Tyshawn is a PhD candidate in the Biochemistry, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BCDB) program at Emory University. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Albany State University, where he developed an interest in virology. His interest stemmed from how virus evolution could influence infection into a new host, as recently shown with the COVID-19 pandemic. To investigate this, Tyshawn conducted research at the University of Texas at Austin and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he focused on the evolution and transmission of SARS-Cov-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Since his initial experiences, Tyshawn has transitioned into studying other viruses, such as the dengue virus (DENV).

At Emory, Tyshawn's research still focuses on viral evolution. However, his initial interest has shifted to how genetic diversity among viruses can alter host susceptibility, which has implementations for vaccine efficacy and development. Tyshawn is a Centennial, GEM, and an Initiative for Maximizing Student Development fellow and has two co-authorships in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Virusesjournals. Outside of research, Tyshawn is a mentor for the SSTEM program at Albany State University and is the Director of Strategic Operations for the Hunter Institute. His goals and efforts are all geared towards the betterment of the community to promote a new generation of innovative leaders.

Tyshawn Ferrell PhD(c)