COVID-19 experts for science writers

• Virologist, editor-in-chief of Virology
• Mechanical engineer on virus spread through transit ventilation systems
• Biomedical engineer on possible test for COVID-19

   

Internationally known virologist, editor-in-chief of scientific journal “Virology”

Richard Kuhn, Purdue's Trent and Judith Anderson Distinguished Professor in Science and Krenicki Family Director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease. Kuhn can speak on the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. He also can speak on efforts to better predict future viral pandemics.

Kuhn's laboratory researches the replication, assembly and structure of RNA viruses with an emphasis on their interactions with the host. (The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is an RNA virus.) Kuhn is on the editorial boards of scientific journals Viruses, Virology, and The Journal of Virology. In 2016, Kuhn led a team that determined the structure of the Zika virus.

Contact: 765-494-1164 or at kuhnr@purdue.edu

Media contact: Steve Tally, 765-494-9809, steve@purdue.edu, @sciencewriter

Mechanical engineer on virus spread through transit ventilation systems

Qingyan “Yan” Chen, Purdue’s James. G. Dwyer Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has researched the spread of viruses through ventilation systems in passenger vehicles and how to track them. His expertise spans aircraft, cruise ships and other modes of transit. Chen’s lab is currently developing a ventilation system that would prevent the spread of pathogens by allowing each person to breathe in only his or her own air. A related news release: Cruise ship AC systems could promote rapid coronavirus spread, prof says.

Contact: yanchen@purdue.edu. Chen is available for interviews by phone or Skype

Media contact: Kayla Wiles, 765-494-2432, wiles5@purdue.edu

Biomedical engineer on possible test for COVID-19

Jacqueline Linnes, Purdue’s Marta E. Gross Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, specializes in building portable diagnostic tools that can detect a range of infectious diseases. Her lab has developed a handheld paper device that quickly and accurately detects a different strain of coronavirus, MERS-CoV. The same platform could be adapted to detect the strain that causes COVID-19 with funding for development and production.

A related news release: Paper device could bring portable coronavirus detection, but funding bars production

Photos and b-roll of the device for journalists to use are available via Google Drive.

Contact: jlinnes@purdue.edu. Linnes is available for interviews by phone or Skype

Media contact: Kayla Wiles, 765-494-2432, wiles5@purdue.edu

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.