Virus Metagenomics and Evolution

Our group investigates viral pathogens and their interactions with hosts and ecosystems through a One Health lens, integrating metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to connect human, animal, and environmental health. We focus on virus discovery, zoonotic transmission, ecology, and surveillance, aiming to understand the emergence and evolution of novel and known viruses. By characterizing the virome of humans, wildlife, livestock, and sentinel species, we assess how viral reservoirs contribute to spillover risk and identify early signals of high-impact pathogens. We examine how human-driven changes like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture disrupt ecosystems and intensify host-pathogen interactions. We also study climate change effects, including altered vector ranges and migration, on viral dispersal. Using phylogeography, we trace viral spread and evolution across landscapes shaped by trade, migration, and ecological barriers. In response to global health threats such as Disease X, our work seeks to develop predictive models and genomic early-warning systems by identifying viral traits and ecological settings most likely to give rise to high-consequence pathogens. Through global collaboration, we develop data-driven strategies to prevent spillovers, monitor outbreaks, and protect public health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.