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DBSP Research Faculty

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Nathan M. Beach, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology
PI: Dr. X. J. Meng

e-mail: nbeach@vt.edu


Education

2006 Ph.D., Molecular Biology
College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
2001 B.S., Biochemistry
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA

Brief Bio

I am interested in the study of viral disease and pathogenesis. The fact that small changes to viral genes can individually and collectively bring about great change in virulence is a fascinating phenomenon that has global consequences. Obviously, this phenomenon also makes vaccine development a very rewarding (albeit challenging) field to work in. When I’m not in the lab, I love to get outside and stay active. Animals are an important part of my life – I love my cats, dogs, and horses.


Research Project Involvement

Development of a dual vaccine against porcine circovirus 2a and 2b – In order to effectively combat the recent severe outbreaks of PCV-2 associated diseases in pigs, it is important to develop an improved vaccine that is based on the recent PCV2b subtype or preferably develop a dual vaccine against both PCV2a and PCV2b. The availability of a PCV2b subtype vaccine or dual vaccine will help the global swine industry to effectively prevent and control this deadly and economically important global swine disease.


Professional Experience

2006-2008 Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
2002-2006 Graduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA

Professional Memberships

  • American Society for Microbiology, 2006-present
  • American Society for Virology 2008-present

Awards and Honors

  • Third Place, Basic Science Category, 18th Annual VMRCVM Research Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, May, 2006.
  • Second Place, Basic Science Category, 17th Annual VMRCVM Research Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, May, 2005.
  • Superior Paper in the Graduate Student Competition, General Section, 56th Annual Meeting of the Animal Disease Research Workers in the Southern States, Blacksburg, VA, April, 2005.
  • Best Graduate Student Presentation, 75th Northeastern Conference on Avian Disease, Orono, ME, June, 2003.
  • William Burns Downey Scholarship (academic, Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, 2001)