Name: John Williams
Hometown: Citizen of the US – I moved every couple of years as a kid
Zodiac Sign: Virgo (lol)
Research Overview
The focus of Dr. Williams’ research is the basic and clinical investigation of respiratory viruses. Respiratory infections are the leading cause of death in children less than 5 years old worldwide. Moreover, respiratory infections are a major cause of disease and death in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients.
The lab’s major area of research is the cell entry, immunity, and pathogenesis of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
What inspired you to select your field of study?
Viruses are like super cool little beasts. Plus, disease always involves the virus and the host – that biological conversation fascinates me.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students?
Work hard at something you care about, and play hard when you’re not working. Is that two pieces of advice?
When you’re not in the lab, how do you spend your time?
Walking, hiking, cycling, or kayaking.
If you didn’t become a scientist, what career would you have pursued?
Rock musician.
What is the best meal you’ve ever had?
“Snow Lion” Tibetan restaurant in Bloomington, IN many years ago.
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
“Ball & Chain” by Social Distortion
Have you ever completed anything on your “bucket list”? If so, what was it?
Backpacking around Europe for 3 months
What is the last TV show that you binge-watched?
Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To fly
If you had a time machine, would go back in time or into the future?
100% the future.