Dr. Lexi Walls, Coronavirus Spike Protein Expert, Structural Biologist, Vaccine Scientist

Lexi Walls set out to investigate coronaviruses back in 2015 when little was known about these large viruses and the spike protein that they use to gain entry into host cells. She was among the first to solve the structure of the spike protein using a technique called cryo electron microscopy. She defended her thesis (in which she predicted that coronaviruses had the potential to cause a pandemic) on the eve of the outbreak in December of 2019. Then the world changed. She dove in to looking at the sequences of SARS-CoV2 and analyzing them. Then she pivoted to working on therapeutics and vaccines to treat COVID-19. We talk about her experience living and working through a pandemic on a topic that she's one of the world's experts in. It hasn't been easy but we think you'll find Lexi's upbeat attitude quite refreshing.

Links for Lexi: Twitter: @coronalexington

https://www.grad.uw.edu/lexi-walls/

This episode is sponsored by Kendall Investor Relations: www.kendallinvestorrelations.com

Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/ladyscientistpodcast

All links + merch: www.ladyscientistpodcast.com