Research Interest

The overall goal of my research is to investigate emerging disease problems in swine, with an emphasis on viral infections. The bulk of these efforts are directed at elucidating molecular mechanisms of viral persistence and virulence caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), considered the most important infectious disease problems of swine. In addition to their economic impact, both viruses represent relevant biological systems for understanding mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, including evasion strategies. Research focuses at the population, cellular and molecular levels and incorporates the use of reverse genetic systems. The results are being applied to the development of novel vaccine and diagnostic testing strategies.  My research is supported by competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Pork Board and from commercial companies.