Working in the LoFV
Born during the pandemic.
The Laboratory of Functional Viromics officially began in the summer of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With generous startup funding from Washington State University, the lab’s coronavirus focus allowed for quick acquisition of essential equipment and reagents. The very first experiments began in December of 2020 and the lab was fully operational by January 2021. Since its opening, the LoFV has been resilient against the logistical strains of global product shortages and shipping delays, allowing for the work to continue without disruptions.
LoFV has several defining and stand-out features that have allowed for its success:
LoFV has several defining and stand-out features that have allowed for its success:
Unique reagents. Open questions.
The lab’s current funding allows for explorative science in a multitude of directions. Lab members are not only encouraged to develop their own tools but also to ask new questions using our expansive collection of in-house reagents. Build your own projects, while standing on the shoulders of giants.
A catalogue of more than 100 unique mammalian cell lines, from diverse species and tissues.
A plasmid collection encompassing hundreds of constructs for assorted viral and host proteins from diverse species, as well as specialized laboratory tools for cell transduction, Cas9-mediated gene KO/KI, membrane fusion assays, and viral molecular clones.
Access to even more. Our ongoing collaborations with top labs around the country and abroad allow for lab members to ask deeper and focused questions involving human patient serum samples, bat immunology, and animal modeling. Additionally, the Paul G. Allen School operates research programs in Africa and South America, posing even more opportunity for LoFV researchers.
A catalogue of more than 100 unique mammalian cell lines, from diverse species and tissues.
A plasmid collection encompassing hundreds of constructs for assorted viral and host proteins from diverse species, as well as specialized laboratory tools for cell transduction, Cas9-mediated gene KO/KI, membrane fusion assays, and viral molecular clones.
Access to even more. Our ongoing collaborations with top labs around the country and abroad allow for lab members to ask deeper and focused questions involving human patient serum samples, bat immunology, and animal modeling. Additionally, the Paul G. Allen School operates research programs in Africa and South America, posing even more opportunity for LoFV researchers.
Dedicated facilities. Less waiting.
LoFV has the new equipment it needs. The high-end and regularly maintained resources in LoFV means less headaches for lab members and more reliable results.
Everything is close and waiting. Eppendorf’s latest digital incubators, high-speed PCR machines, and centrifuges. High-quality optics including an EVOS fluorescent four-channel microscope, Leica confocal and light microscopes and an automated cell counter. Plate reader, FACS machine, nano drop, bacterial shakers, freezers, liquid nigtrogen dewars, and centrifuges. No need to ask for a map to perform your next big experiment, “it’s right over there.”
BSL3 research suite, just downstairs. LoFV has assigned BSL3 space and approved protocols to handle live coronaviruses and hantaviruses. Don your PAPR and expand your questions to whole viruses without having to leave the building.
Everything is close and waiting. Eppendorf’s latest digital incubators, high-speed PCR machines, and centrifuges. High-quality optics including an EVOS fluorescent four-channel microscope, Leica confocal and light microscopes and an automated cell counter. Plate reader, FACS machine, nano drop, bacterial shakers, freezers, liquid nigtrogen dewars, and centrifuges. No need to ask for a map to perform your next big experiment, “it’s right over there.”
BSL3 research suite, just downstairs. LoFV has assigned BSL3 space and approved protocols to handle live coronaviruses and hantaviruses. Don your PAPR and expand your questions to whole viruses without having to leave the building.
All digital. No fuss.
LoFV is proudly paper-free. Paper records are not easily searchable, are prone to physical damage and exist in only one place at any given time. In the LoFV, everything from researcher’s lab notebooks to our freezer inventories is stored in cloud-based systems that are accessible both in the lab, and out.
Stay up to date with electronic, cloud-linked lab notebooks. LoFV researchers are issued a lab-specific iPad custom fitted with a ruggedized, splash-proof magnetic case that can stick to benches and on the sides of hoods. Lab notes are shared amongst lab members, allowing for easier sharing and discussion. Access and update your lab notebook from anywhere.
Detailed and Cloud-based inventories. Cell-lines, primers, plasmids, freezers, and equipment are all catalogued and easily accessible to lab members. Spend less time digging in freezers or fiddling with frustrating binders of out-of-date records and more time on your science.
Stay up to date with electronic, cloud-linked lab notebooks. LoFV researchers are issued a lab-specific iPad custom fitted with a ruggedized, splash-proof magnetic case that can stick to benches and on the sides of hoods. Lab notes are shared amongst lab members, allowing for easier sharing and discussion. Access and update your lab notebook from anywhere.
Detailed and Cloud-based inventories. Cell-lines, primers, plasmids, freezers, and equipment are all catalogued and easily accessible to lab members. Spend less time digging in freezers or fiddling with frustrating binders of out-of-date records and more time on your science.
Paul G. Allen School for Global Health and the Palouse
LoFV is part of the The Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, which is a research-focused entity affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. The Allen Center officially opened in 2012 following a generous gift from Microsoft Co-founder, Paul G. Allen, and is located on the outskirts of the WSU campus in Pullman, Washington. Laboratories in the Allen Center are new, clean and spacious, with large windows that offer scenic views and bathe the lab spaces in natural light. Office spaces are generous, while still promoting a social and communicative environment and a state-of-the-art BSL3 research space is located on the first floor.
Paul G. Allen School for Global Health Website
Pullman is town of about 35,000 people, and includes restaurants, bars, shops, a community theatre, and start-up companies that spun off from WSU. The neighboring college town of Moscow, Idaho is located twenty minutes to the east and is home to the University of Idaho as well as another vibrant downtown area with restaurants, bars, shops, farmers markets, and cultural events. The much larger city of Spokane (Pop. 236,000), is about 1 hour, 20 minutes north of Pullman and includes most of the amenities one would expect from a large city: performance venues, shopping centers, museums, breweries and distilleries, and several academic institutions including Gonzaga University and WSU’s Spokane Campus. The Canadian border is about 4 hours to the north of Pullman, while Seattle, WA is located about 5 hours to the west.
The surrounding region encompassing Pullman and neighboring towns, is referred to as the Palouse, and is characterized by unique rolling hills and agricultural development. Hiking, biking, and rivers are readily accessible within minutes from Pullman, and even more outdoor activities including snow sports and fly fishing, are within a two-hour drive from campus.
Paul G. Allen School for Global Health Website
Pullman is town of about 35,000 people, and includes restaurants, bars, shops, a community theatre, and start-up companies that spun off from WSU. The neighboring college town of Moscow, Idaho is located twenty minutes to the east and is home to the University of Idaho as well as another vibrant downtown area with restaurants, bars, shops, farmers markets, and cultural events. The much larger city of Spokane (Pop. 236,000), is about 1 hour, 20 minutes north of Pullman and includes most of the amenities one would expect from a large city: performance venues, shopping centers, museums, breweries and distilleries, and several academic institutions including Gonzaga University and WSU’s Spokane Campus. The Canadian border is about 4 hours to the north of Pullman, while Seattle, WA is located about 5 hours to the west.
The surrounding region encompassing Pullman and neighboring towns, is referred to as the Palouse, and is characterized by unique rolling hills and agricultural development. Hiking, biking, and rivers are readily accessible within minutes from Pullman, and even more outdoor activities including snow sports and fly fishing, are within a two-hour drive from campus.
BSL3 space 
conference space 
conference space 
Allen Center foyer – first floor 
Allen Center main enrance 
large windows and natural light 
Allen Center foyer – second floor 
lounge space 
research personnel office space 
outdoor seating 
indoor seating 
skybridge to WADDL