Research in my laboratory focuses on better understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of Marek's disease virus, a chicken oncogenic alphaherpesvirus. We study gene function using biochemical techniques and by introducing mutations into the viral genome. The knowledge obtained from these studies is used to develop vaccines to control this critical poultry pathogen. In addition, we are investigating the use of Marek's disease vaccines as viral vectors to control other viral diseases of poultry.