Trained as a biochemist at Caltech, I joined BIOTEC’s Virology and Cell Technology lab in 2011 as a junior researcher focusing on dissecting the roles of polymerase subunits of the pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza virus in restricting genetic reassortment. Later, I moved on to lead a project studying nucleoprotein-mediated intertypic interference during co-infection of types A and B influenza viruses. Using virological, cell biological, and biochemical approaches, we delineated the mechanism underlying influenza A virus growth suppression by influenza B virus nucleoprotein (BNP). Currently, we are developing a novel anti-avian influenza virus (type A) agent based on BNP. As the lab branched out to study veterinary viruses such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), I also joined a project characterizing cleavage of PEDV nucleocapsid by PEDV-encoded main protease and studying its role in PEDV cell adaptation. Our current research interests include basic research focusing on intertypic interference and host restriction of avian influenza viruses as well as applied research focusing on vaccine and antiviral therapeutics development for important swine viruses.