Alphaviruses are globally distributed +ssRNA viruses which are transmitted by mosquito vectors. Viral determinants which impact the transmission and pathogenesis of numerous alphaviruses have been identified, including amino acid coding changes in the viral attachment protein (E2). However, the role of viral RNA secondary structure in viral emergence is still poorly defined. We have developed a computational approach to compare RNA structures across the alphavirus genus in order to identify RNA structure signatures associated with specific viral properties (e.g.

Illegal logging and timber trade, valued at $50-$150B annually, is estimated to account for 30-50% of all internationally traded timber, cost $5B in lost revenue to governments, and negatively impact biodiversity, climate, and local communities. The Lacey Act fosters forest legality by restricting importation of unlawfully harvested goods into the US. This act requires declaring the harvested species and its country of origin.

Computational models are essential tools that can be used to simultaneously explain and guide biological intuition. My lab employs agent-based modeling, machine learning, and dynamical systems to explain biological observations and to uncover design principles that drive individual cellular decisions as well as cell population dynamics. We are interested in the inherent multiscale nature of biology, with a specific focus on system-level dynamics that emerge from interactions of simpler individual-level modules.