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Brook Heaton

Assistant Research Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
GHRB 1021, Box 103020, Durham, NC 27710
GHRB 1021 BX103020, 905 S LaSalle St, Durham, NC 27710

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Research Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2019 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute · 2024 - Present Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


Validation of prototype virus inactivation from seven virus families of pandemic potential with a novel low-cost, field-deployable RNA extraction and storage method.

Journal Article J Virol Methods · February 2026 The Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID) was established to enhance pandemic preparedness by studying emerging/reemerging pathogens, especially in resource-limited regions. To overcome infrastructure challenges, a low-cost, field-de ... Full text Link to item Cite

Development of DNA and mRNA-LNP vaccines against an H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus.

Journal Article J Virol · August 19, 2025 UNLABELLED: Effective vaccines are an important public health tool which may be needed to combat the emerging, highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses currently circulating in cattle and poultry in the United States. While nucleic acid-based vaccine ... Full text Link to item Cite

The coronavirus nsp14 exoribonuclease interface with the cofactor nsp10 is essential for efficient virus replication and enzymatic activity.

Journal Article J Virol · February 25, 2025 Coronaviruses (CoVs) encode non-structural proteins (nsp's) 1-16, which assemble to form replication-transcription complexes that function in viral RNA synthesis. All CoVs encode a proofreading 3'-5' exoribonuclease in non-structural protein 14 (nsp14-ExoN ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


H5N1 Vaccine Trial - Hemagglutinin Inhibition (HAI) and Microneutralization (MN) Assays 25S-092

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. · 2025 - 2027

CIVICs C Option 16 Equitable Adjustment (EA)

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2026

CIVICs A Option 22D

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


The University of Chicago · 2012 Ph.D.