Hello! We are The Virus Plus⁺ Lab, Dr. Nichola Hill's research group at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
We are a group of virus enthusiasts seeking to understand how and to what degree viruses have shaped and continue to shape life on Earth, particularly in “real-world” and wild settings.
Our current focus is avian influenza, which continues to cause devastating losses in domestic and wild bird populations.
Example projects include understanding the role of wild birds, poultry, and food supply chains in the global spread of the influenza A virus, predicting pathogen spillover between humans and rodents in growing cities, and tracking SARS-CoV-2 in domestic and wild animals during the pandemic.
Why virus plus⁺?
We are interested in the intersections between virology and other field, including but not limited to evolution, disease ecology, diagnostics, machine learning and predictive models, public health, food security, wildlife conservation, and more; that’s where the “plus” comes in.
The Virus Plus⁺ Lab offers a range of opportunities for local and international research at the intersection of disease ecology and evolution, wildlife conservation, and global health. We use methods that cross disciplines; the more anti-disciplinary, the better. We seek to be scientists who solve pressing real-world challenges. We believe that action can only be built on the sturdy foundations of scientific truth.
We are committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and inquiries from prospective students and postdocs, particularly under-represented minorities, are always welcome. Our lab is a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
