Bioinformatics · Viral evolution · AI for Biology

Ricardo Rivero

Researcher exploring how viruses adapt and spread using genomics, epidemiology, and computational modeling.

About

I am a PhD candidate and researcher at Washington State University studying viral evolution, phylogenetics, and AI for Biology.

My work blends genomic epidemiology, mathematical/statistical modeling, and data visualization to translate biological complexity into practical insights. I collaborate with multidisciplinary groups to map viral diversity, understand ecological dynamics, and support evidence-driven decision making.

Focus areas

  • Genomic epidemiology
  • Bayesian phylodynamics
  • Vector-borne disease modeling
  • Viral evolution
  • AI for Biology

Papers

Selected publications connecting pathogen genomics, transmission dynamics, and public health actions.

Genomic epidemiology of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in Colombia

Country-wide genomic surveillance of 14,000+ genomes to trace introductions, growth dynamics, and the rise of the Mu variant.

  • Journal: Communications Medicine (2022)
  • Team: Cinthy Jimenez-Silva, Ricardo Rivero, et al.

Human-to-dog transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Colombia

First symptomatic spillover event documented in Latin America, combining genomic, structural, and epidemiological evidence.

  • Journal: Scientific Reports (2022)
  • Team: Ricardo Rivero, Evelin Garay, Yesica Botero, et al.

Serological cross-reactivity of SARS-CoV-2 ELISA in acute Zika infection

Evaluating cross-reactivity across arboviral cohorts to support accurate serosurveys in endemic regions.

  • Journal: International Journal of Infectious Diseases (2020)
  • Team: Álvaro Faccini-Martínez, Ricardo Rivero, et al.

Blogs

Narratives that translate research into accessible stories, visuals, and practical takeaways.

Genomic epidemiology behind the Mu variant

In progress — I am crafting visuals and commentary to walk through the phylodynamic workflow.

Visit placeholder page

What we learned from human-to-dog transmission

In progress — Notes on cross-species transmission, sample workflows, and risk communication.

Visit placeholder page

Untangling ELISA cross-reactivity during outbreaks

In progress — Guidance for labs integrating arboviral diagnostics with COVID-19 surveillance.

Visit placeholder page

Tutorials

Step-by-step walkthroughs for data pipelines, modeling, and visualization workflows.

Building this library

In progress — Upcoming tutorials will cover genomic data QC, outbreak analytics, and automated reporting.

Tutorial hub (In progress)

Contact

Let’s collaborate on genomic surveillance, pathogen evolution, or data-driven public health projects.

Email me directly at rrh9619@gmail.com or connect through any of my social platforms.

I am always interested in opportunities that blend computational biology, epidemiology, and clear communication.