National Science Foundation
COMPASS Center
We are tackling the grand challenge of uncovering the genetic, molecular, cellular, and chemical rules of life underlying virus-host interactions through community-based and ethically grounded research.
Research
We bring together experts from Virginia Tech, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, and Wake Forest University to tackle the grand challenge of uncovering the genetic, molecular, cellular, and chemical rules of life underlying virus-host interactions through community-based and ethically grounded research. These research pioneers will train the innovators of tomorrow, converging around the four thrusts: Jump, Replicate, Persist, and Empower.
Recent News
Science on Tap: The hidden secrets of hepatitis E
NSF COMPASS member Hannah Brown presented her research on hepatitis E, a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans, at Science on Tap, a monthly event held at Rising Silo Brewery. The series is sponsored and supported by the Center for Communicating Science and Virginia Tech’s chapter of Sigma Xi.
Newly Published Research from Cornell COMPASS Members Explores How Viruses Move Between Hosts
Cornell University COMPASS Center members analyze 60 years of feline parvovirus alongside canine parvovirus, shedding light on how viruses move between animal hosts and supporting efforts to predict emerging threats.
Welcoming the 2026 COMPASS Undergraduate Summer Program Interns
NSF COMPASS announces the selected students for the 2026 Undergraduate Summer Internship Program.
Upcoming Events
2026 Undergraduate Summer Program
Summer 2026
The NSF COMPASS Center—a collaboration of scientists and engineers across Virginia Tech, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, Wake Forest University, Meharry Medical College, and Northern Arizona University—is seeking undergraduates from across the country to join our 2026 Summer Internship Program. Each summer, COMPASS interns bring new ideas, creativity, and energy to our interdisciplinary community. We hope you’ll consider applying to help advance the science—and the workforce—needed to prepare for tomorrow’s pandemics.