Unraveling the Virosphere with Dr. Richard Allen White III

Episode 8

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Richard Allen White III, a pioneering computational and molecular virologist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Inspired by a 90's movie and captivated by the world of viruses, Dr. White takes us on a journey through his unique career path, from the first class that hooked him to his current groundbreaking research.

In this episode, Dr. White discusses the fascinating realm of virology, shedding light on the unseen universe of viruses that inhabit our world. We delve into the critical role viruses play in our ecosystems, their impact on human health, and the cutting-edge field of phage therapy—a potential game-changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the microscopic entities that shape our lives, this episode promises to be an engaging and informative listen. Don't miss out on Dr. White's expert insights and captivating stories from the front lines of virology.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• Viruses are abundant and play a crucial role in ecosystems, impacting human health and the environment.
• Phage therapy, the use of viruses to treat bacterial infections, shows promise in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Computational biology, including AI, is revolutionizing the study of viruses and their interactions.
• Studying microbial mats, such as those found in the NASA CSA project Mars Life, provides insights into the evolution of ecosystems and the potential for bioconcrete production. Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.
• Mentorship and teaching entrepreneurial skills are important for students' success and future career paths.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast