Author

William J. Fitzsimmons

University of MichiganORCID 0000-0002-0997-1108Unclaimed ORCID profile · follow to get notified of new preprints

Biology Disciplines

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Signature Assays, Organisms & Methods

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Approach:statistical model· 3 Assay:whole-genome sequencing· 3 Approach:experimental assay· 2 Research Focus:host-pathogen & immune response· 2 Organism:human· 2 Research Focus:variant calling· 2 Assay:bulk RNA-seq· 1 Organism:chicken / avian· 1

Frequent Co-Authors

Adam S. LauringiD· 5 shared Emily Toth MartiniD· 3 shared Alexandra M. MellisiD· 2 shared Carlos Gabriel GrijalvaiD· 2 shared Emily E. BendalliD· 2 shared H. Keipp TalbotiD· 2 shared Leigh Papalambros· 2 shared Melissa A R RolfesiD· 2 shared

Activity by Year

2024-2026 · peak 2/yr

Co-Author Collaboration Network

10 top collaborators · 38 mutual co-author links

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Curved chords = mutual co-authorship

5 shared papersMicrobiology

Adam S. LauringORCID

Mutual co-authors in cluster

Author profile →

5 papers

Recent·Most cited

H5N5 virus transmission is driven by repeated cross-Atlantic introductions and transmission among high latitude seabirds

Clara R. Malekshahi, Nicole St. Clair Knobloch, Alvin Crespo Bellido, Alexa D. Simulynas, Stephanie Goya, Leigh Papalambros, William J. Fitzsimmons, Alexander L. Greninger, Adam S. Lauring, Jonathan A. Runstadler, Martha I. Nelson, Wendy Blay Puryear, Louise H. Moncla

This study shows H5N5 viruses have been repeatedly introduced across the Atlantic by high latitude seabirds, with more frequent introductions in fall and spring, and a distinct ecology from H5N1.

bioRxiv · Oct 31, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology

Host genotype and sex shape influenza evolution and defective viral genomes

Renata M. A. da Costa, Lehi Acosta-Alvarez, Kaili Curtis, Kort Zarbock, Justin Kelleher, Bhawika S. Lamichhane, Andrew L. Valesano, William J. Fitzsimmons, Adam S. Lauring, Jon Seger, Frederick R. Adler, Wayne K. Potts

The paper shows host genotype and sex influence influenza virus evolution and defective genome formation through experimental adaptation and structural analysis.

Nature Communications · Apr 15, 2026Peer-reviewedEvolutionary Biology

In depth sequencing of a serially sampled household cohort reveals the within-host dynamics of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 and rare selection of novel spike variants

Emily E. Bendall, Derek E. Dimcheff, Leigh Papalambros, William J. Fitzsimmons, Yuwei Zhu, Jonathan Schmitz, Natasha Halasa, James D. Chappell, Emily Toth Martin, Jessica E. Deyoe, Sarah E. Smith-Jeffcoat, Melissa A R Rolfes, Alexandra M. Mellis, H. Keipp Talbot, Carlos Gabriel Grijalva, Adam S. Lauring

This study uses longitudinal sequencing of a household cohort to analyze within-host SARS-CoV-2 dynamics, finding rare positive selection in spike and genetic hitchhiking between synonymous and nonsynonymous variants.

PLoS Pathogens · Apr 28, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Surveillance of H5 HPAI in Michigan using retail milk

Adam S. Lauring, Emily Toth Martin, Marisa C. Eisenberg, William J. Fitzsimmons, Elizabeth Salzman, Aleda M. Leis, Sarah K. Lyon-Callo, Natasha Bagdasarian

This study uses milk samples from Michigan markets to detect H5N1 avian influenza virus, finding two positive samples suggesting potential HPAI spread in dairy herds.

bioRxiv · Jul 4, 2024 · PreprintMicrobiology

Influenza A virus within-host evolution and positive selection in a densely sampled household cohort over three seasons

Emily E. Bendall, Yuwei Zhu, William J. Fitzsimmons, Melissa A R Rolfes, Alexandra M. Mellis, Natasha Halasa, Emily Toth Martin, Carlos G. Grijalva, H. Keipp Talbot, Adam S. Lauring

This study analyzes within-host influenza A virus evolution in a household cohort over three seasons, finding purifying selection and rare positive selection.

Virus Evolution · Jan 1, 2024Peer-reviewedMicrobiology