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Research Interests

My research focuses on the evolutionary impact of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) on vertebrate genomes. These viral elements, integrated into host DNA millions of years ago, offer a unique window into how viruses have shaped the immune defenses of their hosts. Using bioinformatics, phylogenetics, and molecular biology, I explore how some of these viral genes have been co-opted by their hosts to serve new functions, such as in placental development and immune responses. By studying ERVs across species, I aim to uncover the broader evolutionary roles these viral elements play and how they contribute to both health and disease.