiretroviral therapies targeting previously unexplored aspects of the viral life cycle. KT Jeang Retrovirology Prize (2018) Ohio State University Center for Retrovirus Research Distinguished Research Career Award (2020) Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology (2019) NCI Research Highlights Award (2016) Outstanding Science Alumni Award from Penn State University (2014) NCI Women Scientists Advisors Mentoring and Leadership Award (2021) NCI Mentor of Merit Award (2010) Dr. Freed has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research technicians throughout his career. Many of his trainees have received prestigious awards including Intramural AIDS Research Fellowships (IARF) and NIH Fellows Awards for Research Excellence (FARE). He has served as founding Editor-in-Chief of Viruses journal and on editorial boards of multiple journals including Journal of Virology and Science Advances. Dr. Freed has organized numerous major scientific meetings including Cold Spring Harbor Retroviruses Meetings and Keystone Symposia, and delivered plenary lectures at major conferences including CROI 2024. His laboratory has received consistent funding from the National Cancer Institute and maintains active collaborations with researchers at multiple institutions. The Freed Lab at NCI consists of research biologists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and postbaccalaureate researchers working collaboratively to advance understanding of HIV replication. The lab is part of the HIV Dynamics and Replication Program and maintains active collaborations with the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions (PCHPI), the Behavior of HIV in Viral Environments (B-HIVE) Center, and the Center for Structural Biology of HIV RNA (CRNA). Dr. Freed also serves as Co-Director of the University of Maryland Virology Program and participates in multiple scientific advisory boards.

Alan N. Engelmanمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• HIV-1 Integration
• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Alan N. Engelman, Ph.D. , is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Principal Investigator at Engelman Laboratory. He has held appointments in Pathology (1995-2009) and Medicine (2009-present) at Harvard, with concurrent roles at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Education: B.S.Ch.E., Tufts University (1981) M.S., Tufts University (1985) Ph.D., Tufts University School of Medicine (1990) His research focuses on HIV-1 integration mechanisms , targeting capsid-host interactions and nuclear entry pathways . Recent studies investigate phase separation dynamics, nucleoporin engagement, and structural modeling of viral core transport. Scientific Awards: 1995: R-AXIS Golden Crystal Award 2010: NIH MERIT Award 2012: Harvard Honoris Causa MA 2014: AAAS Fellow 2016: American Academy of Microbiology Fellow Engelman has mentored numerous researchers in retrovirology, including Sooin Jang , Satya Singh , and Zachary Ingram . His work spans collaborations with institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, focusing on structural and mechanistic aspects of HIV-1 replication.

• Gene therapy
• Oncolytic virotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Professor Noriyuki Kasahara, MD, PhD is a leading faculty member at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) within the School of Medicine and Department of Neurological Surgery . He holds a primary appointment as a Professor and is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in gene therapy , oncolytic virotherapy , and immunotherapy , particularly in the context of brain tumors , gliomas , and translational cancer research . Education and Training Dr. Kasahara completed his medical and doctoral training at Tokyo Medical & Dental University , earning his MB in 1986 , MD in 1993 , and PhD in 1994 with a focus on endocrinology . He subsequently pursued residency training in laboratory medicine and postdoctoral fellowship in gene therapy at UCSF and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute . Research Focus His laboratory is dedicated to the development of gene therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and immunotherapy for translational applications in cancer treatment , with a strong emphasis on glioblastoma , ovarian cancer , pancreatic cancer , and regenerative medicine . A major area of innovation involves the use of retroviral replicating vectors (RRVs) to deliver suicide gene therapy and immune-modulating agents directly to tumors, thereby enhancing antitumor immunity while minimizing systemic toxicity. Key Achievements Dr. Kasahara’s work has led to the development of Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec) , a clinically advanced retroviral vector currently in Phase 1 trials for recurrent high-grade glioma . His research has demonstrated durable complete responses in some patients, highlighting the therapeutic potential of prodrug activator gene therapy . Additionally, his group has explored mesenchymal stem cells as cellular carriers for targeted vector delivery, further expanding the applications of gene therapy in oncology. Scientific Awards and Honors Tokyo Medical & Dental University Young Investigators Research Award (1994) UCSF Chancellor Julius R. Krevans’ Distinguished Dissertation Award (1995) Stop Cancer Foundation Career Development Award (1996) Cooley's Anemia Foundation New Investigator Award (1998) UCSF QB3 Clinical Impact Award, Global Life Science Innovation Competition (2006) Grant Support and Funding Dr. Kasahara has served as Principal Investigator on numerous NIH , CIRM , and foundation grants, including: NIH R33NS104454 – GALV-Based Retroviral Replicating Vectors for Glioma Gene Therapy NIH R01CA213119 – Retroviral Replicating Vector-mediated Gene Therapy for Ovarian Cancer CIRM TR2-01791 – Stem cell-based carriers for RCR vector delivery to glioblastoma NIH U01NS059821 – Translational Development of Replication-Competent Retrovirus Vectors Laboratory and Collaborations His research team operates within the UCSF Brain Tumor Center , fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with neuro-oncologists, immunologists, and bioengineers. The lab is focused on next-generation viral vectors , immune reprogramming strategies , and clinical translation of gene therapies for pediatric and adult brain tumors .

Alice Telesnitskyمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Retrovirology
• RNA Biology
• HIV-1 Research
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Alice Telesnitsky is a Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School. Her research focuses on HIV-1 RNA biology, including transcription start site heterogeneity, genome packaging, and epigenetic mechanisms of viral persistence. BS in Genetics, University of California, Davis (1979) PhD in Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley (1988) Postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University Her work reveals how HIV-1 employs diverse RNA isoforms with distinct functions in replication and pathogenesis. Recent studies highlight RNA structural plasticity, cap-sequestration mechanisms, and transcriptional start site dynamics in viral RNA fate. Collaborated on 20+ publications on HIV-1 replication and RNA structure Led research on transcription start site heterogeneity and its role in viral evolution Co-authored studies on APOBEC3H antiviral activity and UBQLN2 protein toxicity As an MCIDT Affiliate, she investigates HIV-1 genome packaging with collaborators like Michael Summers and James Munro, contributing to understanding HIV therapeutics targets via RNA structural analysis.

• Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Martin Di Grandi serves as Associate Professor of Chemistry at Fordham University with dual appointments at both the Lincoln Center (808C) and Rose Hill (JMH 538) campuses. His research program bridges synthetic organic chemistry with therapeutic applications, focusing on novel methodologies and biologically relevant molecular systems. Education Ph.D., March 1990, New York University B.Sc., May 1984, Fordham University His research demonstrates exceptional breadth across three interconnected domains: antiviral development targeting herpesviruses through thiourea-based portal protein inhibitors, natural product synthesis exemplified by tetrahydroisoquinoline methodologies for pancratistatin core construction, and fundamental reaction mechanisms including diastereoselective reductions of α-hydroxyketones. This work consistently emphasizes therapeutic relevance while advancing synthetic technique. Analysis of his 2009-2019 publications reveals a strategic evolution from target-specific inhibitor design (B-Raf, HIV RNase H) toward broader methodological contributions in cyclization chemistry and sustainable synthesis. The consistent thread is molecular innovation directed at biological challenges, particularly in oncology and virology, with increasing emphasis on mechanistic understanding and educational applications. No information regarding scientific awards is provided in the source material. His patent portfolio indicates significant translational impact, though specific advising relationships and grant funding details remain undocumented in the available text.

Eric Barklisمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Virology
• HIV-1 Assembly
• Viral Matrix Proteins
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Eric Barklis is Professor at OHSU's Vollum Institute and directs the Electron Microscope Core Facility. His lab studies retroviral assembly mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions using structural and biochemical approaches. Research examines HIV-1 matrix protein functions, coronavirus entry inhibition, and lipid metabolism in viral replication. Recent work developed neutralizing nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Publications characterize viral protein interactions with host membranes and nucleic acids. The lab collaborates extensively on antiviral development and lentiviral vector engineering.

Dan Fabrisمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Nucleic Acids
• RNA Viruses
• HIV
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dan Fabris is the Harold S. Schwenk Sr. Distinguished Chair in Chemistry Education at the University of Connecticut's Department of Chemistry. He leads an active research laboratory focused on nucleic acids and their role in infectious diseases. His lab joined UConn in January 2020 and has been steadily growing with multiple new members joining through 2024. Dr. Fabris received his Ph.D. from the University of Padova (Italy) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and at the National Research Council in Padova, Italy. His research program investigates structure-function relationships in nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes that play determinant roles in infectious diseases, with an overarching goal to identify therapeutic targets for HIV, hepatitis C, Zika, and other RNA viruses. His research interests span across nucleic acid biochemistry, virology, and drug discovery. Dr. Fabris employs a cross-disciplinary approach that combines biophysical, biochemical, computational, and omics techniques with novel mass spectrometry technologies developed in his laboratory. His work particularly focuses on regulatory mechanisms of viral processes involving RNA post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) and their role in mediating the potentiating effects of drugs of abuse on HIV-1 replication. Analysis of Dr. Fabris's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on RNA structure and function, particularly in the context of HIV. His work leverages mass spectrometry techniques to investigate RNA-protein interactions, with special emphasis on TAR RNA and the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein. His research spans from fundamental structural studies to applied drug discovery, with multiple publications on small molecule inhibitors targeting viral RNA elements. UConn Waring Award (awarded to Daniele Rollo, a student in his lab) UConn Masterton-Hurley Teaching Award (awarded to Sarah Mutchek, a teaching assistant in his lab) Patent awarded to Dan Fabris and lab alumni Rebecca Rose Dr. Fabris actively mentors numerous graduate students and researchers. His lab has welcomed multiple new members in recent years, including Rumbie Chitongo, Joshua Albarracin, Hein Htet, Sienna Brigance, Margrate Anyanwu, Sofia Pezzotti, Alexander Steinberg, Michael Addo, Derek Bobowick, Cole Angell, and Sabrina Daigle. Several of his former students have successfully defended their dissertations (Thomas Kenderdine, Limin Deng) and moved on to positions at Yale School of Medicine (Jyotsna Kumar, Swapna Naik) and Pfizer (Ghazaleh Yassaghi). The lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including an FT-ICR mass spectrometer delivered in October 2020.

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Virology
• +۶ مورد دیگر

József Tőzsér is a Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology within the Medical School of the University of Debrecen. With an extensive publication record spanning from 1986 to 2025, he has established himself as a leading researcher in molecular biology and biochemistry, particularly in virology and protein science. Professor Tőzsér's research primarily focuses on molecular mechanisms of viral infections, protein structure and function, and enzyme kinetics. His work spans several key areas including HIV research, SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, proteomics, structural biology, and molecular mechanisms of disease. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding viral proteases, host-pathogen interactions, and protein networks in various disease states. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on viral research, particularly concerning SARS-CoV-2 and HIV. His work combines structural biology, proteomics, and molecular biology approaches to investigate viral entry mechanisms, protease functions, and host immune responses. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in the diverse range of journals where his work appears, spanning biochemistry, virology, molecular biology, and clinical medicine. With 236 uploaded publications, including 220 in the DEA repository and 86 open access articles, Professor Tőzsér has built a substantial scholarly record. His work appears prominently in high-impact journals with Q1/D1 rankings in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Virology, and related fields. He has collaborated with numerous researchers, with notable co-authors including Berta Andras, Adrienne Czutak, Stephen Lion, and Irene T. Weber. Professor Tőzsér's research program demonstrates consistent productivity and relevance to contemporary biomedical challenges, particularly in viral pathogenesis and protein science. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential clinical applications, as evidenced by studies on antiviral therapies and disease biomarkers.

• Medical Statistics
• Epidemiology
• Bayesian Network Analysis
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Mariaclelia Di Serio is a Full Professor of Medical Statistics (MEDS-24/A) at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan. She has held this permanent position since 2007 and served as Associate Professor at the same institution from 2005-2015. Since 2005, she has directed the University Centre for Statistics in Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB) at San Raffaele Science Park. International collaborations with institutions in Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Israel, and UK Executive Committee member of the International Biometric Society (2023-2026) Corresponding Member of Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere (2020-present) Her research focuses on Bayesian networks for complex disorders, longitudinal data modeling in oncology/virology, and bioinformatics for genomic analysis. She pioneered methods for competing risks dependence structures and Simpson paradox in survival analysis. Recent publications examine gene therapy safety , joint latent class models for clinical subgroups, and network-based approaches to healthcare data sharing. She contributes to statistical methodology for COVID-19 prognosis and platform trials in biomedical research. 2016: Awarded Nature Communications publication for HIV replication modeling 2015: Elected President of International Biometric Society (Italian region) As a tenured educator since 1998, she teaches Biostatistics at the Faculty of Medicine and contributes to multidisciplinary research in medical data science and public health .

Linda Chelicoمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• HIV Restriction Factors
• DNA Deaminases
• Mutagenesis
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. Linda Chelico is a Professor and Department Head of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. Her research focuses on APOBEC cytosine deaminases, studying their roles in HIV restriction and cancer mutagenesis. She leads a lab investigating how these enzymes interact with retroviruses like HIV-1, their mechanisms of DNA deamination, and their unintended oncogenic consequences. Her work bridges virology, biochemistry, and cancer biology, with recent grants exceeding $1.6M from CIHR and NSERC. Education: PhD in Applied Microbiology (USask), postdoctoral training at University of Southern California (USC). Key areas include HIV restriction factors, DNA deaminases, enzyme mechanisms, and mutagenesis. She explores APOBEC interactions with viral proteins (e.g., HIV-1 Vif) and cellular DNA repair pathways, while also examining their role in cancer via mutagenic activity in genomic regions. Research highlights include identifying APOBEC3's dual role as a virus suppressor and cancer mutagen, studying enzyme competition with DNA-binding proteins like RPA, and developing assays to measure deamination activity. Her team's work on HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses and APOBEC3's structural basis (via SAXS) underscores her interdisciplinary approach. Grants: Over $1.6M from CIHR (2019–2024) for projects on APOBEC3's HIV restriction and cancer links. Collaborations include structural biology (e.g., with Dr. Chen XS on APOBEC3G structure) and proteomic mapping (Krogan lab). Labs focus on biochemical assays, mouse xenograft models, and cross-disciplinary techniques. Publications (2024–2021) emphasize APOBEC3F/G interactions, enzyme purification, and their roles in SIV transmission and bladder cancer mutagenesis. Her work is published in Journal of Virology , Molecular and Cellular Proteomics , and Nature Communications .

Jeffrey DeStefanoمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Aptamer Technology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Jeffrey DeStefano is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Connecticut (1990). His research focuses on HIV and poliovirus replication mechanisms, aptamer development for antiviral applications, and nucleic acid-based diagnostics. He leads the DeStefano Lab, which explores viral enzyme inhibition, SARS-CoV-2 countermeasures, and XNA aptamer technologies. He teaches General Virology (BSCI437) and Graduate Virology (CBMG688K), and is affiliated with the Molecular & Cellular Biology (MOCB) graduate program. Research highlights include structural studies of HIV-1 Pol polyprotein, inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 using FANA aptamers, and development of high-fidelity aptamer-based detection assays. His work integrates virology, structural biology, and biotechnology to advance antiviral strategies and diagnostic tools. Recent projects involve optimizing Xeno-nucleic acid (XNA) aptamers for targeting viral proteins, such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain, and understanding magnesium effects on reverse transcriptase fidelity. Collaborations include studies on HIV integrase binding and viral polyprotein maturation mechanisms. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, though his contributions to antiviral research are notable. His lab’s work has implications for pandemic response and chronic viral infections like HIV/AIDS.