My research program focuses on the design and translational validation of programmable DNA-based biologics and delivery technologies for vaccines and gene-based therapeutics targeting infectious diseases. I specialize in engineering plasmid, minicircle, and self-replicating DNA platforms and pairing them with innovative intradermal and mucosal delivery approaches to achieve robust, dose-sparing, and field-relevant immune responses.
My work integrates molecular DNA engineering, delivery device development, and in vivo immunogenicity assessment across small-animal, large-animal, and semi-natural exposure models. A major emphasis of my research is bridging laboratory-based vaccine development with real-world translational and One Health applications, including validation in livestock and endemic settings. I have contributed to the development and evaluation of gene-based vaccines against high-consequence viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift Valley fever virus, HIV, and Ebola virus.
In parallel, my laboratory is developing next-generation DNA platforms for gene therapy, including CRISPR-based DNA therapeutics, and exploring programmable DNA systems to modulate immune responses in chronic viral infection. Collectively, my research aims to advance deployable, flexible, and scalable genetic medicine platforms for both human and veterinary applications.