time to moderate bionet.virology

[Patrick O'Neil]

On 17 May 1995, traveler wrote:

>  
> Mr. O'Neal, 
>  
> I was hoping you could help me by answering a few questions   
> about virology as a profession.  I've been reading   
> bionet.virology for a while now and I am under the impression   
> that you are a virologist or molecular biologist (actually I'm   
> just guessing).  

Err...I cannot, in good conscience claim to being a virologist.  As 
for molecular biologist, that is a closer to the truth at this 
time.  I am a PhD _student_ in a molecular biology program, specializing 
in the biochemical side of life.  My thesis lab focuses upon DNA 
recombination/repair using transgenic cancer mice AND retroviruses 
(HIV and MLV thus far).  My work, until recently, has been on cancer but 
I am switching over to Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) replication.  Beyond 
that.  Call me a virologist, of sorts, AFTER I obtain my degree.

> Fred Murphy of the C.D.C. said that a virologist can choose one   
> of three fields of research: 
>     1. molecular biology 

My PERSONAL choice

>     2. pathology 

A very close second.

>     3. epidemiology 

That leaves...a, my last choice

> 1. If you are indeed a scientist, what is your field of   
> specialty? 

See above.

> 2. Where did you attend school and would you recommend it to   
> others?

I am at the University of Utah.  It is a beautiful campus and many of the 
labs are very well funded (Howard Hughs Medical Institute funding).  It 
was a very tough decision for me:  my real decision was between Cornell 
Medical School in Manhattan and here.  It _appeared_ better supported 
here and the outdoors...wow.  (I consider the possibility of a post-doc at 
Cornell)
 
> 3. If I may be so nosy, what are you working on now? 

Again, see above:  basically, RT and mutation.

> 4. Have you found the politics of funding to affect your work   
> adversly? 

No notice yet of political crapola but there is a noticable difference 
between the labs funded or not funded by Howard Hughs.  Howard Hughs labs 
have a near bottomless pit of funding for equipment and student/postdoc 
support.

Good luck, and it was no trouble at all to answer.  You must make your own
decision so only take my info as an example of what someone else is doing. 
If you have more or other questions, send private email (this could/will
irritate others on the group).  

Patrick