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Karla Kirkegaard is a professor at Stanford University in the Department of Genetics. Her research focuses on subcellular viruses, RNA, DNA, and the genetic information carriers that impact virus biology. She investigates the mechanisms of poliovirus and its role as a model for understanding positive-strand RNA viruses, emphasizing the significant health hazards posed by various picornaviruses and related viruses such as rhinoviruses and enterovirus 71. Currently, her research addresses questions surrounding the functioning of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, the assembly of viral RNA replication complexes, and the genetic properties distinguishing RNA from DNA genomes. She also explores the pathogenesis of picornaviruses in relation to their disruption of the host's immune response, particularly regarding interferons and antigen presentation. Professor Kirkegaard has been integral to advancing the understanding of the biochemistry of viral interactions and their implications for public health.
Stanford University School of Medicine • Palo Alto, California
Chair of the Microbiology & Immunology department, contributing to research and educational advancements.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.