Application for 2024 CIHR NIF (ECR): Investigating the role of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV transcription regulatory sequence (TRS) in viral gene expression and virulence

I started my first independent position in April 2021. It has been challenging to get up and running during the pandemic. I am looking forward to learning from my ECR colleagues and from senior PIs the secrets of running a successful lab. I am also looking forward to building my network and connecting with colleagues to create a support network for us ECRs, My laboratory studies highly pathogenic coronaviruses, such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and how these viruses negatively impact the human immune response. Specifically, we investigate virus replication using in vitro (cell lines and organoids) and in vivo models. We investigate innate immune responses in human cells upon infection with coronaviruses. We develop next generation vaccines and therapeutic that are broadly protective to prevent the emergence of novel coronaviruses with pandemic potential. My research falls under the mandates of CIHR's III.