Professor Wu was one of ten new faculty hires made in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the last three years. Wu is an assistant professor of biochemistry and is an affiliate of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.

Tell us about your lab and your research focus, including how you came to choose or specialize in this area.

The research focus of my lab includes immune-virus interaction and virus evolution. I decided to dedicate my career in virus research since I have experienced the devastating effects of two viral outbreaks in my hometown Hong Kong, namely the H5N1 outbreak in 1997 and the SARS epidemics in 2003.

What is especially exciting about this particular area of research, at this time?

My research direction is applicable to different viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, which is the casual virus of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, I have been working on SARS-CoV-2 since the beginning of the outbreak.

What interested you the most about becoming a faculty member in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the University of Illinois?

I am really excited about being part of this collaborative community.

What are your teaching interests?

I am mostly interested in teaching virology and immunology.

If any students (undergrad or grad) are interested in working in your lab, what’s your advice or how can they get in touch with you?

As long as you are motivated and interested in viruses, please email me.

Tell us about someone who made a difference in your life, such as someone who sparked your interest in biology, who encouraged you to pursue a career in academia or challenged your thinking about a topic.

My PhD advisor (Dr. Ren Sun at UCLA) and postdoc mentor (Dr. Ian Wilson at Scripps Research) have been very supportive in my decision in pursuing a career in academia. Discussions with them are always inspirational. Their feedbacks on my research over the years have tremendously benefited by intellectual growth.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Sports, music, and spend time with the family.