University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Plant PathologyMorrison Center
Lincoln, NE 68583-0900
(402)-472-5776
Research Professor
Dr. Dunigan is fascinated by the evolving concept of “virus” in the context of the Five Great Questions, and his research explores the many ways viruses interact with organisms, from the consequences of infection to virovory. For the past several years he has studied the chloroviruses, which are evolutionarily related to other large DNA viruses, collectively known as “giant viruses”. He is investigating many aspects of chloroviruses including the virion structure and function; genome structure, function and evolution; metabolic changes associated with infections, as well as the role of algal viruses in aquatic ecosystems. Surprisingly, chloroviruses are associated with certain neurological disorders and his role includes evaluating their natural history to understand the likelihood of humans coming into contact with chloroviruses. In addition to defining the hosts in aquatic systems, he is evaluating a key issue to this linkage, can chloroviruses replicate in mammalian cells and/or tissues and what are the neurological consequences of these infections? Equally important are the explorations of the roles of chloroviruses in ecosystem functioning that has led to the discovery of virotaxis, ecological catalysis and that virus is food.
Education
| 1985 - 1988 |
Postdoctoral Fellow, Virology - Cornell University |
| 1985 |
Ph.D.,Biochemistry - The University of Connecticut |
| 1977 |
B.S.,Life Science/Chemistry - University of Southern Indiana |
Professsional Experience
| 2014 - Present |
Research Professor, Department of Plant Pathology University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
2008 – 2014 |
Research Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
2000 – 2008 |
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
1996 - 2000 |
Visiting Assistant, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida |
1989 – 1996 |
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Florida |
1985 – 1989 |
Postdoctoral Associate/Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Cornell Biotechnology Program |
1978 – 1985 |
Research Assistant I/II, Section of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Connecticut |
Professional Affiliations
Research Publication
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Yashchenko, Y., Dunigan, D.D. (2020). Paramecium bursaria virus symbiosis featured in a educational video. Complexly – Journey to the microcosmos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoGSUXiORUk , Mary Harner (Producer/Director), David Dunigan (Project Leader). (2022). Introduction to a research collaboration in the extreme environments of the alkaline lakes of western Nebraska https://vimeo.com/showcase/10275946/video/810299162 Mary Harner (Producer/Director), David Dunigan (Project Leader). (2022). Highlights of students as part of the collaborative team studying alkaline lakes and surrounding areas in western Nebraska https://vimeo.com/showcase/10275946/video/810299069 |
| Google Scholar |
Courses Taught
| Undergraduate |
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| Graduate |
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