Adam Hume, PhD

Dr. Hume is a Research Assistant Professor at the NEIDL at Boston University, conducting research on maximum containment pathogens with a particular focus on filoviruses including Ebola, Marburg, and Lloviu viruses. He utilizes reverse genetics tools to study new filoviruses, allowing for the study of viruses which are difficult to culture in the wild. Another major focus of his work is developing in vitro models to assess cellular and species tropism as well as for predicting pathogenic potential of newly discovered viruses. To that end, he has collaborated extensively with researchers at the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University who have developed numerous stem cell-derived organoid systems for many organ systems including lung, airway, intestine, and brain/CNS. Using these disease-relevant human organoids, he hopes to better model clinical or potential clinical disease as seen in humans with the goal of identifying tissue-specific signatures of disease and developing tissue-targeted therapeutics.

His work at the CEID focuses on developing tools to help predict spillover, epidemic, and pandemic potential of new viruses. He is also involved in work aiming to facilitate the rapid, safe, and equitable sharing of data and research samples during outbreaks.