The Quantitative Virology and Evolution Unit focuses on understanding the dynamic and heterogenous processes of RNA virus infection and evolution. We characterize virus evolution and host-virus interactions across spatial and temporal scales using experimental tools, including high-resolution sequencing and live-cell microscopy, along with computational phylogenetic and bioinformatic tools. Projects in the lab include single-cell and single-genome sequencing of within-host virus evolution and host responses, phylogenetic reconstruction and evolutionary biochemistry in emerging RNA viruses, and design and analysis of mutational and functional genetic screens.
Patrick T. Dolan, Ph.D.
Unit Chief, Quantitative Virology and Evolution Unit
Earl Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., 2014, Virology/Computational Systems Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
B.S., 2007, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

William Bakhache, Ph.D.
Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., 2020, Biology, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
M.S., 2016, Genomics and Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
M.S., 2015, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
B.S., 2014, Life and Earth Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
Languages Spoken: Arabic, French

James Bruns, B.S.
Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
B.S. Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, 2023, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Languages Spoken: German
Nathânia Dábilla, Ph.D.
Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
Ph.D., 2021, Microbiology and Virology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
M.S., 2016, Microbiology and Virology, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
B.S., 2013, Biomedical Sciences, College União de Goyazes, Goiás, Brazil
Languages Spoken: Portuguese

Jack T. Dorman, B.S.
Predoctoral Fellow (NIH-JHU)
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
B.S., 2022, Microbiology and Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Michelle Law, M.D., Ph.D.
Visiting Fellow
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Education:
Ph.D., 2024, Virology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
MBBS, 2017, Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom
Languages Spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese
Lauren McCormick, B.S.
Predoctoral Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
B.S., 2021, Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Walker Symonds-Orr, B.S.
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Contact: For contact information, search the NIH Enterprise Directory.
Education:
B.S., 2020, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA

Former Research Group Members
- B. Adam Catching, Ph.D.
- Christine Anastacia Mariskanish, B.S.