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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Research Spotlight: Outbreaks and Viral Infections
Paula Waziry, Ph.D.
Paula Waziry, Ph.D., finds it fascinating to know that each cell in the body holds secrets that either allow it to get sick or recover from an insult. By better understanding how a cell’s nucleus controls cellular activities, Waziry seeks to develop novel antiviral and anticancer therapies. She is pursuing a newer approach to antiviral drug development, one targeting antiviral host factors rather than viral particles directly. This approach holds out the promise of developing a broad range of antiviral agents rather than just one agent. She also wishes to develop new treatments for the relief or cure of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS,which she feels may have a link to viral infection. She works with Nancy Klimas, M.D., whose laboratory has developed a systematic, quantitative, and reproducible protocol for evaluating physiological changes characteristic of CFS in an effort to better understand its mechanisms.
As Waziry proceeds, her frame of reference extends beyond the particular cells that are involved in certain diseases, and beyond the diseases themselves. “Many researchers worldwide are focused on treating a particular disease, but I see that their research is focused on the disease and not the patient. I believe that the framework should shift to focus on what patients have to offer in order to beat the disease,” Waziry says. Expounding upon her holistic view, she adds: “We use the material tools we are given without understanding how they work. Knowing that research can shine a light on understanding how life works gives me an immense sense of reward and satisfaction.”