Dr. Markus Covert's lab's focus is on building computational models of complex biological processes, and using these models to guide an experimental program. Such an approach leads to a relatively rapid identification and validation of previously unknown components and interactions. Biological systems of interest include metabolic, regulatory and signaling networks as well as cell-cell interactions. Current research involves the dynamic behavior of NF-kappaB, an important family of transcription factors whose aberrant activity has been linked to oncogenesis, tumor progression, and resistance to chemotherapy.

The Covert lab's primary biological focus is in host-pathogen interactions, most particularly in terms of the innate immune system, and their technological foci are whole-cell modeling and live-cell imaging