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Aaron Schmidt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, focusing on host-pathogen interactions through innovative research avenues like protein engineering and antibody evolution. His work embraces a multidisciplinary approach involving biophysical, biochemical and molecular virology techniques, particularly with regard to orthomyxoviruses and flaviviruses, and extends to emerging viruses such as alpha-, arena-, bunya-, and filoviruses. Dr. Schmidt advocates for collaborative efforts to explore novel therapeutics related to viral infections, specifically targeting viral entry mechanisms. His research endeavors include the development of small-molecule inhibitors and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to tackle viral entry strategies, especially in the absence of effective vaccines. He employs directed evolution methods to study antibody maturation and the structural intricacies of viral proteins. Schmidt’s additional interests lie in the evolutionary dynamics of viruses and their co-evolution with hosts, aiming to reconstitute evolutionary pressures using innovative platforms in laboratory settings. He aims to inform rational vaccine designs that can effectively engage the adaptive immune responses against pathogens.
Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).