Sean Whelan (scientist)

Sean Whelan.2019

Sean Whelan is a prominent virologist known for his significant contributions to the field of molecular virology. He is particularly recognized for his research on rhabdoviruses, including the rabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).

Early Life and Education

Sean Whelan was born in the United Kingdom. He completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of Birmingham. He then pursued a PhD in virology at the University of Reading, where he focused on the molecular mechanisms of virus replication.

Career

After completing his PhD, Whelan moved to the United States for postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He later joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School, where he became a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology.

Whelan's research has primarily focused on understanding the molecular biology of rhabdoviruses. His work has provided insights into how these viruses replicate and interact with their host cells. He has also contributed to the development of novel antiviral strategies and vaccines.

Research Contributions

Whelan's laboratory has made several key discoveries in the field of virology:

• Elucidation of the structure and function of the viral RNA polymerase.
• Identification of host factors involved in viral replication.
• Development of reverse genetics systems for manipulating the genomes of rhabdoviruses.

Awards and Honors

Sean Whelan has received numerous awards for his contributions to virology, including:

• The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences award.
• The Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease award.
• Election to the American Academy of Microbiology.

Personal Life

Whelan is married and has two children. He is an avid supporter of science education and frequently participates in outreach activities to promote public understanding of virology.

See Also

• Virology
• Rhabdoviridae
• Rabies virus
• Vesicular stomatitis virus
• Harvard Medical School