Cindy Ly

Advisor:  David Davido
Research Interests:  My research focuses on understanding virus-host interactions in the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) life cycle. HSV-1 is a common human pathogen infecting about 80% of the world’s population. The virus establishes a life-long latency in neuronal cells and upon activation can cause a variety of diseases such as cold sores, ocular infections, and encephalitis. One major area of interest is to delineate mechanisms by which a major viral regulatory factor, ICP0, destabilizes host cell proteins while contributing to viral replication and pathogenesis. Another part of my thesis will focus on identifying novel compounds that impair HSV-1 growth.
Leadership Roles:  Women in STEMM Program Chair, KS DNA Day Co-Coordinator, MB GSO Outreach Coordinator

Hometown: Miami, Florida