Studies the structure of papillomavirus capsids with the aim of understanding how infection with this virus can lead to cervical cancer in humans. Also studies how cellular transformation is associated with changes in cell's membrane structure. Is an expert on viruses, viral diseases, genetic engineering and vaccine development. Also is studying virus assembly to understand ways to construct a system for gene delivery for cancer therapy. Editor of international journal Seminars in Virology.
Studies retroviruses that cause leukemias in mice to understand how virus enters the cells.
Working to determine whether membrane fusion and virus entry can be inhibited by specific reagents. Results of the studies may be applied to help deter the spread of feline leukemias and human T-cell leukemias that are caused by infections by retroviruses.