Richard Tillett

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Biostatistician, Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine
Expertise: DNA Sequencing, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics

Biography

Richard L. Tillett is an expert in DNA sequencing, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

As a biostatistician with the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine at UNLV, Tillett works to support and advance genomic studies and projects. Most recently, Tillett studied the genomic identities and spread of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, in the state of Nevada. His previous research has examined the genome assembly of pathogens of the desert tortoise, and the identification of novel sequence variants associated with patient outcomes in HIV cases.

Tillett also works with life scientists to demystify bioinformatic methods into applicable results.

Prior to joining UNLV, Tillett was a postdoctoral researcher at the Nevada Center for Bioinformatics. His research has been published in a variety of journals including Functional & Integrative Genomics, the Journal of Experimental Botany, and BMC Genomics.

Education

  • Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
  • B.S., Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno

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Richard Tillett In The News

Already Had COVID? You Should Still Take Precautions, Researchers Say
Montana Public Radio
Reported cases of people getting reinfected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are rare in the U.S. and none have been confirmed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But researchers say studying possible reinfections could answer some big questions about the body’s natural immune response after being infected with the virus.
The Pro Cyclist Who Caught Covid Twice
Wall Street Journal
Back in February, when the sports world was still wondering how severe an outbreak of something called Covid-19 might be, a Colombian cyclist named Fernando Gaviria was finding out for himself.
Already had the coronavirus? You could get it again.
National Geographic
People can catch COVID-19 twice. That’s the emerging consensus among health experts who are learning more about the possibility that those who’ve recovered from the coronavirus can get it again. So far, the phenomenon doesn't appear to be widespread—with a few hundred reinfection cases reported worldwide—yet those numbers are likely to expand as the pandemic continues.
What do we know about Covid-19 immunity and reinfection?
Cambridge Independent
Although patients who recover from Covid-19 will hope to have developed antibodies conferring protection against the virus, there remain questions about immunity and how long it lasts.
All Richard Tillett In The News

Articles Featuring Richard Tillett

UNLV Newsmakers 2020: Combatting COVID-19
medical worker in full protective suit making "LV" sign with hands
Business and Community | December 31, 2020

As the pandemic tightened its grip on Nevada, the nation, and the world, UNLV responded in ways big and small. Members of the media also turned to UNLV's faculty experts for answers.

UNLV Researcher on the Curious Case of COVID-19 Reinfection
medical professional conducting a curbside COVID-19 test to person in blue vehicle
Research | December 17, 2020

Biostatistician Richard Tillett from the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine was part of a statewide team to identify a Nevada man infected twice by COVID-19 – the first documented occurrence in North America.

UNLV Newsmakers 2020: October
Silhouettes of dancers
Campus News | November 5, 2020

A collection of news stories highlighting UNLV’s commitment to community, health care, and research.

All Articles Featuring Richard Tillett