Talk Title: The impact of infections on evolution
Abstract: My research program investigates host-virus interfaces and the evolutionary impact of these interactions on genomic and cellular complexity. Protein surfaces at these interfaces often evolve in a manner resembling molecular arms races, providing a conspicuous means to investigate mechanisms underlying the process of evolution. A major focus of our efforts is using integrated phylogenetic and experimental approaches to identify new sources of genetic resistance to infectious diseases. While these studies are largely devoted to host-virus interfaces, we increasingly devise projects considering interactions involving pathogenic bacteria and microbial impacts on essential cellular and physiological processes. Our approaches provide fundamental advances for understanding how infectious microbes shape host evolution.
Reminder of our new seminar location this term, Lawrence 115, still Fridays at 12pm. Cookies and coffee will be available before the seminar, and trainees are invited to a post-seminar lunch with the speaker in Pacific 318. If you need to join via Zoom, the link is available here: https://uoregon.zoom.us/j/92662052101
If you would like to meet with Nels please feel free to sign up below. If you’re interested in joining us for dinner please email me directly.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pk2NuAaFdtB_xHq9th2Fga9malgvcDf21MSkQR0HmTY/edit?usp=sharing