Darnell Davis
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Molecular virologist with expertise in RNA virus biology, viral replication dynamics, and molecular diagnostic development. My research focuses on understanding viral-host interactions and identifying biomarkers of active infection to improve the detection of emerging viral pathogens. I have developed CRISPR-Cas13a-based diagnostic approaches targeting the complementary negative RNA strand (antigenome) of coronaviruses to distinguish actively replicating virus from residual genomic RNA. My work integrates experimental virology, molecular diagnostics, and public health perspectives to advance tools for the surveillance and response to emerging infectious diseases.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Doctoral Researcher - Molecular Virology
Howard University, Department of Biology
01.2022 - Current
- Developed CRISPR-Cas13a-based detection systems targeting the coronavirus antigenome to identify actively replicating virus
- Designed and validated qPCR assays to quantify viral genomic RNA and replicative intermediates during infection
- Conducted time-course infection studies in murine coronavirus (MHV-A59) models to characterize viral replication kinetics
- Performed plaque assays, viral titration, RNA extraction, and molecular detection workflows
- Investigated early infection dynamics, demonstrating antigenome detection peaks during early infection timepoints
- Contributed to experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript development
Infectious Disease Fellow
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Conduct applied molecular-diagnostic research on RNA pathogens to support public health surveillance and outbreak detection initiatives.
- Validate and optimize assay workflows to enhance reproducibility, sensitivity, and biosafety compliance in public health laboratory settings.
- Contribute to translational implementation strategies that align laboratory diagnostics with epidemiologic surveillance objectives.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate laboratory findings into broader situational awareness and response frameworks.
- Develop and author standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflow documentation, improving diagnostic efficiency and sample-processing capacity.
Scientific, Molecular Diagnostics & Scientific Communication
Actalent
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Developed technical research briefs, protocol documentation, and scientific summaries for molecular diagnostics and global health initiatives.
- Synthesized primary literature and translational research findings for interdisciplinary stakeholders, ensuring technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Contributed to grant-aligned documentation and project deliverables supporting collaborative initiatives in diagnostic development and implementation.
- Facilitated cross-functional coordination between scientific, regulatory, and communications teams to ensure alignment across research objectives and public-facing materials.
- Interpreted complex molecular and epidemiologic data to inform strategic decision-making in global health contexts.
Epidemiology Investigator
Tarrant County Public Health Department
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Conducted over 500 epidemiologic case investigations during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting regional outbreak response and surveillance efforts.
- Collected and analyzed cases and contact-tracing data to inform situational awareness and public health decision-making.
- Contributed to coordinated response efforts between laboratory, epidemiology, and public health leadership teams.
- Assisted with the development of reporting workflows and data dashboards used to monitor transmission trends across the region.
Enlisted Soldier
US Army
Various , Various
07.2004 - 07.2016
- Secured and protected military property, assets, and personnel.
- Operated and maintained armored vehicles.
- Performed as fire team member during situational training exercises and infantry dismounted battle drills.
- Responded calmly and professionally to chemical, biological and nuclear threats.
Education
Ph.D. - Biology (Cellular & Molecular Biology Track)
Howard University
Washington, DC05-2026
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Public Health Leadership & Epidemiology
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN05-2025
B.A. - Biology, Minor in Chemistry
University of North Texas At Dallas
Dallas, TX05-2019
Skills
- RNA Virus Biology
- Viral Replication Kinetics
- Viral Infection Assays
- Plaque Assays
- RT-qPCR (Quantitative PCR)
- Viral RNA Extraction
- Primer and Probe Design
- CRISPR-Cas13 Diagnostic Development
- Antigenome Detection of RNA Viruses
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) Experimental Design
- Experimental Design in Virology
Affiliations
Secretary, Genomics Forum, American Public Health Association (APHA), 2026-Present
- Coordinate meeting documentation and organizational communications for the APHA Genomics Forum.
- Support strategic initiatives aimed at expanding engagement in public health genomics and precision medicine discussions.
Member
- American Society for Microbiology
- American Public Health Association
- Association of Public Health Laboratories
Timeline
Infectious Disease Fellow
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
01.2023 - 01.2025
Scientific, Molecular Diagnostics & Scientific Communication
Actalent
01.2023 - 01.2024
Doctoral Researcher - Molecular Virology
Howard University, Department of Biology
01.2022 - Current
Epidemiology Investigator
Tarrant County Public Health Department
01.2020 - 01.2021
Enlisted Soldier
US Army
07.2004 - 07.2016
Ph.D. - Biology (Cellular & Molecular Biology Track)
Howard University
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Public Health Leadership & Epidemiology
American College of Education
B.A. - Biology, Minor in Chemistry
University of North Texas At Dallas
Publications
Preprints
- Davis, D., Lamb, C. H., Myhrvold, C., & Ullah, H. (2024). Rapid Detection of Active Coronavirus Infection by Lateral Flow Test Strips. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.18.604218
- Davis, D., & Ullah, H. (2023). A New Approach for Active Coronavirus Infection Identification by Targeting the Negative RNA Strand – A Replacement for the Current Positive RNA-Based qPCR Detection Method. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.01.22.525117
Manuscripts in Preparation
- Davis, D., Ullah, H. Antigenome-Based Biomarker Detection for Early Identification of Active RNA Virus Replication.
Fellowships & Awards
- Infectious Disease Research Fellowship, Association of Public Health Laboratories / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington, DC | 2023-2025.
- Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF), American Society for Microbiology | 2025-2027
- Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Fellowship, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland | 2023
- Global Health Research Fellowship - Ghana (3GC Study Abroad Program), Kumasi-Suntreso Government Hospital | Kumasi, Ghana | 2023
- Bouchet Scholar Recognition, Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
- Research Grant Award-Molecular Diagnostics Support ($1,000), PCR Biosystems
- Edith Hambie & W. Ruth Pruitt Excellence in Public Health Award, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | 2023