Matthew Butnaru, Ph.D.

I received my Ph.D in biochemistry from Tufts University. In the lab of Dr. Marta Gaglia, I studied virus-host interactions and regulation of gene expression during Herpesvirus infection. In the Perrimon lab, I’m interested in using modern genomic tools to combat infectious disease and agricultural pests by leveraging insights from functional high throughput genomic screens. To this end, I am developing and optimizing cell lines and genetic tools for non-conventional model organisms, notably the Black-legged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa Zea). Combining these novel tools with our lab’s genome-wide CRISPR screening platform, we aim to better understand essential genes and host-pathogen interactions. Upon identifying such genes, I aspire to develop more environmentally friendly and targeted methods to address these challenges.