Training Group:

Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Mentor / Lab:

Doug LaCount

Specific Research Area / Project:

Discovery and analysis of viral-human protein-protein interactions

Research Profile:

Viruses carry a minimal amount of genetic information and are unable to replicate without host cells. By infecting and manipulating cells, viruses exploit a host’s cellular pathways for their own replication. My research area seeks to identify and characterize interactions between hemorrhagic fever viruses and human cells. Protein-protein interaction networks are constructed to show which cellular pathways are necessary for viral replication. Understanding these interactions can reveal ways to inhibit viral replication or transmission.

My research focuses on the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV). CCHFV is a highly infectious pathogen with increasing prevalence throughout Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe. Infected humans experience progressive hemorrhage, fever, and multiorgan failure. Case fatality rates are often 10-40% and there are no therapies at this time. Little is known about CCHFV and its interactions with host cells. Since protein-protein interactions are necessary for viral replication, understanding how CCHFV manipulates human cells is crucial to develop effective treatments.

About Me:

I originally became interested in scientific research in high school. As an undergraduate student, I was able to conduct research projects that solidified my interest in the life sciences. After reading about PULSe, I saw that the program matched my specific interests and immediately decided to apply.

PULSe has provided many professional and academic opportunities over the years that have greatly benefited my graduate school experience. Through the Science in Schools events, I can interact with kids and see their excitement as they complete experiments. I have also attended professional development workshops that I discovered through PULSe.

I would like to use my degree in a clinical research setting, either in industry or government. Pursuing a career involved in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology would let me be part of the drug development process. Many illnesses like CCHFV infection have no known therapies, and clinical research can test potential treatments.

Awards:

• American Society for Virology Student Travel Award (meeting canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
• PGSG Team Chair Scholarship (2018-2020)
• Recipient of the AAAS/Science Award Program for Excellence in Science in (2018-2019)

Presentations:

• American Society for Virology Abstract Accepted as Poster Presentation (meeting canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
• Heintz, V.J; Moore, J.; Kesari, A.; Connell, J.; Wang, L.; and LaCount, D.J. Emerging virus-host cell protein interaction networks. Poster presentation at the MCMP Graduate Recruiting Weekend, West Lafayette, IN (2020).
• Moore, J. and LaCount, D.J. Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions Between Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Human Proteins. Poster presentation at the MCMP Department Retreat, Marshall, IN (2019).
• Moore, J. and LaCount, D.J. Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions between Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Human Proteins. Poster presentation at the Dawn or Doom Conference, West Lafayette, IN (2018).
• Kesari, A.; Moore, J.; Sivanandam, V.; Heintz, V.; and LaCount, D.J. Protein–Protein Interaction study on Emerging Viruses. Poster presentation at the Graduate Student Awards Symposium, West Lafayette, IN (2017).

Leadership:

• Science in Schools Volunteer (2016-Present)
• Volunteer in First Year Mentoring program (2017-2019)
• Member of the Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG)
• - Reviewer in the Grant Review and Allocation Committee (2017-2021)
• - Chair of the Grant Review and Allocation Committee (2018-2021)
• - PGSG Executive Board Member (2018-2021)